Clinic Standards
All MMC Psychiatry Outpatient Divisions follow the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services of the Maine Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services.  A licensed physician supervises all staff, reviews your treatment, and may meet with you.

Your Rights
You will receive a summary of your rights at your first appointment.  A complete copy is available upon request.  You will also receive Notice of Privacy Practices.  Please review the material and ask your provider any questions you may have.

Grievance Procedure
If you feel your rights have been violated, you or your representative may file a grievance as follows:

1. Discuss the problem with your provider, who will attempt to resolve the issue with you.

2. If it is not resolved, your provider will explain the formal grievance process.  This includes your right to be assisted by your personal representative and/or the Office of Advocacy.

Confidentiality
The Department of Psychiatry  follows State and Federal (HIPPA) guidelines on confidentiality for mental health and chemical dependency services.  No information about your treatment can be shared without your consent, except in a few circumstances explained in the Patient Rights and Privacy Practices disclosures.  A description of these guidelines is found in the copy of your Rights and Privacy Practices.  If you have questions about confidentiality obligations or limitations, please discuss them with your provider of services.

Medication Refills
You are responsible for keeping track of when your medications are about to run out.  Check to see if you have a refill on the prescription before calling the office.  If your medication will run out before your next appointment call the office (207-662-2221), select the prescription refill option and leave the information that is requested on the message machine. If necessary, you will be scheduled into the next available Open Access and / or doctor appointment time. Advance calls are required and 48 hours lead time is required for completing any refill request. 

Emergencies
If you are having difficulty and need to speak with someone prior to your next scheduled appointment:

1. Try to reach your provider at the office where you are seen. 

2. If your provider is not available, make sure the office secretary knows you need to speak with someone as soon as possible.

3. If you have a need to speak with someone after normal business hours call (207) 662-2221 and follow the phone prompts.

4. Other steps to follow can be worked out between you and your treating clinician.

Storm Policy
Our office is open under most weather conditions.  We will try to notify you if your provider cannot keep your appointment.  If you are unsure if the office is open please call before coming to your appointment.

Fees
Upon your request, our Patient Accounts Office will provide you with a list of fees for the services you or your family member have received.  For your convenience, we also provide Financial Counselors to help you determine how to pay your bills.

You the patient, or your legal representative, is responsible for all fees incurred for treatment at Maine Medical Center.  We must receive complete and accurate information in order to determine your financial obligation and to properly bill your insurer.  Please notify us if you have a change in your insurance or other information at check-in.

Bills and Co-Payment
Co-payments are due when you check in for your appointment.  If you do not make three consecutive co-payments, the office staff will review your status with your provider before another appointment is made. 

You will receive a statement at the end of each month listing the charges for the services you received.  Payments are due within 30 days of receipt of the bill, unless other arrangements have been made.

Financial Counselors are available to help you with billing questions and to work out payment plans and difficulties by calling 761-2260.

Cancellations
If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 662-1310 at least 24-48 hours in advance.  If there is an emergency beyond your control, please notify us as soon as possible.  Your opportunity to use advanced scheduling is dependant on you being responsible about keeping scheduled appointment.  Frequent cancellations may result in losing preferred times scheduled in advance.  Frequently missed appointments without notification may result in termination of services.