practice policies

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Patient Rights:

Patients have the right to transparent care and updated evidence-based medicine that guides collaborative decision making. 

Consultation Process:

During an initial phone consultation, we will discuss your desired care and treatment needs. At the initial psychiatric evaluation, a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment will assist the treatment planning. Our subsequent appointment will establish treatment plan, provide psychoeducation, diagnosis, treatment intervention and prognosis. Follow-up appointments may include medication review, psychotherapy or coordinating care with your external providers (i.e. primary care physician). 

All adults consent to their own care, unless the mental state is altered secondary to illness, substances and/or competency issues. For a minor, especially in the state of Washington, age 13 and above is sufficient to consent to care without informing the parent or guardian.

Confidentiality:

I will maintain strict confidentiality of your personal health information and care, as guided by the legal requirements of Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Excluding the care of minors below 13 years of age, all health information are strictly personal and confidential and will be released only with your permission. As psychiatric illnesses are medical entities, contacting your medical provider to coordinate care for treating medical problems or follow up of labs etc., may be required with your permission to maintain care in a comprehensive manner. There are few times in practice, when I am required to disclose information without your consent, which include danger to oneself, to others, abuse or neglect of child or elder. I understand that these are difficult experiences and hence will ensure these significant times and the limits of disclosure are discussed with you in advance. 

As per Washington state mandate, mental health and substance use treatment for adolescents at the age of 13 and above are personal and confidential even from parents and caregiver, except in case of danger to self, to other(s), abuse/neglect and medical emergencies. I encourage you as a family to talk to your teen about mental health and substance use related issues to maintain good communication and support within the family.

Fee and Cancellations:

I am an out of network provider. Fee is due at the time of scheduling an appointment. I can provide an invoice/ receipt with superbill about the visit code. This documentation can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible claim reimbursement. It is the patient's responsibility to submit the claim and interface with your insurance provider. Please call your insurance provider to discuss the contingencies of seeing an out of network provider. Payment is accepted in cash, checks and major credit cards.

Each appointment is made in advance and is not transferrable. I request you to kindly email/ call at least 48 hours in advance for cancellation to protect time for you and me. Cancellation less than 48 hours or missed appointments will be charged the scheduled appointment fee. It is important to note, insurance plans do not cover missed or cancelled appointments, hence call before 48 hours to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Fee range: 

Adult first visit (50 minutes): $300- 350 

Adult return visit (20- 40 minutes): $150- 250

Child first visit (70-80 minutes): $500- 550 

Child return visit (40- 50 minutes): $250- 350

Communications:

All patient health information are protected by HIPAA regulations for confidentiality purposes. Medical records are maintained in electronic database and on paper, which may be available, within limits of confidentiality and clinical judgment, for your reference for additional costs. I would recommend discussing the clinical content with me to facilitate clarifications, if any. 

For scheduling, refills or queries regarding care, you may contact me through email at info@dampiermd.com or via phone at (425) 256-3650. As I work in multiple settings of health care, I am unable to get back to you immediately but assure to call you as soon as I can. Due to the limits of outpatient practice, I request you to contact 911 or crisis line or emergency service for any crisis event(s). Appreciate your understanding.

Medications and Labs:

Medicines will be prescribed if indicated after collaborative discussion with you and in case of minors, your family. Medications will only be prescribed after your informed consent as they bear both benefits and risks that will be explained in your visit. Prescriptions and refills for an adequate supply until your next appointment will be written by me. It is your responsibility to call for refills to ensure adherence to treatment. To avoid medication related adverse effects or long-term side effects it is recommended we plan a follow up visit when refills are provided for care.