Patient Resources

Frequently asked Questions

After Hours, Emergency Calls

If you find it necessary to contact The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group after normal office hours, the receptionist will pick up your call. Simply dial the office number (813) 995-1775 and the call should ring through. In the event of a life threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital’s emergency department where a trained emergency room physician can see you.

The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group sees patients on an appointment basis. In order to allow adequate time in scheduling your visit, you will be asked the nature of your problem when you call for an appointment.

We will make every effort to honor all time commitments to our patients and we request that you extend the same courtesy. If you are unable to keep your appointment or will be delayed, please call the office as soon as possible so we can adjust our schedule.

Occasionally, an emergency may arise requiring an adjustment to our schedule. We will advise you of any delay. We know your time is important and we will be happy to reschedule if you are unable to wait. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. All patients need to bring in at time of appointment a list of medications, insurance cards and photo ID.

If you think you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 immediately. Do not rely on electronic communications or communication through this website. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, the 988 Lifeline is available to call or text at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. They are available 24/7, and they are free and confidential.

Financial Arrangement and Credit Card On File

We have implemented a policy requiring a credit card held on file effective 9/1/2018. As you may be aware, the current healthcare market has resulted in insurance policies increasingly transferring costs to you, the insured. Some insurance plans require deductibles and copayments in amounts not known to you or us at the time of your visit.

Similar to hotels and car rental agencies, you are asked for a credit card number at the time you check in and the information will be held securely until your insurance has paid their portion and notified us of the amount of your share, you will receive a statement. At that time, any remaining balance owed by you will be charged to your credit card, and a copy of the charge will be mailed to you. This is an advantage since it makes checkout easier, faster, and more efficient. This in no way will compromise your ability to dispute a charge or question your insurance company’s determination of payment.

Insurance

Patients with health insurance should remember that professional services are charged to the patients and not to the insurance company. As a courtesy, we will file the insurance claim for you. Insurance policies vary in the type and extent of coverage provided.

The patient is ultimately responsible for the payment of the bill. For patients who are not members of PPO plans, payment of co-payments, deductibles or the portion of the bill the insurance will not cover is expected at the time of service.

FAQs About Deductibles

What is a Deductible and How Does It Affect Me?

An annual deductible is the dollar amount you must pay out of pocket during the year for medical expenses before your insurance coverage begins to pay.

For example, if the policy has a $500 deductible, you must pay the first $500 of medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay for any services.

When does a deductible begin?

Most plan years begin January 1st, check with your insurance plan.

When do I have to pay for services?

Any time you receive medical care, you are expected to pay in full for your services until your deductible is met.

How will I know when my deductible has been met?

Call your insurance company at any time to check on how much of your deductible has been met; some insurance companies have this information available online. Every time you receive medical services, you will receive notification from your insurance company with how much they paid or did not pay.

I’ve never had to do this before at any other doctor’s office.

This may be a departure from what you have been used to but it is not uncommon in many medical practices, imaging centers, outpatient surgical centers require a credit card on file.

Why I’m being singled out? I always pay all my bills.

All patients are required to keep a credit or debit card on file. This policy isn’t personal; we apply it equally to all of our patients; by doing it this way, the temptation to play favoritism is eliminated and it removes us from the uncomfortable situation of having to decide who has to follow the policy and who does not.

What about identity theft and privacy?

Under HIPAA, we are under strict rules and guidelines in terms of protecting patient privacy and the credit card is considered protected health information. Because of HIPAA rules, our medical office is far more secure than most retail establishments as it relates to identity theft.

I don’t have a credit card.

You are welcome to leave a HSA (Health Savings Account) or Flex Plan card on file or pay with cash or check for the visit in full. We understand there are legitimate reasons you might not have a card (declared bankruptcy, maxed out, or declared unworthy of credit). If this is the case, we will work out a payment plan with you.

This is not the same as ‘signing a blank check’

What we are doing is nothing different than a hotel or rental car company does at each check-in. All credit card contracts give cardholders the right to challenge any charge against their account.

This is NOT the same as “balance billing”

“Balance billing” is asking the patient to pay the difference between our normal fee and the insurance company’s normal payment. That’s a breach of our managed care contracts.

What we charge to the patient’s credit card is the portion the insurance company determined is not covered by the company. For example if you have Medicare coverage, we charge $200, Medicare approves $100, and pays 80% of that. The other $20 is the patient’s responsibility, and is what we charge to the credit card – instead of sending out a statement for that amount.

Cancellation and Paperwork Fees

We have Fees set in place to make Tampa Neuropsychiatry to run smoothly, please be aware of these fees outlined in the New Patient Packet, Fees include a $75-$150 Cancellation fee without a 48 hour notice, we also have a Paperwork fee ranging from $50- $150 this includes paperwork for FMLA, STD, LTD, Work Accommodations, Social Security paperwork and Emotional support animal letters (All paperwork fees are good for one year and then will need to be renewed). Please talk to your Physician about all paperwork needed in appointment. Please be advised we will not fill out any paperwork until you have been seen three times.

MEDICAL RECORDS

Medical Records will be released with a completed HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant medical record release. Fees May be Required.

PRESCRIPTIONS

All prescriptions and authorizations for renewals should be requested during normal business hours, preferably in the morning. Please follow the Physicians recommendations if they feel that it is in the best interest of your health to be seen and examined prior to the appropriate medications being refilled. Medications for chronic medical conditions need to be monitored periodically to insure their safety and your health.

When you call please have the following information available.

How many do you get?
Patient’s name
Name of drug, dose strength and how you are taking it
Name and telephone number of pharmacy
There will be a $30 Refill fee if it occurs prior to your next appointment