PRACTICE POLICIES
APPOINTMENTS
• All appointments are conducted via remote audiovisual platforms.
• Clients are seen by appointment only. Same-day appointments may be available
in emergencies.
• Both the client and provider must be physically located in Pennsylvania at the
time of the service.
HOURS
• Please contact us to schedule your appointment. Hours are flexible, Monday
through Saturday, but are subject to change.
PHONE CONSULTATION
• Initial phone consultations do not establish a provider-client relationship.
• These consultations allow potential clients to ask questions about the practice
and for Ms. Scattareggia to gain a preliminary understanding of the client’s
needs.
• Potential clients will be invited to undergo an evaluation if appropriate.
EVALUATION
• The evaluation process typically has three parts:
o First session: In depth review of the patient’s history and presenting
symptoms.
o Assessment: Completion of a comprehensive telehealth assessment
o Follow-up: Discussion of results and exploration of treatment options.
Medications, if appropriate, are typically prescribed during this step, but
may be prescribed sooner if appropriate.
• The provider-client relationship is established only after the full evaluation is
completed and mutually agreed upon. If the practice is not a good fit, Ms.
Scattareggia will provide referrals.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
• After evaluation, clients work with Ms. Scattareggia to develop treatment goals.
• Follow-up sessions are generally 15-45 minutes and include combined
medication management and psychotherapy.
PAYMENT AND FEES
• Payment is due at the time of service for copays and self-pay clients.
• Ms. Scattareggia accepts insurance through Headway. Clients using out-of-
network benefits are responsible for submitting claims and managing
reimbursements.
• Clients must inform Ms. Scattareggia if they are Medicare recipients, as
treatment cannot be provided due to Medicare self-pay restrictions.
• Clients are expected to keep payment information up to date on Headway.
• Fees are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
VISIT FREQUENCY
• Clients must have an appointment at least every three months to remain in the
practice.
• Failure to meet this requirement will result in termination of treatment.
• Clients prescribed controlled substances must have a monthly check-in or follow-
up visit before medications are renewed.
CANCELLATION, LATE, AND NO-SHOW POLICY
• Sessions will not be refunded for client-only technical difficulties.
• Every client will be charged a $100 fee for missed sessions or for failing to arrive
within 8 minutes of the scheduled appointment time.
• The fee will be charged for missed appointments unless the client sends a
message in the portal or calls at least 12 hours ahead to reschedule
• Clients will not be scheduled for an appointment if there is a balance on their
record.
AFTER HOURS, HOLIDAYS, AND EMERGENCIES
• Non-urgent matters can be addressed via Headway messages after hours.
• For life-threatening emergencies, clients should call 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room and request that providers notify Ms. Scattareggia via fax or e-
• For less urgent crises, clients may contact the National Suicide Lifeline (988),
local crisis services, or organizations like The Trevor Project.
MEDICATIONS
• Medications are not prescribed until the evaluation process is complete and the
physician-client relationship is established.
• Controlled substances are prescribed only in Pennsylvania. This means you must
have permanent residence in Pennsylvania, be in Pennsylvania at the time of the
appointment, and assign a pharmacy located in Pennsylvania. Additional states
may be offered in the future.
• COVID-19 accommodation allows remote prescribing but may change at any
time according to national laws and regulations.
• Controlled substances cannot be prescribed for more than one month at a time,
and lost prescriptions will not be replaced.
• Per Pennsylvania PDMP and DEA regulations, controlled substance
prescriptions are monitored.
• Clients are responsible for the proper storage of medications. Early refills in the
case of theft or loss will not be granted.
• Ms. Scattareggia may request urine drug screens and reserves the right to
discontinue prescriptions under certain circumstances, including misuse,
diversion, or non-compliance.
COMMUNICATION OUTSIDE OF VISITS
• Routine messages will be answered within 2 business days.
• For emergencies, clients must call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Headway is the preferred communication platform. Emails and texts are not
100% secure and may pose privacy risks.
PRIVACY AND RECORDS
• All client information is confidential, except in cases of immediate safety
concerns.
• Medical records are maintained in a secure electronic database in compliance
with federal guidelines.
• Information will only be shared with the client’s explicit written consent.
ENDING TREATMENT
• Treatment typically ends when goals are met or by mutual agreement.
• Clients may end treatment at any time but will be charged for termination
sessions, even if they do not attend.
• Treatment may be terminated in cases of:
○ Non-payment of fees.
○ Failure to update payment information on Headway.
○ Frequent missed appointments.
○ Failure to schedule an appointment within three months.
○ Non-adherence to the treatment plan.
○ Lack of transparency or communication.
○ Active substance abuse
Note: Practice policies subject to change.