FAQs
Q: How can I contact FPS?
A: Telephone: (919)-342-8870 Fax: (888)-835-2271 Email: qtinney@familypsychiatricsolutions.com
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: We are considered as an “out-of-network” provider for all insurance companies. This means that you pay the full amount at the time of the service. You then submit a claim and your insurance will reimburse you a percentage of the fee depending on your plan and benefits.
Q: Do you file the claim for me?
A: We will provide you a receipt containing all of the necessary information for you to file the claim, but we do not file it on your behalf. You can call your insurance or visit their website to find the claim forms. Then usually you attach the receipt that we provide and they mail a check to you directly. If you have questions you can bring the form to your appointment or if you want me to complete the forms outside of the appointment this will be billed at the rate listed in the fee schedule.
Q: Do I pay a co-pay?
A: We are an “out-of-network provider so we do not collect a co-pay. Instead the full amount is due at the time of service.
Q: What is the difference between the types of appointments?
A: The biggest difference is the length of time. A short appointment usually a 99214 code is approximately 25 minutes long and a long appointment is approximately 40 minutes with a code of 99215. If you have another therapist and I am mainly focusing on medications, then a short appointment is usually sufficient. However even if you have a therapist and you are acutely having some problems that may require longer to fully discuss and make a treatment plan, then a longer appointment is more appropriate. If I am your main therapist and I am also managing medications then the 50 minute appointment with the additional code of 90833 is usually the most appropriate.
Q: Why do you bill for emails, phone calls, and paperwork?
A: These forms of communication are known as “indirect” patient care and most doctors would estimate approximately 1 to 3 hours per day are spent providing these services. Since many doctors do not directly bill for these services they either raise the cost of their office appointments or limit their availability to you in order to make-up for the lost revenue. I do not believe that is fair to do this and instead follow the policy of a simple charge per service utilized and that charge is based on an hourly rate. If you do not use these services then you are not paying for them in hidden inflated appointment costs. However if you need these services then I am available to you. Please note that insurance companies usually do not pay for these indirect patient care services so in accordance with our financial policy your credit card on file will be charged at the time of the service for phone calls, emails, letters, etc. I do not bill for communications related to scheduling, billing, or other non-clinical questions. If you ever have a question about which types of communications are being billed please contact us.
Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept cash and check. Please note there is a return check fee. If you are paying with credit card, we will keep a credit card on file that will be billed for services provided outside of the office such as emails, phone calls, and letters.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: We are considered as an “out-of-network” provider for all insurance companies. This means that you pay the full amount at the time of the service. You then submit a claim and your insurance will reimburse you a percentage of the fee depending on your plan and benefits.
Q: Do you file the claim for me?
A: We will provide you a receipt containing all of the necessary information for you to file the claim, but we do not file it on your behalf. You can call your insurance or visit their website to find the claim forms. Then usually you attach the receipt that we provide and they mail a check to you directly. If you have questions you can bring the form to your appointment or if you want me to complete the forms outside of the appointment this will be billed at the rate listed in the fee schedule.
Q: Do I pay a co-pay?
A: We are an “out-of-network provider so we do not collect a co-pay. Instead the full amount is due at the time of service.
Q: What is the difference between the types of appointments?
A: The biggest difference is the length of time. A short appointment usually a 99214 code is approximately 25 minutes long and a long appointment is approximately 40 minutes with a code of 99215. If you have another therapist and I am mainly focusing on medications, then a short appointment is usually sufficient. However even if you have a therapist and you are acutely having some problems that may require longer to fully discuss and make a treatment plan, then a longer appointment is more appropriate. If I am your main therapist and I am also managing medications then the 50 minute appointment with the additional code of 90833 is usually the most appropriate.
Q: Why do you bill for emails, phone calls, and paperwork?
A: These forms of communication are known as “indirect” patient care and most doctors would estimate approximately 1 to 3 hours per day are spent providing these services. Since many doctors do not directly bill for these services they either raise the cost of their office appointments or limit their availability to you in order to make-up for the lost revenue. I do not believe that is fair to do this and instead follow the policy of a simple charge per service utilized and that charge is based on an hourly rate. If you do not use these services then you are not paying for them in hidden inflated appointment costs. However if you need these services then I am available to you. Please note that insurance companies usually do not pay for these indirect patient care services so in accordance with our financial policy your credit card on file will be charged at the time of the service for phone calls, emails, letters, etc. I do not bill for communications related to scheduling, billing, or other non-clinical questions. If you ever have a question about which types of communications are being billed please contact us.
Q: Do you have in-person appointments:
A: Dr. Tinney utilized telemedicine platforms for 10 years prior to COVID-19 and with the pandemic she converted to a 100% telemedicine practice. There are no in-person appointments. As long as the patient has a strong internet connection/cellular reception the telemedicine appointment affords the same evaluation and management rapport that you would find in a traditional office setting. The added bonus is no lost time in commuting to the office so that patients can continue balancing busy schedules and prioritizing mental health!
Q: What is a good faith estimate?
A: You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. You will receive the explanation of fees with your welcome packet.
