General Clinic Policies

Appointment Scheduling

Confirmation of Availability

Appointments must be scheduled only after reviewing and confirming the provider’s availability. This ensures optimal scheduling and eliminates potential conflicts.

Patient Portal Access

Access to the "Patient Portal" will be granted only once your appointment is confirmed. This ensures that all information is up-to-date and relevant to your scheduled visit.

Paperwork Submission Requirement

All required paperwork must be completed and submitted at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Incomplete or late submissions may result in rescheduling.

Dedicated Appointment Time
Your appointment time is specifically reserved for you. We ask that you arrive promptly to ensure that your session is not disrupted and to respect the time of other patients.

Telehealth-Only Appointments
We do not offer telephone appointments. All consultations are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth platform to ensure privacy and security for all patients.

Cancellations and No-Show Policy

Late Arrival Definition
Patients arriving 15 minutes late for a 30-minute appointment or 20 minutes late for a 60-minute appointment will be considered a "no show" and may forfeit the appointment without rescheduling.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Requirements
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify us at least 24 business hours in advance. You can do so via the "Patient Portal" or by leaving a voicemail on our answering machine. This ensures we can accommodate other patients in need of care.

Missed Appointment Fee
A missed appointment, "no show," or late cancellation will incur a $50 fee, which will be charged to the card on file. Please be aware that insurance providers do not cover the cost of missed or late appointments. This fee is your responsibility.

Termination of Care
JostCare Behavioral Health reserves the right to terminate the patient-provider relationship if a patient accumulates three or more "no shows. This policy ensures that we maintain efficient scheduling and provide timely care for all patients.

Maintaining Patient Status

Regular Appointment Requirement
To maintain your active patient status, you are required to have an appointment at least every 90 days or more frequently as outlined in your individualized treatment plan. This ensures continuity of care and allows for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of your treatment as needed.

Termination of Patient-Provider Relationship

If you do not attend follow-up appointments for 120 days or longer, we will consider the patient-provider relationship to be terminated. This policy helps us prioritize patients who are actively engaged in their care and treatmen

Benzodiazepine Policy

No Routine Benzodiazepine Prescriptions
At JostCare Behavioral Health, we do not prescribe benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin, Valium) for the treatment of anxiety as part of our standard care practices. This aligns with current treatment guidelines that recommend against the long-term use of these medications due to their potential to worsen anxiety over time and contribute to cognitive decline.

Rare and Short-Term Use
In exceptional cases where a benzodiazepine may be deemed necessary, it will be prescribed for a limited duration and in small quantities. This approach ensures that the medication is used only as a short-term solution, in accordance with best practices aimed at minimizing risks.

Risks of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines carry significant risks, including high abuse potential, the possibility of dependence and tolerance, as well as the potential for fatal overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or opioid medications. For these reasons, we prioritize safer, more effective long-term treatment options for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

Phone Calls

Leaving a Message
When leaving a message, please provide the patient’s full name and a callback number where you can be reached. This ensures we can efficiently return your call and assist you in a timely manner.

Routine Call Response Time
We are committed to returning all routine calls within 48 business hours. Our team strives to address your inquiries and concerns as quickly as possible during regular office hours.

Emergency Situations
Please do not leave messages for emergency assistance. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately for prompt medical attention. We cannot address emergency situations via voicemail.

Payment Policy

Payment Due at Time of Service
Payment for all services is due in full at the time of service. This ensures a smooth and efficient billing process, allowing us to focus on providing the highest quality care.

Credit Card on File Requirement
To streamline payment and scheduling, we require that a credit card be securely placed on file before any services are rendered. This policy helps us manage billing effectively and ensures timely payment for all services provided.

Refill Policy

Medication Refills and Appointment Requirement
Medication refills will only be handled during your regularly scheduled appointments. To avoid interruptions in your medication, please contact us at least two business days before you run out. All refill requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Initial Prescription Guidelines
At your first appointment, a prescription for 30 days of medication will be provided. 90-day prescriptions will not be issued during the initial visit, as this allows for proper evaluation and follow-up care.

No Refills After Hours, Weekends, or Holidays
We do not process medication refills outside of our regular business hours, including after hours, weekends, or holidays. Please plan ahead to ensure continuity of your medication.

Lost or Stolen Controlled Substances
We do not provide refills for lost or stolen controlled substance prescriptions. If your medication is lost or stolen and you experience withdrawal symptoms, please seek immediate care at the nearest emergency room.

Pharmacy-Initiated Refills
We do not respond to pharmacy-initiated refill requests due to administrative reasons. If your pharmacy offers automatic refills, please opt out to ensure proper management of your prescriptions.

Medication Adjustments
If you require a medication dose adjustment or wish to be prescribed a new medication, an appointment with your provider is required. This ensures that your treatment plan is safe and tailored to your needs.

Court Support Services and Other Fees

FMLA/Disability Evaluations
We do not conduct FMLA or disability evaluations as part of our services. If you need documentation for these purposes, we recommend seeking a provider who specializes in such evaluations.

Emotional Support Animal Evaluations
We do not provide evaluations for patients seeking documentation for an emotional support animal unless the patient has been an established patient with us for at least 90 days and has maintained all scheduled appointments. This policy ensures that we are able to make informed and appropriate recommendations based on ongoing care.

Court Appearance and Fees
In the event that we receive a subpoena to appear in court on your behalf, a fee of $350 per hour will be charged. This includes time spent on preparation, travel, and any time spent with attorneys or clerks for case-related matters. The minimum charge is $1000, and this amount must be paid in advance before any work or court appearances are scheduled. Travel time is also billed accordingly.