Agnes M. Joseph, MD

I am not accepting new patients at this time.

SERVICES
I provide outpatient psychotherapy and medication management for adult patients by appointment only. I work within a psychodynamic orientation and practice evidence-based medicine.

Consultation
A consultation consists of a full psychiatric assessment as well as treatment recommendations. The consultation period may span anywhere from one to three sessions depending on the complexity of your history. These first sessions also allow you to meet me and see if my approach and style are a good fit for your treatment. Of note, my treatment recommendations may not include follow-up treatment with me; in that case, I will provide a referral to another provider/clinic.

Follow-up Treatment
If we agree to work together, we will continue to meet on a regular basis. For psychotherapy, sessions are usually once to twice a week for 45 minutes. The duration of psychotherapy can be either short-term or long-term depending on your treatment goals. Medication management visits are 45 minutes and typically on a monthly basis.

PAYMENTS
Fees
◊ Initial Consultation (75 min) $300
◊ Follow-up sessions (45 min) $200
Psychotherapy and medication management follow-ups are 45 min

Payment is due in full at each appointment. Accepted methods of payment include cash (exact amount), check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). Regardless of your preferred payment method, I do require a credit card be kept on file for all patients.

Insurance
I am not on any insurance panels and am considered an out-of-network provider. Your insurance will be able to discuss whether you have out-of-network coverage. I will provide you with appropriate documentation if you would like to file for out-of-network benefits through your insurance.

I am not enrolled as a Medicare provider so Medicare will not reimburse any part of the treatment fees associated with my services. If you have Medicare, you must sign an agreement that states you will not submit claims to Medicare.

Additional Services/Fees
I am available by phone as well as secure messaging in the patient portal between appointments. However, phone calls that extend over 5 minutes will be billed at my hourly rate of $300. Also, forms, reports, and other paperwork that require more than 5 minutes to complete will also be billed at my hourly rate of $300. For preparation of medical records, a $25 fee will apply.

GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
Under the “No Surprises Act,” you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. This law requires health care providers to give patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call Agnes M. Joseph, MD at 214.646.1002.

MEDICATIONS
Medications require follow-up visits on a regular basis (at least every 2 months) to monitor for adverse effects as well as response. Please note that I do not prescribe or continue stimulant prescriptions for medications such as Adderall or Ritalin.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS/LATE CANCELATIONS
You will be charged the full session fee for missing a scheduled appointment or canceling less than 48 hours beforehand. Please note that insurance will not reimburse for missed appointments or late cancelations.

COMMUNICATION
Phone calls
I may not be immediately available by phone, as I do not answer phone calls during sessions with patients. If I am unable to answer, please leave a voicemail. I will return your call as soon as I can, within one business day.

Patient portal
SimplePractice^TM (the electronic medical record I use) has the option for patients to join the patient portal and communicate with me via secure messaging. I prefer messaging within the portal as it is HIPAA compliant and more secure than email. The portal also allows you to view your upcoming appointment, participate in telehealth video calls, and access superbills.

Emergencies
I regularly check voicemails and messages. However, if you are in an emergency/crisis situation or you require immediate assistance, do not wait for me to return your message. Please go to the nearest emergency room, call 911, or call the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority Mobile Crisis Hotline at 1.866.260.8000.