Frequently Asked Questions

Policy in regard to appointments, rescheduling, missed appointments, and cancelations:

We strive to accommodate all patients and we understand that life happens with uncontrollable circumstances. Additionally, if you contact us for an appointment we will get you scheduled as soon as possible. In some circumstances, it may be possible to get you scheduled on the same day. In the same manner, contact us to discuss the specific circumstances of your schedule.

Q: What is the purpose of this policy?

A: To help ensure timely access to care for all patients, reduce wasted clinical time, and support continuity of treatment by setting clear expectations and financial responsibilities for missed or late appointments.

Q: To whom does this policy apply?

A: All patients with scheduled office visits, telehealth visits, and medication-management appointments at WM Psychiatry.

Q: How do you define a cancellation?

A: A cancellation is when a patient removes or asks to reschedule a scheduled appointment less than 24 hours before the appointment start time.

Q: What is considered a late cancellation?

A: A late cancellation is a cancellation made less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment start time.

Q: What is a no-show?

A: A no-show is when a patient does not attend the scheduled appointment and does not provide any cancellation notice 24 hours or less before the appointment.

Q: What is the 10‑minute rule?

A: If contact is not made within 10 minutes of the scheduled appointment start time — whether for in‑person visits (patient arrives but staff cannot make contact) or tele-health visits (patient does not join or answer the session) — the appointment may be considered a no-show or late cancellation under this policy.

Q: If I arrive late in person, what happens?

A: If you arrive late and staff cannot make contact with you within 10 minutes of the appointment start time, the clinician may need to consider you a late arrival and either shorten the session or reschedule. Late arrivals that effectively reduce or eliminate the session may be subject to the late‑cancellation/no‑show fee.

Q: If I miss or fail to join a tele-health visit, what happens?

A: If you do not join a tele-health visit and contact/connection is not made within 10 minutes of the scheduled start, the visit may be classified as a no‑show or late cancellation and may be billed accordingly.

Q: What are the fees for late cancellations or no-shows?

A: Cancellations made 24 hours or less before the appointment start time will be charged the full visit price. (Cancellations made greater than 24 hours prior are not charged.)

Q: How should I cancel or reschedule an appointment?

A: Contact WM Psychiatry by phone, patient portal, or the method provided at booking. Cancellations must be received greater than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment to avoid the full‑visit charge.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the cancellation or no‑show fees?

A: Exceptions may be made at WM Psychiatry’s discretion for emergencies, severe illness, or other extraordinary circumstances. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you believe an exception is warranted.

Q: Will insurance cover no-show or late-cancellation fees?

A: We are a cash only practice and do not accept insurance. However, insurance typically does not cover no-show or late‑cancellation fees. Patients are responsible for these charges unless otherwise arranged with WM Psychiatry.

Q: How will I be billed for a no-show or late cancellation?

A: You will be billed directly for the full visit price. Billing and payment instructions will follow the practice’s usual procedures.

Q: Who can I contact with questions about this policy?

A: Contact WM Psychiatry’s office using the phone number or patient‑portal messaging you were provided. We can explain charges, request exceptions, or help reschedule appointments.

Q: What happens if I repeatedly miss appointments?

A: Repeated no‑shows or late cancellations may result in restrictions on scheduling, discharge from care, or required prepayment for future appointments, at the practice’s discretion.