FAQs

What is involved in an initial psychiatric evaluation and follow-up visits?

The initial psychiatric evaluation focuses on the reason for the visit, the history of present illness, review of past psychiatric and medical history and treatment, review of alcohol and drug use history, family history, and social history. It is important to complete the 13 page New Patient Registration and Personal History Forms prior to your appointment. It is recommended that you download and complete the forms at home so you can give more thoughtful and accurate information. This will help make efficient use of your initial 50 minute face to face interview. After reviewing this information, together we develop a treatment plan.

What kind of treatment is available?

The primary treatment modalities are psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications or a combination of the two. The talk therapy may be with us or a licensed therapist in the community. The psychiatric related medications will be prescribed by Drs. Melvin or Payne.

How do I pay for treatment?

Payment is expected at the time of service. We are not on any private insurance panels. You need to check with your insurance plan and see if you have any "out of network benefits". If you have out of network benefits you may be able to submit your claim directly with your insurance plan and receive direct reimbursement from your insurance. Everyone's plan is specific to them and it is imperative you fully understand your benefits. We will provide the necessary documentation so you can file with your insurance provider. We will not file any insurance claims. We accept cash, personal check, Visa or Mastercard.

Do we accept medicare?

Dr. Melvin is not a medicare provider. If you have medicare, you will need to pay for your visit at the time of service. Medicare requires you to sign an agreement (office will provide) which states that you are aware that Dr. Melvin is not a medicare provider, that you agree to pay your bill and you will not file a claim to medicare.

Dr. Payne is a medicare provider and will file your claim with medicare. You are expected to pay your co-pay at the time of service.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You have two options. First, you can request an appointment by email. Click here

to send your request by email. We will reply by email or phone whichever you prefer. Secondly, you can call the office at 704-644-7885 to schedule an appointment. If your call goes to voicemail, we will return your call as soon as possible.

Is there a charge for a late cancellation or missed appointment?

Yes. You will be charged 50% of the appointment fee for a missed appointment or an appointment that is cancelled less that 24 hours prior to your appointment. There is no charge if you cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

Please note, if you do not give at least 48 hours notice to cancel your initial appointment you may not be allowed to reschedule the initial appointment.

What do I need to do before my initial visit if I have never been seen by Dr. Melvin or Dr. Payne

You can email or call to schedule a 50 minute appointment. You need to complete the New Patient Registration and Personal History Forms prior to your first appointment with Dr. Melvin. The forms are all available for download. You may fax the completed forms to 704-353-7275 or email them to appointments@allenmelvinmd.com, or simply bring the completed forms to your initial appointment.

As noted in the previous question, if you do not give at least 48 hours notice to cancel your initial appointment you may not be allowed to reschedule the initial appointment

How do I get my prescriptions refilled?

We make every effort to give you enough medication to last to your next scheduled appointment. It is your responsiblity to schedule your appointments so that you do not run out of your medication. To give good clinical care, patients must be seen on a regular basis. Presciptions will not be renewed if you do not keep your follow up visit appointments. Also, only minor changes in your medication regimen can be made between appointments. If a major change in your medication regimen is needed you will need to have an appointment with Dr. Melvin.

To request a refill, you or your pharmacist can contact our office.

If you call the office for a medication refill please leave specific information, including the pharmacy name, phone number and location, medication name, dosage (size of tablet), and when and how many tablets you take each day.

We do not accept faxed refill requests from your pharmacist because the requests frequently do not match your current medication regimen. We do accept phone request from your pharmacy.

It may take up to 24 hours for reviewing your medical history and deciding if the refill is appropriate.

Please call your pharmacy to see if your request was processed before calling the office to request the same refill a second time.

Routine prescriptions refills will not be provided on the weekends.

What do I do if I need care after office hours?

There is a physician on call when the office is closed. The physician is available for emergencies that cannot wait until the next business day.
You can leave a message for the on call physician by calling 704-313-8436. The on call physcian will be notified and return your call.