Questions patients ask
Getting started
What happens at the first appointment? Sixty minutes, by video or in person in Bend. We go through your history from the beginning, every medication you've tried and what happened on it, and what's going on now. You leave with a plan, not a referral.
How soon can I be seen? Most new patients are seen within two weeks. We reply to every request within one business day.
How do I get started? Text or call (541) 802-7564. You'll get a short set of intake forms. Once those are back, we schedule. The forms come first so the first visit is spent on you, not paperwork.
Do I need a referral? No. Some insurance plans want one for their own records, and I'll tell you if yours does.
Is this therapy or psychiatry? Psychiatry. I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I evaluate, diagnose and prescribe, and every visit includes real conversation about what's happening in your life. If weekly therapy would help, I'll say so and help you find someone.
What ages do you see? Children 6 and up, teens, and adults.
Insurance and cost
Which insurance plans do you accept? Regence BCBS, UnitedHealthcare (Optum), Aetna, Cigna and Providence Health Plan. Your copay or coinsurance depends on your plan, and we'll help you check it before the first visit.
What if my plan isn't on that list? You can pay the self-pay rate and I'll give you a superbill to send to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement.
What are the self-pay rates? $375 for the 60-minute evaluation. $250 for a 30-minute follow-up.
Do you take Oregon Health Plan? Not at this time.
ADHD and medication
Do I need ADHD testing before I can be diagnosed? No. A clinical evaluation by a psychiatric provider is the standard for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Formal testing is sometimes useful and rarely required.
I was diagnosed as a kid. Do I need a new evaluation? A shorter one. Bring any old records you have.
Can I start medication at the first visit? If the evaluation supports it, yes, we build the plan at the first visit. Some medications have monitoring rules in Oregon, and I'll explain what applies to you before anything is prescribed.
Do you prescribe controlled medications? Yes, when they're the right tool, prescribed carefully and within Oregon and federal rules, with regular check-ins. There are also non-controlled options, and we choose together.
What if the pharmacy is out of my medication? Tell me which pharmacy near you has it in stock and I'll send the prescription there. Call the pharmacy before you message me so we don't guess.
How do you handle side effects? Follow-ups are close together when we start or change a medication, then spaced out once you're stable. You can message through the patient portal between visits.
Telehealth
How do video visits work? You get a secure link before the visit. Open it on a phone, tablet or computer, somewhere private. You need to be physically in Oregon at the time of the visit.
Is telehealth covered by insurance? Yes. In Oregon, in-network plans cover video visits the same as in-person visits.
Can I see you in person? Yes, at 205 SE Davis Ave, Suite A, Bend. Many patients do the first visit in person and follow-ups by video.
Kids and parents
Is a parent in the room? The first visit includes you. Follow-ups may include your kid alone for part of the visit, depending on age, and we talk about that together.
Will you medicate my child right away? No. We start with a full evaluation. Medication is one option, not the first reflex.
Can you help with school? Yes, with your written permission. I can provide documentation for 504 plans and IEP meetings.
Policies and emergencies
What's your cancellation policy? We require at least 24 hours' notice so the time can go to someone waiting.
What if I have an emergency? This practice is not a crisis service. If you or someone you love is in danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Then message me so we can adjust your care.
Is what I share private? Yes. Your records are protected under HIPAA. Nothing is shared with anyone, including family or schools, without your written permission.