Medication can be an effective option for managing symptoms of many mental health concerns. We are pleased to be able to offer this service alongside our counseling services with Jenna Berendzen, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C. Jenna approaches medication management holistically, and is happy to meet with anyone who might like to discuss what their options are in managing their symptoms. If you would like to make an appointment with Jenna, or have any questions regarding this service, please call 319-250-1267 to speak with a member of our staff. Please note that Jenna only sees clients who are 18 years of age or older.
Forms
Intake Form
Medication Management Intake
Medication Management Professional Disclosure and Informed Consent
Medication Management Financial Policies and Procedures
Telehealth Informed Consent – Medication Management
COVID-19 In-Person Informed Consent
Controlled Substance Agreement and Informed Consent
Release of Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medication management?
Medication management is a form of outpatient mental health care that involves evaluating a patient’s need for medication, providing prescriptions for medication, and monitoring of the patient’s use of the medication by a qualified medical professional. This helps to ensure that medication is being used safely and as directed, and to ensure that the medication being prescribed is adequately addressing the needs of the patient.
Is medication the right choice for me?
During your first appointment with your provider, you will discuss whether you would benefit from the use of psychiatric medication. Many factors will be taken into consideration before making this decision together, but it is important to know before beginning that medication is not a complete cure. Medication addresses the symptoms, but not the root cause, which is why it is important to discuss how medication would fit into your overall treatment plan.
Can’t I just get this medication from my family medicine practitioner?
While some family medicine practitioners may be comfortable prescribing a limited number of psychiatric medications, it can be helpful to see a dedicated specialist for this service, and many family medicine practitioners will refer out to specialists. This allows patients to speak with someone whose area of expertise is psychiatric medication, and ensures that you can experience the highest level of care.
What should I expect during my first appointment for medication management?
Prior to your first appointment, we will send you an intake packet to fill out, which will include your demographic information, information on what symptoms you are experiencing, and your past medical history. You must complete this paperwork in full prior to being seen for your first appointment, and we also recommend, but do not require, that you arrange for any medical records to be sent to our office prior to your scheduled appointment time. While this is not required, you may experience a delay in receiving prescriptions if you do not arrange for records to be sent.
While in session, you will discuss why you are seeking medication management at this time, what symptoms you are experiencing, and what your options might be when it comes to medication. This would be the perfect time to address any questions or concerns you have about starting psychiatric medication, and to let your provider know what you’ve tried in the past that has or hasn’t worked for you.
You may or may not receive prescriptions after your first session. This will be discussed with your provider at your first appointment as well.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Your follow up appointments will typically be 30 minute sessions, set up at regular intervals in agreement with your provider. Some patients may be seen monthly, while others may need to be seen more or less frequently, depending on the medications they are prescribed. When in session, you will discuss what is and is not working for you with your currently prescribed medications, and discuss any changes that may need to be made. You may also receive new prescriptions or refills for existing medications.
Will my insurance cover sessions and/or the cost of my medication?
Prior to scheduling an appointment at the office, we recommend that you contact your insurance company or review your insurance policy information to ensure that you are aware of what your coverage looks like. While some plans may cover the cost of sessions and/or medications, other plans may not. Some plans may require that you pay towards your deductible, or they may only cover the costs of generic, but not name brand, medications. While we will do our best to confirm your coverage prior to your scheduled appointment, you are responsible for knowing what your insurance policy will and will not cover.
We also recommend that you ask your insurance company whether they require prior authorization for any category of medication. Required prior authorization may result in a delay in receiving your prescriptions, but knowing one is required will allow you to plan accordingly.
If you call your insurance company, you may wish to ask your representative some or all of the following questions:
- Does my policy cover appointments for psychiatric medication management?
- Does my policy require that I see a certain type of credentialed professional for this service? (i.e. Can I see an ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner) for this service, or will my plan only cover services rendered by a certain type of provider?)
- How often will my policy cover appointments with my psychiatric medication provider? (i.e. one per month, 14 per calendar year, etc)
- Are there any categories or types of psychiatric medication that my insurance does not cover?
- Are there any categories or types of psychiatric medication that my insurance requires a prior authorization for?
- Is there somewhere that I can access a list of which medications are covered by my insurance, by name? (Often, insurance companies will have “tiers” of coverage for medication, where generic brands in one tier are covered at a higher rate than name brand medications in another tier. Medications may also be grouped into tiers by class, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and stimulants. This will help you determine what your patient responsibility will be per prescription.)
- Am I paying towards my deductible for this service?
- How much of my deductible have I met/how much is remaining for this calendar year?