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POLICIES

Guiding Principles: Clear Policies to Ensure Your Comfort and Confidence

  • I’ve never taken psychiatric medication before, what can I expect?
    Medications are not cures. Medications only treat symptoms, so if you stop taking them, your symptoms can return. Ask your health care provider how long you might expect to take medication. Every medicine has its benefits and its risks. Deciding to take medication is all about balancing possible benefits against possible side effects. Sometimes, it's hard to know how a medicine will affect you until you try it. Medications often help the most when they're part of an overall treatment program. Your plan may include psychotherapy, peer programs and rehabilitative services to help with problems that medication alone can't treat. It can take time to feel better. Some medications take a few weeks to work. And sometimes a medication's side effects may start before its benefits. You also may have to try more than one medication before you get the right fit, but many people find it's worth the wait. --Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/medication)
  • What happens if I miss a day of my medication?
    If you forget to take one or more doses: take your next dose at the normal time and in the normal amount. Do not take any more than your doctor prescribed. If you miss one dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. --Medsafe
  • Do I have to be on medication forever?
    The simplest answer to this question is “it depends.” Much of the information available says that—once you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder—you will have to take medication for the rest of your life. Most commonly included medications are Lithium, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. But different things work for different people. Some people find that medications are very helpful for them in their recovery. They experience little to no side effects and see benefits from their medication(s) with the things they were struggling with. Even for those who experience serious side effects, they may decide—just like with any other type of medicine or medical procedure—that the risks and side effects are worth the benefits. Some choose to stay on medication when they are feeling ok to lessen the likelihood and intensity of future episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression. Other people use medication for short periods of time. These are individuals who may not want to be on medication all the time, and may work with their doctors to adjust their medications based on what is happening in their lives. People may have years go by where they take no medications at all. Some people choose to not take medications at all. Often, they do not want to deal with the side effects of medications or do not find them especially helpful.... None of these options or approaches are wrong or make a person more or less “recovered” than another. Your recovery is about you doing what works for you and having the tools to live your best life possible. -----Mental Health America
  • What do I do if I experience side effects?
    Contact your doctor or provider to report the side effects and discuss a plan to address the issue(s). Do not suddenly stop taking your medications without the guidance of a medical professional that has assessed you!
  • Can I stop taking my medication whenever I want?
    It’s important to note that it is dangerous to suddenly stop taking medications. Any changes in medication, whether it’s adding, decreasing, or stopping, should be done in consultation with your prescribing doctor. ---Mental Health America
  • What do I do about refills?
    Contact your pharmacy to see if you have any refills authorized/waiting. Once you have done this, then contact your doctor or provider's office to inquire about refills.
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking medications?
    Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. In addition to these dangers, alcohol can make a medication less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body. Some medicines that you might never have suspected can react with alcohol, including many medications which can be purchased “over-the-counter”—that is, without a prescription. Even some herbal remedies can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol. Again, mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don't know its effect. To learn more about a medicine and whether it will interact with alcohol, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. ----https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
  • Are there any long term problems I can have from taking medication?
    Generally, psychiatric medications are safe and effective when taken as prescribed. However, all medications have potential side effects and risks. Taking medication can come with a range of both short-term and long-term risks and side effects. It is important to always discuss any potential risks with your doctor or psychiatrist before taking any medication, so that you can make an informed decision. Long-term problems from taking medication can depend on a wide range of factors, such as the type of medication, the dosage, and the individual. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about the long-term risks associated with taking medication.

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Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 - which went into effect on January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients or patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

  • This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes (under the law/when applicable) related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

  • The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.

  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

    • You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.

    • You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.

    • There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.

  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate within the following timeframes:

    • If the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling;

    • If the service is scheduled at least 10 business days before the appointment date, no later than three business days after the date of scheduling; or

    • If the uninsured or self-pay patient requests a good faith estimate (without scheduling the service), no later than three business days after the date of the request. A new good faith estimate must be provided, within the specified timeframes if the patient reschedules the requested item or service.

  • The No Surprises Act has a universal waiver form required — which Mosaic Mental Health has adapted into an identical online form. 

  • This is the public disclosure of the “Good Faith Estimate”

Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only. It does NOT involve you needing to make any type of commitment.

To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount. Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns. 

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Good Faith Estimate

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