Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! At Sunshower Psychiatric Services, we’re committed to providing our community of patients with answers to all of their medical queries and requests. We’ve pulled some of the most frequently asked questions and compiled them all into one place. Should you have any other questions that we may have missed, contact us and speak with one of our experts today.

What is your new patient process?

New patients are able to book an initial evaluation appointment to establish care by submitting the appointment request form. They will be contacted by our team to confirm the appointment within 24-48 hours with the next steps towards completing the intake process. Services are provided entirely online. During the waiting period for appointment confirmation, a patient portal account will be created for you. The patient portal is the most efficient way to communicate your care needs and to facilitate care.

To prevent delays, please have your most recent medication records and medications with you at your first appointment. Care may be delayed if these items are not present, as medications must be confirmed before they will be prescribed.

What is cash pay and how come you take limited insurance plans?

Cash pay is a direct payment from the consumer to the business. The patient will receive a receipt, also termed a superbill, for services rendered that they can then turn into their insurance provider for reimbursement. It is advised that you check with your insurance provider if you plan to submit for reimbursement so that you are aware of their responsibility and yours, as we would be categorized as an out-of-network provider. This format reduces additional overhead costs, allows for increased direct patient care hours, and streamlines the care and services you receive in an upfront and transparent way. For your convenience, payments are accepted via Debit/Credit cards directly through the patient portal and are due at the time of service.

Those covered by commercial insurance are responsible for any co-pays at the time of visit. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to see what services are covered by their plan.

Do you offer free health consultations?

At this time this is not a service that we provide. We are excited about new developments that will provide greater accessibility to those who would like to be considered for exceptional treatment coverage.

Why do I have to book an initial evaluation if I've already been taking psychiatric medications and received a previous diagnosis?

The initial evaluation is a comprehensive process that allows for both the patient and the provider to gain insight into how their collaboration might work. Psychiatry is an ever-changing discipline and there are many ways to look at symptoms, diagnostics, and treatments. While previous psychiatric-mental health records will be useful to guide treatment, all considerations must be made to ensure that treatment is based on the most up-to-date evidence-based practices and the patient's current health status. There are also different ways that the practice of nursing may approach the discipline vs. the practice of medicine based on our training and experiences. Diagnostic assessments will be completed no more than once per year, and are typically needed again if more than a year has passed since services were last rendered.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We ask for notice of cancellation 48 hours in advance of the confirmed appointment time, however, we recognize that this is not always possible. In an effort to mitigate the financial burden on both the patient and the provider, cancellations received under 24 hours will be subject to a refund minus 50% of their service cost. The reason for the fee is because we do not double book or over book our appointment times; the appointment time is reserved specifically for you. No shows will not be refunded and are subject to the full rate of the missed appointment. Insurance does not cover no-show appointments or cancellation fees, so this would be an out-of-pocket patient expense.

Do you charge for form(s) completion?

Please schedule an appointment to meet with your provider for any forms that may need to be completed. This is to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, as well as to collect any additional needed information in a timely manner.

Do you certify for medical cannabis?

Medical cannabis certification is not considered until the establishment of care. This allows for adequate time to ensure a proper diagnosis and that other treatment options are given full consideration. Diagnoses that currently fall within the scope of this practice includes(s): PTSD.

An Iowa resident may qualify for Iowa's Medical Cannabidiol Program if their Healthcare Practitioner certifies they have one of the following Qualifying Debilitating Medical Conditions:

Cancer – if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting.
Seizures
Crohn’s disease
Chronic pain
Multiple Sclerosis with severe and persistent muscle spasms
AIDS or HIV (as defined in Iowa Code, section 141A.1)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Parkinson’s disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Any terminal illness with a probable life expectancy of under one year – if the illness or its treatment produces one or more of the following: severe or chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, cachexia or severe wasting
Ulcerative colitis
Severe, intractable pediatric autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
Severe, intractable autism with self-injurious or aggressive behaviors
Corticobasal Degeneration

Do you offer any payment plans?

Payment plans are available following the full payment of an initial appointment. Payments for services can then be divided into twice-monthly payments due on the 1st and 15th of the month. Account balance cannot exceed $500 or services will be granted a reprieve until the account is adherent to the outlined agreement. Account balances exceeding 90 days past due are subject to the contracted terms and reporting to collections.

How frequently will I need to be seen by your practice?

All patients are seen for an initial appointment and then a 1-month follow-up. A request may also be made to schedule you for a 1-month follow-up appointment after any medication changes or pending psychiatric stabilization. Once established, appointments can range from 3-6 month intervals. Patients under a controlled substance agreement are subject to the agreed-upon terms that are outlined in the corresponding documentation. Stimulant medication refills require an appointment, ranging from being seen on a monthly to every 3 months intervals.