Thank you for choosing Genesis. We are honored you have entrusted us to walk with you through this journey. As with any medical appointment, there are a few documents to sign. Note that Genesis, Genesis Counseling Center, and Genesis Psychiatric Medicine (GPM) are used interchangeably throughout this document.
Professional Services Agreement: This outlines our Privacy Policy and how we protect you and your records. It gives us authorization to bill your insurance on your behalf, if applicable, outlines our Cancellation Policy (please call to cancel appointments at least 24 hours in advance or there is a $75 fee for missed therapy and testing appointments, $85 fee for missed medication management appointments not covered by insurance), and allows us to securely store your payment information for copays and any portion of your bill that is your responsibility.
Treatment Policies and Procedures: This document outlines our policies and procedures to help you understand our expectations for treatment. Our clinical standards include appointment information and clinical management criteria that provide clarity on what is expected of you as a patient of Genesis.
Payment Processing: It is our policy that a payment method be saved in the secure vault during your account setup, so we can collect payment each time you check in for your appointment. Please chat with our care coordinators from our website (www.genesiscounselingcenter.com) or call our main office at 929-GENESIS (929-436- 3747) or your local office (http://genesiscounselingcenter.com/locations/) for assistance or questions about payment.
Informed Consent for Telehealth Services: This form is intended to review and inform you of your rights regarding in-person and Telehealth services. Please electronically sign this document. This form provides your consent to participate, whether in-person or online services will be provided.
Notice of Privacy Policy: If you are a Telehealth Client, you will not check in at a physical office location, so you will not be interacting directly with a Client Care Coordinator at each appointment. Please know we have Client Care Coordinators in our offices who can schedule appointments, assist with payments, and answer any questions you may have. Please connect through your MYIO portal in secure messaging, chat from our website, or call us between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for all your administrative needs at 929-GENESIS (929-436-3747). We also encourage you to leave a message at any time, and one of our Client Care Coordinators will return your call.
Please note: These forms must be completed and submitted prior to your first appointment. A client Care Coordinator may designate a due date. If the forms are not completed by that date or the first appointment (whichever comes first), my appointment may be cancelled. See the Online Info page of our website for more information and Online Check-in to select your provider's name and connect to their Online Virtual Lobby.
Receipt of Notice of Privacy Practices, Informed Consent, Confidentiality Release to Contact Payor(s), and Payment Agreement Form
Notice of Privacy Practices: I understand that the Genesis Notice of Privacy Practices provides information about how Genesis we may use and disclose protected health information about me.
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Genesis Counseling Center, Inc. Notice of Privacy Practices (included at the end of this document) and that a copy is available upon request. *
Informed Consent:
This agreement indicates my commitment to enter treatment for counseling, psychological testing/assessment and/or psychiatric medicine services, and my understanding of the basic ideas and personal growth goals of treatment and/or counseling. I agree to keep my physician and/or therapist up to date about any changes in my symptoms or any situation that may impact the success of treatment. I understand that effective counseling is a process that unfolds cyclically, from exploration to understanding, and finally, to action. The process may necessitate periodic evaluation of goals and new goals may be agreed upon to serve my long-term best interest. At times, counseling may arouse unpleasant feelings and emotional experiences, particularly in the initial phase of treatment. I understand that my therapy may include periodic case consultations with Genesis’ clinical staff when necessary. I acknowledge and give informed consent to begin counseling, psychological testing/assessment, and or psychiatric medicine services.
I consent to receive automated and personalized text and email messages from Genesis including third-party Genesis contracts for reasons that include appointment reminders, requests for feedback, promotional reasons, etc. Consent is not a condition of any services. You have the right to stop or cancel at any time. You can opt out of this at any time by calling a Genesis office. On certain occasions, a member of the Genesis clinical team may utilize text or email to facilitate communication with you. Your privacy is important to us, and we take many safeguards to protect it. There are certain risks, however, associated with text and email communication. By signing below, you agree to the use of text or email messages by the Genesis clinical team recognizing the following risks: text and email messages can be intercepted during transmission, and unencrypted messages (and any attachments) can be read, and potentially copied and forwarded, by anyone. Unencrypted text and email messages can also be easily viewed by someone other than the recipient if, for example, someone has access to a device that the Client uses to access their messages.
If you do not wish to receive text or email messages from a Genesis clinical team member, please contact our office to ensure that your choice is documented in your record.
GENESIS PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE TREATMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Thank you for choosing Genesis. To provide you with the utmost quality of care, it is imperative that we set proper expectations within our policies and procedures. Enforcing our policies will not only benefit you as a patient but also us as your providers. We appreciate everyone's efforts in adhering to these guidelines.
I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:
I understand that 2 or more missed appointments within a year could result in my discharge of treatment with Genesis Psychiatric Medicine (GPM).
- I agree to keep my regularly scheduled appointments with my provider, as they are necessary for medication management.
- I understand that if I miss my appointments, my provider will not send in my prescription refills until my missed appointment fee of $85 is paid AND a 4 to 6-week follow-up is scheduled.
- I agree to the Controlled Substance policy.
- I understand that I must keep my medication in a safe place, and I must take my medications exactly as they are prescribed to me, unless first consulting with my medication provider to make necessary/documented changes.
- I understand that if my controlled medication is stolen/lost, it is at my provider's discretion to replace my medication. If the medication is stolen, I understand that a police report is required for replacement.
- I agree to random urine drug screenings.
I understand if I have forms that need to be completed (FMLA, Long/Short Term Disability, Accommodation Letters, etc., I must give them to GPM as soon as possible and promptly schedule an appointment with my provider to review the forms. I understand an appointment to review the forms is required so my provider can gain an understanding of my situation and properly assess what is needed and/or required. I understand this could take up to 5-10 business days with holidays excluded. There will be associated fees with this service.
I acknowledge that if I, or an outside entity request my medical records, it may take up to 30 days to receive the requested records.
I acknowledge that if my medication requires a prior authorization, it can take up to 72 hours to be completed. Authorizations are handled by GPM staff in the order in which they are received.
I understand that if my child has an appointment (in-office or virtual), I must be present during the appointment so that information can be exchanged between parent and provider.
I agree that any infractions to any of the above statements could result in immediate dismissal/discharge from care at GPM.
I will treat the staff at GPM respectfully. If I am disrespectful to staff or disrupt the care of other patients, this could lead to termination of treatment from GPM.
GPM is strictly an outpatient practice. While the staff will do their best to accommodate my needs, in the event I need immediate emergency care, I will call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
I agree to only having one psychiatric medication management provider, if multiple providers are prescribing psychiatric medications, you will be discharged from GPM.
I agree, if I am admitted to the hospital for any mental health concerns or conditions, I will release medical records to GPM prior to my post hospitalization appointment.
I agree, if I am admitted to the hospital for any mental health conditions, I will release hospital medical records to GPM prior to my post hospitalization appointment.
I understand that if my symptoms become more severe at any time, my provider may determine that I need a higher level of care. This could include a referral to a psychiatrist or the Emergency Room. The decision will be made based on my provider's professional judgment of what is best for my health and safety.
I am responsible for my own appointments; reminders from the office are system generated and a courtesy but may not always go out. I can view my appointments in my MYIO portal. Therefore, missed appointment fees will be charged without providing at least 24 hours’ advance notice.
I may lose my right to treatment in this office if I violate any of the policies of GPM.
If I do not wish to sign this document, GPM has the right to REFUSE and/or DISCONTINUE my treatment.
Controlled Substance Medication Policy
To receive controlled substance medications from providers at Genesis Psychiatric Medicine, each patient must adhere to the following guidelines:
Routine and Random Drug Screenings
- Routine and random drug screenings will be conducted. If the use of illicit or unprescribed medications is detected, eligibility for controlled substance prescriptions will be discontinued.
- Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program (VPMP) Verification
- Your provider will complete a Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program (VPMP) verification before refilling prescriptions to ensure there are no active conflicting prescriptions.
Medication Refills
- Refills of all medications will be processed only after follow-up appointments have been conducted, and lab results have been reviewed.
- All refills are at the provider’s discretion.
- Patients must be seen in person for medication management at least once a year. The provider will determine the frequency and need for in-person appointments.
- For telemedicine appointments, the patient’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) location must reflect the state of Virginia and not any out-of-state location.
Single Provider for Prescription Refills
- Patients are required to obtain prescription refills from only one provider.
- Patients with a history of or active substance abuse, misuse, or addiction (with or without treatment) are not eligible for controlled substances at Genesis Psychiatric Medicine. Non-stimulant and non-benzodiazepine medications will be considered as alternatives.
Pharmacy Guidelines
- Patients must contact their pharmacy to confirm medication availability before submitting prescriptions.
- Providers will not send prescriptions for controlled substances to multiple pharmacies.
- Benzodiazepines will be prescribed strictly on an as-needed basis. If a patient is currently taking benzodiazepines daily, a tapering plan will be initiated to reduce the dose to 5–10 tablets per month (if necessary and at the provider's discretion).
- If there are concerns regarding dependence, tolerance, and/or addiction, the patient will be referred to an addiction clinic for further care and medication management.
I AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THE GENESIS PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE TREATMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH CARE.
CHECK-IN PROCESS FOR VIRTUAL/IN OFFICE APPOINTMENTS
Appointment Preference
If you are scheduled for an appointment, a note is added to your appointment that indicates whether you prefer an in-office, virtual, or phone appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Virtual appointments must be conducted in a safe, secure, and private environment without distractions (e.g., not while driving, shopping or in the presence of other people If you do not have the ability OR capability to have a virtual appointment, please inform the Genesis staff so an in-office or phone appointment can be scheduled. Phone appointments are a last resort and may not be covered by your insurance plan which will result in Client responsibility for payment.
Checking In
When checking in for a virtual appointment or an in-office appointment, please check-in or arrive 10 minutes early. This allows us to make any necessary updates to your chart, collect payment, and get you connected to your provider. Arriving early helps with keeping you, your provider, and other Clients on schedule and on track.
Payment Process
It is our policy that a payment method be saved in our secure system during your account setup so we can collect payment each time you check in for your appointment. We will also charge your card for balances due and no-show fees.
Minor Clients
Regardless of the appointment type (in-office or virtual), Clients under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for any testing or therapy appointments, unless the provider requests otherwise. This allows the parent or guardian to inform their child's provider of any changes, issues, updates, or concerns. It also allows the staff to collect appropriate payment for the scheduled appointment.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
New Client Appointment
Please be mindful and aware of the length of your scheduled appointment. New Client appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes, depending on the Client age and provider. ALL new Clients MUST confirm their first appointment with the staff 48 hours (2 Business Days) ahead of your scheduled appointment. If your appointment is NOT confirmed within that timeframe, then your appointment may be cancelled by the Genesis staff. This not only ensures your commitment to your treatment, but it allows the opportunity for someone else to be seen.
CANCELLATIONS AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS
Appointment Cancellations
If an appointment needs to be canceled and/or re-scheduled, please make sure to call our office 24 hours in advance to cancel. Make sure to leave a detailed message about your cancellation to include the reason, as our staff monitors the voicemail frequently. This allows the staff enough time to schedule someone else who may need to be seen. If your appointment is canceled within the appropriate timeframe, you will not be charged.
Missed Appointments
If an appointment is missed and you do not provide a 24-hour notice of cancellation, you will still be required to pay for your missed appointment except in cases of true emergencies. 2 or more missed appointments may result in scheduling restrictions or even discharge.