Communication and Message Policy 

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Horizons Mental Wellness LLC encourages open and transparent communication between patients and the care team. Patients may contact the office through several secure methods, including:

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· Secure messaging through the patient portal (must accept portal invitation)

· Phone calls to the office

· Text messaging via the Spruce platform (a HIPAA-compliant system used for communication convenience, must accept invite)

 

Messages received through the patient portal or voicemail will be returned within 1–2 business days.

 

Messaging is not monitored continuously and should not be used for urgent or emergency concerns.

 

For any medication side effects, worsening symptoms, or urgent clinical concerns, patients must call the office directly rather than sending a text or portal message. For any concerns regarding symptoms, medications, or to request a medication adjustments, contact the office to request a sooner appointment to allow for appropriate evaluation and safe treatment planning. 

 

For any emergent concerns present to the ER and/or dial 911.

 

 

 

Medication Refill and Pharmacy Policy

 

Routine medication refills require a minimum of 2 business days’ notice. Controlled substances will not be replaced if lost or stolen, and early refills are not permitted.

It is the patient’s responsibility to locate a pharmacy with medication in stock, as availability and cost may vary. Please contact the office directly for any medication-related concerns.

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If refill issues arise, patients are encouraged to contact their pharmacy first, as some pharmacy apps or portals do not update in real time. In many cases, prescriptions appear as “pending” in the app but are already available for pickup once confirmed by the pharmacy.

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Patients should notify the office at least one week prior to running out of medication if no refills remain. The provider makes every effort to prevent gaps in medication and withdrawal symptoms, but timely communication from the patient is essential.

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Non- Controlled & Controlled Substances

 

As part of safe and responsible prescribing practices, Horizons Mental Wellness and your provider may access your medication history through the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and Surescripts network. This access may occur at any point during your treatment or while you have active prescriptions issued by this practice, for the purpose of monitoring medication safety, verifying prescription activity, ensuring compliance with treatment recommendations, and preventing medication misuse or diversion.

 

 

 

Medication Follow-up Requirement

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When starting a new medication, patients are typically seen for follow-up within 4–6 weeks or sooner to assess effectiveness, side effects, and tolerability. If medications are adjusted, follow-up visits will occur again within 4–6 weeks or sooner until stability is achieved.

 

Once stable, appointments may extend to every 6–8 weeks, and eventually 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and progress. Refill intervals and visit frequencies may be modified as clinically indicated to ensure safe and appropriate care.

 

 

 

Stimulant Medication Requirements

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· Stimulant prescriptions require follow-up appointments prior to refills during adjustment periods.

· Follow-up visits must occur before the 30-day refill window to ensure safe and compliant prescribing.

· Stimulants are not adjusted between appointments and are limited to one 30-day supply per prescription in accordance with state and federal regulations.

· Patients prescribed controlled substances must be seen at least once every 12 weeks (or sooner during adjustments) for continued evaluation.