Question 1

What makes DWP the right practice for me?

Accepted Answer

Flexibility: our work together will be about meeting your goals.
Time: sessions will be more than just a “6 minute medication checkup”. Our patients see their health as valuable asset where it's worth investing the time to care for it.
Convenience: we offer in person, phone, and video visits. You will have direct access to your psychiatrist via email, text, phone, and website portals.
Control: see who you want to see, not someone assigned by your insurance company. See a trusted provider.
Privacy: health information is not shared with insurance company if not submitting an insurance claim.

Question 2

Is my insurance accepted?

Accepted Answer

We are working on contracting with select insurance companies that will allow us to continue delivering high quality and individualized care. We are now "In-Network" with 4YourChoice (tribal and employees), Exclusive Care (Riverside County), Agua Caliente Anthem Plans, and LYRA Health. Call for latest updates. 
 
As an "out-of-network" provider, we are able to tailor treatment with YOU in mind. Many patients appreciate the privacy and close collaboration with their psychiatrist without insurance companies getting in between. At Desert Wellness Psychiatry, Dr Gonzalez is an “out-of-network” provider and can print out a detailed “superbill” should you choose to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. You can expect direct phone, email, and video access in addition to person appointments. 
 
Call for more info on our sliding-scale.Click here and we'll gladly verify your out-of-network benefits before your first appointment.

Question 3

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide a 10% discount to educators and students. Please let us know at booking. Sliding-scale fee is available on a case by case basis, call for more info.

Question 4

Can I submit a bill to my insurance company for reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

We can provide you with a “superbill” (itemized health care receipt) should you choose to submit a claim.  Your psychiatric services may be eligible for reimbursement through "out-of-network" benefits, medical spending or health care savings accounts (HSA).
Some insurance companies will reimburse a portion of the total bill however this is dependent on your plan. Reimbursement ranges from 0% to 100%. Click here to have us check your out-of-network benefits before your first appointment.

Question 5

What questions should I ask my insurance company about reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Before you book an appointment, please check your policy carefully and consider asking the following questions:
Do I have mental health benefits?
What is my deductible and has it been met?
How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my insurance plan cover?
How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network mental health provider/psychiatrist?
How do I obtain reimbursement for therapy or medication management with an out-of-network psychiatrist?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
what is the coverage amount per evaluation and management (E&M) session?
Is approval or a referral required from my primary care physician?

Question 6

What billing codes should I ask my insurance company about if I want to submit for reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Initial Evaluation:
99205 -  initial eval with MD psychiatrist
90792 – Initial evaluation with psychiatrist
 
Medication followup Codes:
99213 – Medication followup, low complexity
99214 – Medication followup, medium complexity
99215 – Medication followup, high complexity
 
“Add-on” codes (sometimes used as combo with medication followup codes)
90833 – plus psychotherapy, 16-37 mins
90836 – plus psychotherapy, 38-52 mins
 
Psychotherapy Only Codes:
90832 – Psychotherapy 16-37 mins
90834 – Psychotherapy 38-52 mins
90853 – Group psychotherapy
 
Telepsychiatry
Many people love the convenience of video or phone visits. We use secure HIPAA compliant programs to maximize your privacy. Many insurance companies now cover video visits and a few are covering phone visits.
99212 GT - Brief video E&M visit
99213 GT - Level 3 visit using video 
99214 GT - E&M video 
90834 GT - Psychotherapy, 45 min using video
+90833 GT - Psychotherapy, 30 Min "ADD ON" to video E&M
 
99441 - phone EM 5 to 10 minutes
99442 - phone 11 to 20 minutes
99443 - phone 21 to 30 minutes

Question 7

Do you do therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We believe everyone benefits from some therapy to maximize their full potential. Some therapy is to remove barriers keeping us from achieving our goals, other forms are to heal or rework challenging memories. Many times, patients want therapy to take their performance to then next level. Currently we mainly practice emotion focused, psychodynamic, & cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, patients only want medications and we respect that choice. A psychiatrist is uniquely positioned to provide therapy with dual training as a physician and a psychotherapist.

Question 8

Is this practice a good fit for me?

Accepted Answer

We hope so. We make every effort to provide the highest quality care and a fulfilling experience. Our patients will appreciate the direct access to their doctor and availability options. Some patients and families seeking mental health consultation may require more specialized services than can safely be provided by Dr. Gonzalez & team at Desert Wellness Psychiatry. Prospective patients will be advised if this practice may not be a good fit. Completing pre-appointment paperwork will help us determine what is the best fit. We will make every effort to connect you with a respected provider if we believe you would be best served elsewhere.

Question 9

What's your take on controlled medications (narcotics)?

Accepted Answer

All medications carry some risk, some more than others. Treatment decisions are made collaboratively however, there are instances where the risks significantly outweight potential benefits of the medication. We are more conservative in the use of benzodiazepines such as ativan, valium, xanax, etc. Significant risks exist where benzodiazepines are used in combination with opioid pain medication, and such combinations are rarely justified. We do not manage pain with pain medication and we routinely check drug database, CURES, to comply with the law. There are instances where benzodiazepines are useful, and we will explore this option if indicated.

Question 10

Do you plan on expanding?

Accepted Answer

Yes! our vision is to create a multidisciplinary team with a common goal of providing top quality services to residents of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Question 11

I'd love to make a suggestion, how do I contribute?"

Accepted Answer

We'd love to hear from you! We believe in always adapting to meet the needs of our patients. Later hours? favorite snack? Longer appointment options? Let us know at info@desertwellnesspsychiatry.com

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs