Question 1

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment directly through our online booking page on this website — it's available 24/7. You can also call our office during business hours to speak with a team member who can assist you.

Question 2

How far in advance do I need to schedule?

Accepted Answer

We recommend scheduling at least a few days in advance, though same-week appointments may be available depending on our current schedule. New patient appointments typically require more lead time, so we encourage you to book as early as possible.

Question 3

What are your office hours?

Accepted Answer

Our clinic is open Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. We are closed on Thursday and Sunday. We offer flexible scheduling including some evening slots to accommodate patients with busy daytime schedules. Please check the booking page for current availability.

Question 4

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice or no-shows may be subject to a fee as outlined in our Practice Policies.

Question 5

Do you offer after-hours or weekend appointments?

Accepted Answer

Availability varies. Please check the online booking calendar for the most up-to-date scheduling options. We do our best to accommodate patients who cannot attend weekday daytime appointments.

Question 6

What happens if I am running late?

Accepted Answer

Please call us as soon as you know you will be late. Appointments that start significantly late may need to be shortened or rescheduled to avoid impacting other patients. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in needing to reschedule.

Question 7

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer care via telehealth (video), audio/phone appointments, and in-person visits. Telehealth makes it easy to receive high-quality psychiatric care from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are in Minnesota.

Question 8

Do I need to download an app for telehealth?

Accepted Answer

No app download is required. We use a secure, browser-based video platform. You'll receive a link by email before your appointment — just click it and you're in. It works on any modern smartphone, tablet, or computer. We recommend testing your camera and microphone a few minutes before your session starts.

Question 9

Is telehealth covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most insurance plans — including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealth, Cigna, HealthPartners, and many others — now cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits. We bill your insurance exactly the same way regardless of whether your appointment is in-person or via video. We recommend calling the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm your specific telehealth benefits, or we can help verify before your appointment.

Question 10

What do I need for a telehealth visit?

Accepted Answer

You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space for your session. We'll send you a secure link prior to your appointment — no special app download is required.

Question 11

Where do I need to be located for a telehealth appointment?

Accepted Answer

You must be physically located in the state of Minnesota at the time of your appointment. This is a legal requirement based on our licensure. If you are traveling out of state, please contact us to reschedule. You can be anywhere within Minnesota — from the Twin Cities to rural communities — and receive the same quality of care.

Question 12

Is telehealth as effective as in-person care?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that telehealth psychiatric care is just as effective as in-person visits for most conditions. It offers the added benefit of convenience and removes barriers like transportation, parking, and time off work.

Question 13

Is my telehealth session private and secure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platforms to conduct all telehealth visits. Sessions are never recorded without your explicit consent. Your privacy and confidentiality are protected at every step.

Question 14

Can I get a prescription through a telehealth visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gernine can evaluate your needs, adjust medications, and send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy — all through a telehealth appointment. This includes most psychiatric medications. Certain controlled substances may have specific in-person requirements under federal and state law, which we'll communicate clearly if applicable.

Question 15

Can I switch between telehealth and in-person visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a hybrid care model — you can mix and match in-person, telehealth, and phone appointments based on your preference and circumstances. Just let us know when booking what format works best for you.

Question 16

What if I have technical problems during my telehealth visit?

Accepted Answer

If you experience technical difficulties, please call our office immediately. We can switch to an audio/phone appointment as a backup so your session is not wasted. Please make sure your device is charged and your internet is working before your appointment time.

Question 17

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, typically lasting 45–60 minutes. Gernine will take time to learn about your mental health history, current symptoms, medical background, medications, and personal goals. This is a conversation, not an interrogation — we want you to feel comfortable and heard.

Question 18

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications (including dosages), any previous psychiatric or medical records you feel are relevant, and your completed intake forms if they were sent in advance.

Question 19

Will I receive a diagnosis or prescription at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your individual situation. After the initial evaluation, Gernine may provide a preliminary diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan, which could include medication, therapy referrals, or follow-up assessments. She will always explain her thinking and involve you in the decision-making process.

Question 20

How do I complete intake paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Intake forms are typically sent to you electronically before your appointment via email or our patient portal. Please complete them at least 24 hours before your visit so we can review your information and make the most of your appointment time.

Question 21

Is my first visit confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. Everything you share with us is protected under HIPAA and our strict confidentiality policy. The only exceptions are situations involving imminent danger to yourself or others, or as required by law — which we will explain clearly if they arise.

Question 22

How long will follow-up appointments be?

Accepted Answer

Follow-up medication management appointments are typically 20–30 minutes. If you are working through a more complex adjustment or have significant updates to discuss, longer slots may be available. We encourage open communication about what you need.

Question 23

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our office directly to confirm whether your specific plan is accepted, as coverage can vary. We'll do our best to verify your benefits before your appointment.

Question 24

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

We offer self-pay options for patients without insurance coverage. Please reach out to discuss our current rates and any available payment arrangements. We believe cost should not be a barrier to receiving quality mental health care.

Question 25

When is payment due?

Accepted Answer

Copays, coinsurance, and self-pay balances are due at the time of service. For your convenience, we accept multiple payment methods. You can also make payments through our secure Online Payment page.

Question 26

Will you bill my insurance directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will submit claims to your insurance provider on your behalf. However, you are ultimately responsible for any amounts not covered by your insurance, including deductibles, copays, and non-covered services.

Question 27

What is your policy on missed appointment fees?

Accepted Answer

No-shows and late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) may be charged a fee that is not billable to insurance. This fee helps us maintain appointment availability for all patients. Please review our Practice Policies page for full details.

Question 28

Can Gernine prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, Gernine is authorized to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe psychiatric medications in the state of Minnesota.

Question 29

How do I request a prescription refill?

Accepted Answer

Refill requests should be made at least 5–7 business days before your medication runs out. The best way to request a refill is through the patient portal or by calling our office. Please do not wait until your last dose — we cannot guarantee same-day refills.

Question 30

Will I be on medication forever?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Medication needs vary by condition and individual. Some patients benefit from short-term treatment, while others may need longer-term management. Gernine will regularly review your treatment plan and discuss any changes with you.

Question 31

What if I experience side effects from my medication?

Accepted Answer

Contact our office as soon as possible if you experience concerning side effects. Do not stop taking your medication abruptly without speaking with Gernine first, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms.

Question 32

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Controlled substances may be prescribed when clinically appropriate and in compliance with Minnesota state regulations. This requires an established patient relationship, regular follow-up visits, and adherence to our controlled substance policy.

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