409 Evelyn Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
Phone:803.216.0850 Fax:803.216.0420
Controlled Medications
Controlled medications are monitored and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Pharmacy Questions
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
TelePsych Visits and Controlled Medications
Per DEA guidelines, psychiatric providers are limited in our use of telehealth visits for prescribing controlled medications. The DEA emphasizes that a provider must be able to visualize the patient in the context of an appointment. It is essential for patients to maintain their follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing treatment and to maximize their insurance coverage.
Refills and Office COmmunication
If you need a refill for your controlled medications, please leave a single message on the Barnabas medication line or through the Barnabas patient portal. Calling or messaging your provider repeatedly will not expedite the process. Leaving multiple messages can create a backlog, making it difficult for the administrative staff and nurse practitioners to efficiently address patient concerns, including those related to insurance coverage and telehealth visits. Please track your medications and allow for 72 hours for providers to respond to messages and/or issue medication refills.
Understanding my Bill
Types of charges
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Patient statements
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
Why does my balance change?
Per DEA guidelines, psychiatric providers are limited in our use of telehealth visits for prescribing controlled medications. The DEA emphasizes that a provider must be able to visualize the patient in the context of an appointment. It is essential for patients to maintain their follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing treatment and to maximize their insurance coverage.
WHy am i not able to schedule an appointment with a balance?
If you need a refill for your controlled medications, please leave a single message on the Barnabas medication line or through the Barnabas patient portal. Calling or messaging your provider repeatedly will not expedite the process. Leaving multiple messages can create a backlog, making it difficult for the administrative staff and nurse practitioners to efficiently address patient concerns, including those related to insurance coverage and telehealth visits. Please track your medications and allow for 72 hours for providers to respond to messages and/or issue medication refills.
WHat if i cannot pay?
We offer flexible payment plans and can connect you with providers who may not yet be independently licensed but work at a reduced rate. Additionally, we can assist in referring you to another provider, especially if you're seeking services related to controlled medications or have specific insurance coverage needs. Our options also include convenient telehealth visits.
Payment PLans
We understand that financial situations can change for a variety of reasons, especially when it comes to managing costs for controlled medications. We do offer payment plans on a case-by-case basis. If you need a payment plan, please be prepared to propose a plan that will cover your past due balance as well as future visits, including any telehealth visits as they are required. Additionally, we can provide reduced rates based on needs in certain situations, which may also help with insurance coverage.
SELF PAY RATES
We provide self-pay rates for our patients who do not have insurance coverage. This includes options for those seeking telehealth visits and may need controlled medications.
NEW PATIENTS SELF PAY- (Must be paid to be scheduled initially)
Nurse Practitioner - $175.00
Psychologist - $175.00
Social Worker - $125.00
ESTABLISHED PATIENTS- (Due prior to visit)
Nurse Practitioner - $150.00
Psychologist - $150.00
Social Worker - $115.00
Care Communication
How can I reach my provider?
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Can I send my provider an email?
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
Care portal messages
Per DEA guidelines, psychiatric providers are limited in our use of telehealth visits for prescribing controlled medications. The DEA emphasizes that a provider must be able to visualize the patient in the context of an appointment. It is essential for patients to maintain their follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing treatment and to maximize their insurance coverage.
Prescriptions
ePrescriptions
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Refill Requests
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
Why hasn't your office called me back?
Per DEA guidelines, psychiatric providers are limited in our use of telehealth visits for prescribing controlled medications. The DEA emphasizes that a provider must be able to visualize the patient in the context of an appointment. It is essential for patients to maintain their follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing treatment and to maximize their insurance coverage.
After your first visit
If you need a refill for your controlled medications, please leave a single message on the Barnabas medication line or through the Barnabas patient portal. Calling or messaging your provider repeatedly will not expedite the process. Leaving multiple messages can create a backlog, making it difficult for the administrative staff and nurse practitioners to efficiently address patient concerns, including those related to insurance coverage and telehealth visits. Please track your medications and allow for 72 hours for providers to respond to messages and/or issue medication refills.
INSURANCE
Does my provider take my insurance?
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Why would one of your providers take my insurance but not my provider?
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
Deductible, Coinsurance & Copays, and Allowable Rates
Per DEA guidelines, psychiatric providers are limited in our use of telehealth visits for prescribing controlled medications. The DEA emphasizes that a provider must be able to visualize the patient in the context of an appointment. It is essential for patients to maintain their follow-up appointments to ensure ongoing treatment and to maximize their insurance coverage.
Mental Health FAQ
In mental health, like other specialty practices, some insurance plans will opt to send their claims to a third party. Even though your insurance card may say Blue Cross on the front of the card, your mental health benefits may be processed by another plan or another address. Another situation that can occur is when we send claims with a medical component (which we do for our medication visits) with our psychological codes (as a specialty group). The insurance company may assign the responsibility for payment to you. We can sometimes correct this for some payers (we have a pretty good working knowledge of which payers are the culprits) however, ultimately we file insurance for you as a courtesy. Long story short, please make sure we have the right information on file for you!
Telehealth Appointments
Multiple options to connect your visit
Some controlled medications have an addiction potential and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). We are required by law to verify that you are our patient before issuing your prescription(s) for these controlled medications to your pharmacy, especially when considering insurance coverage for such treatments.
There are significant concerns regarding the long-term use of controlled medications. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controlled medication contract, which goes into further detail regarding points of concern and nuances associated with the prescribing and use of controlled medications.
Benzodiazepines and sedative/hypnotics can be prescribed by a nurse practitioner with a maximum of three refills per prescription.
Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD, can only be prescribed by nurse practitioners as separate, 30-day prescriptions—with a maximum of three, 30-day prescriptions being issued at one time, per dose. Additionally, telehealth visits may be available for consultations regarding these prescriptions.
Emergency Contact
office hours are 8-5 m-f...now what?
Pharmacies will not fill or release controlled medications less than 28-30 days from the prior fill. Additionally, pharmacies do not auto-fill controlled medications. It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their pharmacy to request the next fill or any prescription on file. For stimulants, patients should call their pharmacy and request that the prescription on file or hold be filled. If a patient requires an early fill of a controlled medication, regardless of the reason, this is subject to the provider’s and pharmacist’s discretion and is only available in rare situations. Unlike non-controlled medications, controlled medications cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a controlled medication is not available at a pharmacy or if the patient prefers to fill it at an alternate pharmacy, the provider must call the pharmacy where the original prescription was issued, void the prescriptions on file, and then submit new prescriptions to the alternate pharmacy. This process can be quite work-intensive. Reissuing controlled scripts for any reason is at the discretion of the patient’s specific psychiatric provider and may incur additional expenses or patient liability that is not covered by insurance. Some medications will require prior authorization to use prescription benefits from the pharmacy, which can impact insurance coverage. Please be ready to send your prescription benefits to us if we ask, as it is a courtesy for our patients that we complete these authorizations, which can sometimes be challenging, especially during telehealth visits.
Restructure 2.0
Join our 5 week program focusing on rewiring the body's response to intense trauma and anxiety. Our program is offered onsite and virtually and meets on Thursday evenings.