Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I schedule the services recommended at my visit at the Melmed Center?
A: When you complete your first visit and check out at the front desk, the receptionist will assist you with questions, referral information and registration. Approximately three weeks after your visit, we will mail you a report with a summary of our findings and recommendations. You may review these recommendations, consult with your primary care doctor regarding referrals, or telephone our office for follow-up appointments and referral information. You may contact your insurance company to check what services and which providers are covered under your plan. Remember, some plans cover “out of network providers” at a percentage of reimbursement. At the Melmed Center, we want to facilitate referrals that best meet your needs, so do not hesitate to ask us for assistance.
Q: What if I do not want to wait three weeks before trying to get my lab work and recommendations started?
A: You may call your insurance company and let them know what we have recommended. You may be able to schedule some appointments on your own. In some cases a prescription might be needed for services. Please contact our office if you need one.
Q: Why does it take so long to get my report back from the office?
A: Our reports are sent out for transcription. The reports are quite extensive in order to supply you and others with comprehensive information and we advise you to expect a minimum of a three week wait. Corrections and additional information is sometimes added after reports are reviewed in draft form. The clinician signs final copies before they are mailed.
Q: How can I get my child’s records transferred to another care provider other than the referring doctor?
A: Since your relationship with the Melmed Center is confidential, you must provide us with a signed release to send records to any other agency. You may sign a release form in our office or have the agency requesting the records send us your signed release form.
Q: Will I be charged for records?
A: There is no charge for records being sent to schools or for continuation of medical treatment. There is a $25.00 fee for records sent to the parents, attorneys, insurance companies or any other agency that does not provide direct medical treatment for the patient.
Q: Why would I be charged for a copy of my child’s records?
A: We routinely send a copy of the initial report to the family. Additional records released at future dates entail additional charges.
Q: Does the Melmed Center accept insurance?
A: Our developmental pediatricians, nurse practitioners and occupational therapists are contracted with several insurance companies. Our admissions coordinators are happy to answer questions about your insurance plan. Please note “out of network” coverage might apply to companies with which we have no contractual arrangements. Psychological, coaching and educational services at the Melmed Center are not contracted with any plans. Note that your insurance may reimburse you for a percentage of the cost of these services.
Q: What if we are not contracted with your insurance?
A: We do offer a private fee scale and we will provide you with an encounter form that you may send to your insurance company that may assist you in the reimbursement process. We always recommend that you contact your plan in advance to see if your visit might be reimbursed. Please contact the office for the particular codes that might be used for your visit to our center. Your insurance can then verify for you whether or not you will be reimbursed. Occasionally upon review of our final report the insurance company makes exceptions for reimbursement.
Q: Does my child need to be present at all of the appointments with me?
A: Your child should attend all scheduled appointments. On occasion you may want to meet with the doctor without your child in attendance. That can be scheduled but please be aware that most insurance plans do not cover appointments when the child is not in attendance.
Q: How do I get refills for medication that has been prescribed?
A: Prescriptions for controlled substances must be hand-written. Please be sure to contact our office seven (7) days prior to needing a refill prescription in order to ensure that we mail it to you in a timely manner.
Q: How do I get refills for medications that are not controlled?
A: We recommend that your pharmacy contact our office directly for refills. Again, please call us about seven (7) days prior to running out of medication to allow enough time to review the chart and call in the prescription.
Q: How often does my child need to be seen?
A: This depends on individual needs. In some cases your child may need to be seen weekly, for example, if counseling or therapy is needed or in order to closely monitor a medication. It is our goal that your child receive the most benefit from the prescribed medication or treatment regimen. In most cases, follow up visits are scheduled every two to three months especially if medication is being monitored. Prescriptions cannot be filled outside of this time frame.
Q: What is a T.O.V.A. test and why has my doctor recommended it?
A: Test Of Variable Attention or T.O.V.A. is a helpful adjunctive tool in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of ADHD in some situations.
Q: What is an ADOS test?
A: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or ADOS is a test administered to help in the diagnosing and delineating of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Q: What is a Psychoeducational Evaluation?
A: This is a series of tests that is recommended when an individual is having challenges with academic achievement. The tests are chosen specifically to address each individual’s needs and typically include measure of intellectual and cognitive ability, tests of achievement in basic subjects (such as reading, written language, and math) and tests of memory and attention.
Q: What does a developlmental pediatrician do when evaluating a child?
A: A developmental pediatrician will typically spend at least an hour or two with a child to conduct an initial evaluation. They will interview parents about a child's developmental history, habits, abilities and challenges. Once the evaluation is completed a developmental pediatrician will provide a full report and a specific diagnosis when appropriate. Families may also receive recommendations for treatment, help finding therapists, and guidance in choosing educational settings.
Q: Is a Psychoeducational Evaluation something that my insurance will be billed for?
A: Psychological testing is usually not covered by insurance contracts. We will provide you with an encounter form to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We advise you to contact your insurance company prior to your appointment to determine whether psychological testing services are reimbursable.
Q: What is a Psychological Assessment?
A: When behavior or emotional issues are of concern, a psychological assessment of a child’s social/emotional status is helpful. This most often involves a detailed background history, an interview with the parent and child, the completion of behavior checklists relating to the individual’s performance at school and at home. Tests that explore thoughts, feelings, and moods may be used.
Q: Why am I being charged for a missed appointment when it wasn't my fault?
A: The Melmed Center values your time and we appreciate you valuing ours. We have waiting lists for appointments for all our providers and thus all missed appointments will be charged.
Q: Why am I seeing a Nurse Practitioner when I just saw the Developmental Pediatrician?
A: Our nurse practitioners are trained in behavior and developmental issues. They evaluate, diagnose treat, and follow-up the same concerns as do our physicians. You will find them a wonderful addition to your team!
Q: Why is my child seeing an occupational therapist...my child doesn't work!
A: Although your child does not work, his/her occupation is play and/or school. Occupational therapy is based on the philosophy of maintaining activities of daily living. By working with an occupational therapist, your child is improving his/her abilities to interact with his/her environment.
|