Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How do you we communicate with Dr Levine in between appointments. Communication Between Appointments
I am available for communication between appointments to address concerns that may come up. Patient portal messages and calls are generally returned within 1-2 business days.
Please allow extra time to get back to you during weekends and holidays.
All logistical questions (including billing information/scheduling/assisting with letters of medical necessity) should be addressed with my assistant. Please note that my assistant is not responsible for the clinical part of work, such as refills of medications/questions regarding your care.
How long are the sessions?
Initial Evaluation (child/adolescent): 90 min – 120 min (please note that all initial appointments are held in person in one of my office locations)
Initial Evaluation (adult): 75 min
Medication management: 30 mins/45 min (based on your treatment plan)
Therapy with or without medication management: 50 min
How do I get my medications refilled?
Please contact via physician-patient portal to request the refill (according to your treatment plan. Please note that I won’t be providing a refill without reassessing the patient if a follow up appointment is not scheduled/missed according with the individual treatment plan). Please allow up to 72 hours for medication refills.
What are the follow-up appointments intervals?
Follow-up appointment intervals can vary greatly depending on the patient’s condition and patient’s treatment plan which is discussed in detail with during the initial appointment. Generally, the intervals range from a week to a several months with the common intervals of 1 month and 3 month.
What is the longest interval between the appointments?
6 months (in case there are no psychostimulant or other “controlled substance” medications prescribed)
What are the periods between follow up appointments if adult/child patient is prescribed a “controlled substance” (a pscyhostimulant) for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
For individuals new to ADHD medications, follow up visits with Dr Levine are crucial during the initial stages of treatment, typically every 2-4 weeks for the first few months. As the medication is adjusted and symptoms become stable, the frequency of visits can decrease to every 1-3 months. Regular check-ups are important to monitor for side effects, assess medication effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments. The longest interval between follow up appointments for patients on psychostimulants is 3 months.
Do you provide telemedicine?
Yes, I provide appointments via a HIPAA-protected telemedicine platform. Please note that all initial evaluations for ADHD are conducted strictly in person only
What if adult/child patient is experiencing a psychiatric emergency?
If you are an established patient, please contact my urgent line. If, on rare occasions, you do not hear back from me promptly, then please call 911, the suicide hotline or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
How can I reach Dr Levine’s assistant?
Once you are an established patient, the preferred way of communication is via the portal. You can also contact the administrative assistant via secure email. Please note that Dr Levine doesn’t communicate via email regarding your clinical care
Do you conduct neuropsychological
/psychoeducational testing?
/psychoeducational testing?
No, I do not. However, I work closely with neuropsychologists and psychologists who can help you with the testing.
Do you communicate with other team members’ for adult/child patient?
Yes, after obtaining the release of information from the patient, allowing me to communicate with other members of the treatment team effectively
Can I bring my child/teenager (younger than 18 year old) for a psychiatric evaluation without letting my ex-spouse know?
If you are divorced parents – a written agreement from both parents will be required before seeing your child/teenager younger than 18 years old.
If you are a primary custodian and carry full custody over your child – custody documents will be required at least 3 business days before I can proceed to evaluate your child.
Please note that I do not provide forensic evaluations, court-mandated evaluations/treatments.
Can I see you if I am not in California?
No, I won’t be able to assess you if you are not in the state of California.
Can you send my refills for medications/ “controlled substances” (frequent name of medications used to treat ADHD) to a state other than California?
No, I won’t be able to send your refills across the state line.
What is the fee for initial appointments, follow up appointments, therapy sessions?
Please call at 424-222-5171 for current fees