Office Policies
My goal is to make communication easy, so that I can respond to all of your needs personally, quickly and safely. Here are the administrative details you need to know if you join my practice.
My Medical Portal is Luminello
Before we can schedule our first appointment, I will ask you to create an account in Luminello. You can always find a link to the Luminello sign-in page on blue “Current Patient” buttons on this website. This portal is used for all initial visit paperwork and also for all secure email communication. You can also sign in to the portal to view your schedule and download super bills. You can access the portal here.
What To Expect At Your First Visit
The goal of our first session is to see if we are a good fit and to begin to formulate a treatment plan together. The visit will include a thorough discussion of your current problems, your psychiatric and medical history, and an initial exploration of your activities, relationships, family of origin, and other important aspects of your life. Please bring any pertinent medical records and medication lists for review. I will then offer a preliminary assessment and recommendations for future treatment. Additional administrative tasks such as scheduling, pharmacy information, laboratory slips, referrals, information release forms and payment will be handled at the end of the session.
Scheduling Your Appointments
I personally schedule all appointments. Your first visit can be scheduled for 60-90 minutes. Your follow-up visits can be scheduled for 25-55 minutes, depending on your needs. Longer times are available if we feel it is appropriate. Visit frequency depends upon treatment type and the severity of your symptoms. I make every effort to stay on schedule, so you don’t wait. Out of respect for the next patient, I will end sessions on time, even if you arrived late.
Appointment Cancellations
Your appointment time is reserved for you. If you are unable to come to the appointment, please notify me with at least 48 business hours advance notice, or you will be charged the full fee for the missed visit. Missed visits are not reimbursed by insurance carriers.
Your First Visit Paperwork
There are several forms that need to be completed before your first visit. I encourage you to complete the forms electronically through your account on my portal, Luminello. If you would prefer to complete the paperwork in person, please arrive 20-30 minutes early to your first visit. Paper copies will be available from the receptionist in the waiting room. All paperwork will be required before we meet together, and time will not be extended due to paperwork delays.
How To Communicate With Me
For all non-urgent questions and requests, I encourage you to use the secure email system in my medical portal, Luminello. Blue sign-in buttons on the website link to the portal sign-in page. If you need to reach me urgently, please call my office phone at (949) 287-5704. This number rings in the office and on my mobile phone after hours. All messages are confidential and will be heard only by me. While text and Gmail are convenient, they are not secure or HIPAA compliant, and are not appropriate for use.
Fees And Insurance
Payment is due in full at the time of service. I accept cash, checks, all credit cards, and Zelle.
Fees are based on the time I spend with you. Fees are explained in more detail in my medical portal, Luminello and in your treatment contract. Please call me if you have any questions
I am not in-network with commercial insurance carriers. You may be able to use your PPO “out of network” benefit to offset part of the cost of our sessions. I will provide an itemized receipt (a “super bill”) that you can submit directly for partial reimbursement. Please note that insurance carriers reimburse a percentage (typically 50-80%) of the “usual and customary” fee, which is determined by the insurance carrier. Please review the details of your mental health coverage with your insurance carrier, as policies can vary considerably.
I have opted out of Medicare and am not a Medicare provider. If you are qualified for Medicare and choose to see me for treatment, we must enter into a private contract that states that you agree not to bill Medicare for my services. You may continue treatment with other Medicare providers even if you sign a private contract with me. The private contract is available on my medical portal, Luminello.
Confidentiality Policy
Your privacy is my first priority. I do not have office staff and you will speak to me directly about all concerns. Everything that you say in the course of treatment is kept confidential. I will not disclose any of what we discuss to anyone, except with your written permission. You decide whether you submit information to insurance companies. There are three exceptions to confidentiality, as required by law: 1) Reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, or abuse of an elder or dependent adult; 2) Threats of violence to self or others; 3) Subpoenas or court orders. In order to serve you under any circumstances, I may arrange for a trusted MD colleague to cover my practice when I am on vacation or unable to cover my practice myself, and grant them access to the medical record system. To optimize complex treatment plans, I do sometimes consult with other professionals, but always avoid the use of names or identifying details during these case reviews.
Notice To Consumers
Medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California. For more information, call 1-800-633-2322 or go to www.mbc.ca.gov
Contact Me
Ask a question or request an appointment. For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital
(949) 287-5704
Fax: (949) 484-7078
Newport Beach, CA 92660