F.A.Q.

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WHAT IS A PSYCHIATRIST?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor just like your pediatrician, your internist, or your surgeon. The difference is that after completing medical school a psychiatrist spends four years specializing in mental health.

Dr. Crumpacker went on to train an additional two years in geriatric psychiatry. So this means that Dr. Crumpacker has expertise in treating both adults and seniors across a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, memory problems, and Alzheimer's disease.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHIATRIST AND A PSYCHOLOGIST?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental disorders. They can, therefore, preform therapy as well as prescribe medications.

A psychologist is a mental health professional with a Ph.D. in Psychology. In this case the title "Doctor" refers to the individual's academic degree.

Psychiatrist and psychologists rely on each other to provide the most complete care for their patients.

WHAT DOES "BOARD CERTIFIED" MEAN?

Doctors do not have to be Board certified to practice medicine. They simply need to have completed the necessary requirements to hold a medical license in the state where they practice.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology was established so that patients would be assured that their physician meets the highest criteria within their speciality. Physicians who are Board certified are referred to as "Diplomates." The Board requires Diplomates to retest at regular intervals through the Maintenance of Certification Program.

WHAT DOES "DOUBLE-BOARDED" MEAN?

Be aware that many psychiatrist refer to themselves as "Geriatric Psychiatrists," yet they have not completed any additional training in Geriatrics, therefore they are not permitted to sit for the Geriatric Psychiatry Boards.

Dr. Crumpacker has completed the Board exams in both Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry. Ask any psychiatrist you are considering if they are Board certified in their speciality and if they have completed the Maintenance of Certification exam recently. You may be surprised.

WHY IS MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION IMPORTANT?

As of October 1, 1994 the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology began issuing time limited Board certification. Any doctor who completed the Boards after that date must retest every ten years and participate in continuing education. However, Diplomates prior to the policy change were able to "grandfather" themselves out of the requirements.

Patients should be aware that if their psychiatrist was Board certified before 1994 they might not be practicing medicine in the most current standard.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept: Cash, Checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover

WHAT INSURANCE DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept Magellan, private pay and Traditional Medicare.

WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL POLICY?

- Payment is due before the time of service.

- We provide appropriate documentation which allows our patients
who choose to file for reimbursement the documentation they need to do so. We do not deal directly with commercial health insurance companies

- Missed appointments or appointments canceled less then 24 hours before the scheduled appointment will be charged the full fee of the appointment before another appointment can be scheduled.