Frequently Asked Questions

Q) What is Direct Psychiatric Care?
   A) Direct Psychiatric Care (DPC) is an affordable alternative to mental health care services. Instead of the costly deductibles or co-pays, DPC allows you to pay an affordable monthly membership fee. In return for your monthly membership fee, you have access to your medical practitioner when you need it the most. In many cases, DPC providers see fewer patients than traditional providers, so patients get more individualized care as well as the option for more frequent appointments (at the discretion of the provider).
Q) What if I don't have health insurance for a superbill? Can I still be a member?
      A) Yes, you can still be a member of a DPC. Health insurance is recommended for catastrophic events such as emergencies, surgical procedures, hospitalizations, etc. 
Q) I have Montana Medicaid, can I still be a member?
      A) No, Fireside Psychiatry is now credentialed with Montana Medicaid. Claims will be sent in directly to Montana Medicaid for services.  
Q) I have Medicare, can I still be a member?
      A) Yes, members of Medicare can choose to pay for services out-of-pocket; however, Fireside Psychiatry will not be able to supply patients with a superbill, as Medicare will not reimburse the patient for services rendered. Members can accept financial responsibility for a service by signing an Acknowledgement of Receipt and Benefit (ABN) document with the provider before the service is provided. Medicare will still cover any eligible laboratory testing, imaging, medications or referrals prescribed by our office.
Q) Can I submit my membership fees to insurance, HSA, or FSA for reimbursement?
     A) Insurance plans will likely not reimburse for membership fees or include them as part of your deductible. Patients will be provided with a superbill after each billable service for possible partial reimbursement. If you have a health insurance plan that provides HSA or FSA, you can check with your plan servicer to see if these accounts will cover the membership fees. Many HSA and FSAs require proof of a fee for service or supply in order to reimburse you, and DPC membership fees are not a traditional fee-for-service. 
Q) If I go to the emergency room in crisis and am admitted to the hospital, will Dr. Mitchell still be my psychiatrist?
     A) Dr. Mitchell does not have hospitalist privileges, so patients will rely on hospital services during inpatient admission. Upon discharge, Dr. Mitchell will provide follow-up care. 
Q) What if I have questions in between appointments but don't need a visit?
     A) Oftentimes, your needs, questions, concerns, medication refills, follow-up discussions, and check-ins can be addressed by calling, emailing, texting office staff (Brittany) for consultation with Dr. Mitchell on your behalf.  
Q) Are staff available 24/7?
     A) Once you are a member of Fireside Psychiatry, LLC you can communicate with staff when needed. At the same time, Dr. Mitchell and Brittany strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance in order to provide optimal care to patients. For routine questions or concerns, we ask members to email, text, or call anytime during office hours. We will respond in a timely manner. Of course, in the event of an emergency, we advise patients go to their local emergency department or calling 911. If a patient is hospitalized, we recommend contacting the office so we can communicate with your hospital team as needed. 
Q) How long does it take to get an appointment?
     A) Within 24-48 business hours. We have online self-scheduling; however, if an appointment is not available, please text or call and we will get you scheduled appropriately. 
Q) Do you take walk-in appointments for members?
     A) No, Fireside Psychiatry, LLC is only offering telepsychiatry at this time. 
Q) What if I want to cancel my membership?
     A) If either the member or provider determine that Fireside Psychiatry, LLC is not a good fit, we will be able to sever the membership with a 30-day written notice. If written notice is received from a patient at the end of the current month, the following month's membership fees will still be due on the 10th (for example, if a written notice of cancellation is received on July 20th, fees will still be due on August 10th). All current prescriptions prescribed by Dr. Mitchell will be filled for one month following termination. 
Q) What if I cancel my membership but want to re-enroll?
      A) Patients will be charged a re-enrollment fee of $300 to reestablish membership unless there are extenuating circumstances for canceling. We reserve the right to determine what is reasonable on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of the re-enrollment fee is to discourage abuse of our services.