Patient Policies
Appointments & Scheduling Policy
At Avant Interventional Psychiatry, we are committed to providing timely, compassionate, and high-quality mental health care. Appointments may be scheduled in person or via telehealth depending on clinical need, provider recommendation, and insurance requirements. Patients are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in, insurance verification, and any necessary paperwork updates. To ensure continuity of care, patients are expected to attend follow-up appointments as recommended by their provider.
The frequency of visits may vary based on diagnosis, treatment goals, medication management needs, and overall clinical progress. Patients who have not been seen for an extended period may be considered inactive and may require an updated psychiatric evaluation before treatment resumes. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment time to another patient in need of care.
Telehealth Policy
Avant Interventional Psychiatry offers secure telehealth services for eligible patients. Telehealth appointments provide convenient access to psychiatric care while maintaining the same standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and clinical oversight as in-office visits. Not all services or patients are appropriate for telehealth. Eligibility is determined by your provider based on clinical needs, safety considerations, insurance requirements, and state licensing regulations. Patients must be physically located in a state where their provider is licensed at the time of the appointment. Patients are responsible for ensuring they have access to a reliable internet connection, a private location, and a device capable of supporting the telehealth platform. Providers may require a patient to transition to in-person care if telehealth is no longer clinically appropriate.
No Show & Cancellation Policy
Appointment times are reserved specifically for each patient. Missed appointments and late cancellations prevent other patients from receiving timely access to care. Patients who need to cancel or reschedule should notify the office as soon as possible. Same-day cancellations may be considered a no-show appointment. A no-show fee may apply in accordance with office policy and applicable insurance regulations. Repeated no-shows, excessive late cancellations, or ongoing scheduling non-compliance may result in scheduling restrictions, probationary scheduling status, or discharge from the practice. We understand emergencies occur and will review extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Financial Policy
Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Patients are responsible for all copays, deductibles, coinsurance amounts, and balances not covered by insurance. As a courtesy, our staff may verify insurance benefits prior to an appointment. However, insurance verification is not a guarantee of payment. Coverage determinations are made by the insurance carrier, and patients remain responsible for any balance determined by their plan. Patients experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to speak with our team regarding available financial assistance options or payment arrangements when applicable.
Prescription Policy
Avant Interventional Psychiatry utilizes electronic prescribing whenever possible. Prescriptions are sent directly to the patient's preferred pharmacy. Patients are responsible for ensuring that pharmacy information is accurate and up to date. Prescription refill requests should be submitted during normal business hours and with adequate notice. Refill requests may require an appointment, clinical review, or additional documentation before approval. Providers reserve the right to deny refill requests when clinically appropriate. Medication decisions are based on patient safety, treatment response, medical history, and current clinical guidelines.
Controlled Medication Policy
Patients prescribed controlled medications may be required to participate in medication monitoring programs. Monitoring may include urine drug screens, oral fluid testing, prescription monitoring database reviews, pill counts, or other measures deemed necessary by the provider. These requirements are intended to promote patient safety, responsible prescribing practices, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Failure to comply with monitoring requirements may affect continued prescribing of controlled medications and ongoing treatment eligibility.
Benzodiazepine Policy
Avant Interventional Psychiatry does not initiate treatment with Xanax (alprazolam) or Klonopin (clonazepam). Patients who are currently prescribed these medications may be evaluated individually. Any decisions regarding continuation, tapering, or alternative treatment options will be made by the treating provider based on clinical appropriateness, patient safety, and current treatment guidelines. The provider reserves the right to recommend alternative treatment strategies when appropriate.
ADHD Medication Policy
Patients seeking ADHD treatment may be required to provide prior treatment records, diagnostic documentation, medication history, or complete ADHD testing before stimulant medications are prescribed. Additional evaluations may be required to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Fees may apply for specialized ADHD testing services. All prescribing decisions remain at the sole discretion of the treating provider and are based on clinical findings and patient safety considerations.
Medical Records Policy
Patients have the right to request copies of their medical records in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Requests must be submitted through the appropriate authorization process. Electronic record requests are generally processed within 3–5 business days, although processing times may vary based on request volume and complexity. Fees may apply for printed records or extensive record requests where permitted by law.
Privacy & HIPAA Policy
Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality is one of our highest priorities. Avant Interventional Psychiatry complies with all applicable privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Patient information is only disclosed as permitted by law, authorized by the patient, or necessary for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Patients may request a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices at any time.
Patient Conduct Policy
Avant Interventional Psychiatry is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all patients, providers, staff, and visitors. Patients are expected to actively participate in treatment, attend appointments, communicate respectfully, and follow providerrecommendations. Threatening behavior, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, abusive language, physical aggression, or disruptive conduct may result in dismissal from the practice. We reserve the right to discontinue services when patient behavior interferes with the safe and effective delivery of care.
Emergency & Crisis Policy
Avant Interventional Psychiatry is an outpatient psychiatric practice and is not an emergency facility. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, a psychiatric crisis, a medical emergency, or any situation requiring immediate attention, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Patients may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support. Do not wait for a return phone call, portal message, or future appointment if you are experiencing an emergency.
