Can I take an over the counter medication if I am taking an antidepressant?

Depends. For the most part it is usually fine although I discourage use of products with phenylpropanolamine or pseudoephedrine as they can cause more anxiety. If you are taking an MAOI: i.e. Nardil, Parnate, selegiline, or even Meclobemide – the answer is definitely NO. When in doubt, ask – fill out the message Dr. Spirt form.

 

What is the fax number of the office?

212-595-6901

646-386-7509

 

What is the time requirement needed to avoid being charged a cancellation fee?

We ask for 3 business days, however anything less than 48 hours notice, you will be billed for the missed visit. This will usually mean the entire fee, not just the copayment, as insurance companies cannot be billed for missed visits.

 

What is the late fee?

Payment is required at the time of the visit. We do not bill. If you choose to pay by credit card, this can be done in advance by going to the payments page of the website. Payments received after 30 days will incur a 10% late fee, which will continue to accrue monthly. Eventually the unpaid bill will be sent to a collection agency.

 

What do I do if I have an emergency that cannot wait?

You can call my emergency line at 646-480-2730. If it can not wait at all, please go to your local emergency room. I check email several times a day. The phone in the office is not checked on weekends so ALWAYS follow up a phone message with an email.

 

How can your therapist get in touch with me?

The best way is by email or to fill out the contact form on this website. If they would prefer to speak with me directly please call the office and my assistant will let you know when I have a free break.

 

If I move, change insurance, or change to another provider, how can I have my records forwarded?

To do this, please send a letter to the office, by regular mail with original signature, requesting who you would like your records forwarded to. There is a standard fee of $0.75 per page + $15.00 shipping and handling. Email requests are not accepted.

 

When are assistants in the office?

My assistant is usually in the office Monday-Thursday, when the office is opened. I  see patients occasionally on Fridays although by appointment only. If a patient needs to be seen on a weekend, there is an additional $300 fee to come in on a weekend. I charge $1000 for home visits.

 

What insurance plans are accepted?

As of now, Aetna,  Oxford, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

 

If I need medication to be authorized, how do I go about doing this?

As per our office policy there is a small fee for prior authorizations for medication. This is solely because of the time involved and to cover operating expenses. If you go to the Payments page, there is a drop down menu and you can click on medication authorization and pay by credit card. Once paid, call the office, informing us in detail of what needs to be done. It will be taken care of promptly. If the office is not open (fri, sat, sun) please call on the next business day.

 

If I lost my prescription, or ran out, how do I go about getting a refill called in to my pharmacy?

Telephone refills are not in lieu of scheduling an appointment, and there is usually a charge, except in special situations. If you go to the payment page you will find the drop down window for telephone refill. Pay the fee and follow up with an email detailing what medication you need called in, the dose,  the pharmacy address including zip code and the pharmacy number. Of course do not forget to add your name to the email. We will take care of it promptly.

 

As a potential new patient, how do I go about setting up an appointment?

You can call the office during the working hours or click on schedule on this website, fill out the form and send. We will try to accommodate your choices and get back to you on the next work day.

 

How as a drug representative can I come in to see Dr. Spirt?

Drug reps should CALL the office to schedule an appointment.  Please do not stop by without an appointment. In all likelihood I will be with patients and will not be able to see you.

 

Can I drink if I am taking medication?

I do not recommend it, although certain medications are ok if alcohol is consumed slowly and in minimal amounts. With many psychotropic medications you are much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and to hangover effects.

 

What forms of payment are accepted?

Dr. Spirt accepts checks, cash, and credit cards in the office.  All fees and copayments are expected at the time of service. There is a small service fee for credit card transactions.

 

Does Dr. Spirt provide telehealth services?

She provides telehealth for patients located in the state of Florida using a HIPPA compliant video platform as indicated on that state website; http://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth as well as for patients located in the state of New York.