Office Policies

Why Review Our Office Policies?

Understanding our office policies ensures you receive the best possible care and support tailored to your needs. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you can make informed decisions and fully benefit from the services we offer. Your cooperation helps us maintain a transparent and effective healthcare partnership.


Welcome to JERSEY MEDICAL CARE!

Thank you for choosing JERSEY MEDICAL CARE as your partner in mental wellness. We are honored to support you in reaching your goals, expanding your perspective, and enhancing your quality of life. The following policies are designed to ensure that you understand what to expect from our care and what we expect from you as a valued patient. Please review this information carefully and let us know if you have any questions.

If you need to reach our front desk, you can text or call 732-707-4100. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, to assist you.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR CRISIS

Your safety is always our top priority. If you are feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please take immediate action:
• Dial 988 or 911
• Visit your nearest emergency room.

For Crisis During Sessions:

If your clinician believes you or your child is in immediate danger during a session, emergency services may be dispatched to your location for further evaluation and support.

Why a Welfare Check Might Be Called:

At JERSEY MEDICAL CARE, your well-being matters deeply to us. A welfare check may be initiated by our team if we are unable to reach you during a critical time, if you miss multiple appointments without communication, or if you’ve expressed thoughts or behaviors that raise concerns for your immediate safety.

During a welfare check, a police officer may visit your home to ensure you are safe and not in immediate danger. This is done out of care and concern, especially if there has been a sudden lack of communication or signs of a mental health crisis. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

YOUR PRIVACY DURING TREATMENT

We respect your privacy and want you to feel secure during your sessions.

Telehealth Privacy: Please ensure no one else is in the room during virtual sessions unless a signed HIPAA release form (dated within the last year) is on file. Exceptions are made for patients under 18.

Safe Locations: Virtual appointments cannot be conducted in moving vehicles or public areas to maintain both privacy and safety.

We kindly ask for your understanding that a $100 missed appointment fee will apply if these privacy guidelines are not followed.

Emergency Contact: We keep an emergency contact on file to safeguard your well-being if you’re unable to make healthcare decisions or communicate in a crisis. Under HIPAA, we only share the minimum necessary information to protect your health, and we strive to involve you whenever possible.

MEDICATION REFILLS AND APPROVED TREATMENT PLANS

We want to ensure your treatment plan supports your needs and goals:

Sharing Medical History: If you are taking medications prescribed by another provider, please send your treatment documents to our office at least one week before your re-evaluation appointment via the Messaging tab in the Patient Portal.

Initial Evaluations: Please note that an initial evaluation does not guarantee continuation of your current medication regimen. Your JERSEY MEDICAL CARE medical clinician may suggest a different approach based on your shared treatment goals. You are always welcome to seek a second opinion if needed.

Kindly note that charges are not contingent on prescribing a particular medication; we thank you for your understanding as we work to deliver compassionate, individualized care.

Planning for Refills: To avoid interruptions, please submit refill requests at least five business days before running out. If a refill is approved between appointments, only a partial refill will be provided until your next session, unless otherwise indicated by your treating medical clinician.

Important Reminder: Refills cannot be processed if appointments are missed or cancelled without proper notice. We follow laws and treatment guidelines to ensure safe and ethical care.

SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

We aim to make your care seamless and efficient:

• To secure your preferred time, please schedule your next appointment at the end of your current session.
• Express, last-minute appointments are limited and may not always be available.
• We send courtesy reminders via text and email to help you keep track of upcoming visits 4 days AND 90 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Didn’t receive the link for your virtual appointment? Text us at 732-707-4100 to request a link Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm.

STAY CONNECTED: HOW TO GET HELP BETWEEN VISITS

For efficiency and accuracy in your care, here is how you can request help from our office between visits:

Scheduling, Standard Refills, Administrative Questions: Send a text (SMS) or call us at 732-707-4100. Our front desk team will address your inquiry and/or direct questions to the appropriate department.

When questions require medical involvement—like medication changes or lab results—we’ll alert your medical clinician. They may recommend an Express Appointment (under 15 minutes) to address your concern promptly. These appointments are available on a limited basis.

For Technical Issues or if your clinician is delayed by more than 10 minutes, please log out of your virtual appointment and promptly text us at 732-707-4100 during administrative hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM). We will do our best to support your request.

If your appointment is scheduled outside of admin hours, you must text us during your scheduled appointment time to report any issues. If we do not receive a timestamped text within that window, your visit will be marked as a “No Show,” and you will be responsible for the $100 No Show/Missed Appointment fee.

CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

This program is ideal for anyone seeking a more coordinated, hands-on approach to their mental health and well-being.

Our monthly, subscription-based Case Management Program provides extra support and structure between your regular appointments.
• A dedicated case manager coordinates care, checks in on your progress, and guides you if more clinical input is needed.
• They can also help with paperwork, referrals, letters, and other tasks to keep you on track.

Ask us for a Case Management Program application for more information.

By offering multiple options—case management support, express appointments, and a text line—we strive to connect you with the most appropriate level of care quickly and effectively. We value your time and look forward to supporting you between regular sessions.

CANCELLING OR RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

We understand that life happens and plans can change. If you need to cancel or re-schedule, we kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice.

Late Cancellations or Missed Appointments:
If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, a $100 fee will be charged on the following business day. This fee helps cover the time set aside for your care, and lost by the clinician.

APPOINTMENTS FOR MINORS & PATIENTS WITH A GUARDIAN

We welcome patients of all ages and abilities, and we are committed to ensuring a supportive environment for everyone. If you are a minor or require a designated legal guardian, please note the following guidelines:

Guardian Requirement: If a patient is under 18 or has a designated legal guardian (e.g., power of attorney or medical proxy), that guardian must be available to speak with the clinician before and/or after each appointment.

Purpose: This ensures clarity about treatment decisions and allows important information—like medication updates—to be shared.

Separate Meeting: If a guardian is not present during the appointment, a follow-up meeting with the clinician may be required to address any changes or questions regarding the patient’s care.

HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE REFERRALS

Sometimes, your clinician may recommend treatment at a higher level of care if your needs extend beyond what we can provide in an outpatient setting.

What to Expect:
You will be provided with a 30-day supply of medication and a discharge letter with recommended referrals.

Please schedule your intake appointment with a higher-level facility within 30 days and complete a HIPAA release form so we can transfer your records in a timely manner.

A Case Management Appointment may be scheduled for coordination of care, resource guidance, and support during your transition in and out of our office.

Please contact us with any questions. We are here to guide you through every step of the way.

PAPERWORK, FORMS, AND RECORDS

We understand that paperwork can be an essential part of your care. To ensure timely and accurate processing:

Disability Forms: Disability-related forms require a dedicated appointment with your treating clinician. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the continuation of disability benefits initiated by another provider. A disability evaluation may be required.

Non-Disability Paperwork: Requests for letters, forms, and other documents may incur a fee as outlined in our fee schedule.

Records Requests:
We release records from the past seven years within 30 days of receiving a signed HIPAA form. There is a $1 per page fee for processing your request.

LAB WORK, GENETIC TESTING, AND URINE DRUG SCREENS

We partner with you to provide the most personalized and effective care possible:

Lab Referrals: Referral slips will be sent via the Patient Portal unless you request otherwise.

Urine Drug Screens: Patients prescribed controlled substances must complete periodic drug screens (every 6-12 months or as directed by your treating medical clinician). Failure to comply may result in medication adjustments or discharge, as required by law.

Genesight Testing: We offer optional genetic testing through Genesight to help tailor medications to your unique needs. Please note this service may not be covered by insurance.

FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND FEES

We are committed to making mental healthcare affordable and accessible while being transparent about financial expectations:

• A valid credit card on file is required for services.
• Balances are due within 30 days of receiving a statement.

Need Support?
Our billing team is here to help with any questions or concerns. You can reach us by texting or calling 732-707-4100.

Disputing Credit Card Charges
We value the opportunity to address any billing questions or concerns before you file a dispute. If you believe a charge is incorrect, please contact our billing team so we can review and resolve the issue together. In rare cases, intentionally disputing a valid charge or misrepresenting your coverage may lead to further complications, including potential legal concerns. Our goal is to work with you in a fair and transparent manner to prevent unnecessary issues.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR 2025 DIRECT PAY FEE SCHEDULE