Question 1

Does Fermo Psychiatric Solutions accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

We ONLY accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance plans. Patients who do not have BCBS may be able to file a claim to their insurance for services rendered. Ask our support staff for a detailed receipt if you would like to consider this as an option.

Patients who do not have BCBS insurance will be considered Self-Pay patients and are responsible for providing full payment before services are rendered.  
New Patient Intake = $400 & Follow-up visits = $200

Patients who have government insurance policies such as Medicaid or Medicare are NOT able to submit a claim to their insurance company due to the limitations set forth by the federal government. All Medicare patients must sign a Medi-Wavier in order to initiate and continue treatment Dr. Fermo. See link for details concerning this policy. https://intakeq.com/c/k92q0y (https://intakeq.com/c/k92q0y)

Question 2

How does payment work?

Accepted Answer

Payment is required 24 hours before your appointment and is charged automatically to the credit or debit card on file (health savings account or other medical debit cards are acceptable). All patients are required to adhere to this check-in procedure, with no exceptions. If your card is declined during the check-in process, your appointment may be cancelled if payment is not rendered.

For Self-Pay New Patients, a preauthorization charge of $350 is required to schedule an new patient appointment. For Self-Pay follow up patients a preauthorization charge of $150 is required 24hours before services are rendered. In the event that services are rendered prior to payment, please note that failure to provide payment for services rendered will delay appointment check-out.

For additional information, please review our credit card authorization form and policy for more details.

Question 3

What should I do if my medication requires prior authorization?

Accepted Answer

If you receive a notice from your pharmacy that your medication requires a prior authorization, do not assume we received communication from your pharmacy - please follow instructions below to ensure we will work on your prior authorization right away:

1. Fill out the Google form below or click on this link: Medication Prior Authorization Request Link (https://forms.gle/u3PUzxT9m6cX8knd9). The form can be completed using cell phone or computer.
2. Answer each question completely and to the best of your knowledge. Unanswered questions may delay processing.
3. Once you have submitted the Google form a copy of the form will be emailed to you for your records.
4. Please allow 24-48 hours for a status update. Some approvals are quicker than others however some may take up to 72 hours depending on the insurance company guidelines. 
5. For urgent prior authorization questions, TEXT only this number 843-608-8070 or email your questions to info@LowcountryMedicalManagement.com (info@LowcountryMedicalManagement.com). Please use contact number and email respectfully.

Question 4

How do I request medication refills or leave a message for Dr. Fermo?

Accepted Answer

The office receives and delivers a large volume of calls / messages daily. The office has a 3-business day policy on returning messages as to allow the physician to thoroughly review each patient message. Office staff are available to speak with you about questions and/or concerns which will then be presented to your provider for review. We try out best to answer as quickly as we can and most times the same day however if the clinic is busy it would be up to 72 hours/3 business days for a resolution.

For questions concerning non-severe adverse medication reactions during normal business hours, Dr. Fermo will try to provide a response within 8 hours.  In cases where there is a severe adverse reactions to treatment please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.

Question 5

What to do in case of a crisis or an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Fermo Psychiatric Solutions, INC is an outpatient clinic and DOES NOT offer crisis counseling or emergency mental health services. In the event of a crisis including suicidal or homicidal ideation or behavior causing risk of injury to self/others, please dial 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

Emergency Resources/Agencies 
 • Call Mobile Crisis toll-free, statewide, at (833) 364-2274. South Carolina Department of Mental Health Mobile Crisis: Mobile Crisis is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Local Mobile Crisis Teams assess the crisis and can respond on-site, with law enforcement, if appropriate. SC Mobile Crisis is available 24/7/365 days a year.
 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: This line is for anyone in need of crisis help. The Lifeline is available 24/7, toll-free, nationwide, by calling or texting 988 (Veterans, select 1).  To chat with 988, visit https://988lifeline.org/chat/. The former Lifeline number will remain active going forward: (800) 273-TALK (8255).

Domestic Violence 
 • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800.799.7233
 • My Sister’s House Domestic Violence Shelter (North Charleston, SC): More information,(https://www.mysistershouse.org/) 24 hour crisis line: 1-800-273-4673

Drug & Substance Services 
 • Alcohol/drug detox: Charleston Center (https://cc.charlestoncounty.org/)(North Charleston, SC) (843)722-0100
 • South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services: Find a provider(https://www.daodas.sc.gov/services/treatment/local-providers/)
 • Call Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health (Charleston, SC) at (843) 747-5830 for direct inpatient psychiatric hospital admission . More information(https://palmettobehavioralhealth.com/)

Question 6

What is Dr. Femo's policy concerning medication changes between appointments?

Accepted Answer

Medication changes, will only be made at appointment, unless I have discussed it with you at the appointment. Good medical decisions are not made by a quick telephone calls, they are best made when they can be fully discussed at an appointment time.

Question 7

What is the cost for Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letter, FMLA Forms or Short-Term Disability Forms?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our office manager for assistance with forms and medical records request by completing the following online form.  Charges for medical records, FMLA, and other letters and forms are as follows….

Question 8

Does Dr. Fermo perform disability evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Fermo DOES NOT do disability evaluations. Fermo Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. reserves the right not to complete any disability forms. If an organization or patient is requesting records, we will satisfy your request however please understand that medical records are not written to help with determining disability.

Dr. Fermo may place you on short-term disability or complete FMLA forms, but in no way should the patient make the decision to stop daily work procedures or activities before discussing their disability with the doctor.  In the event that a patient has stop work or filed a claim for disability before consulting with Dr. Fermo, please note that your claim for disability may NOT BE supported.

If Dr. Fermo does agree to complete forms for short-term disability, recommendations must be followed and patient MUST establish care or be in active treatment with a psychotherapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed social worker or life coach for continuum of care and intensive specialized outpatient treatment.

All other disability types such as Long-term disability or Social Security Disability should be evaluated and considered by an outside party as we may not meet the documentation requirements necessary for these indications. With some exceptions, a Detailed Evaluation Report (DER) outlining the patient diagnosis and treatment can be written to help the process of determining disability however an independent medical examinator will be recommended in addition to the letter if more information is needed beyond a DER.

Question 9

What is the office policy regarding scheduling and canceling appointments?

Accepted Answer

It is the patient/guardian responsibility to  schedule the next appointment. If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you will be automatically charged $150 for a missed appointment.  Payment will be satisfied with the credit card you have on file and is required prior to making another appointment with Dr. Fermo. It is recommended that you reschedule immediately after your last appointment or at least 2-3 weeks prior to your next appointment.

Question 10

How do I formally request medical records or request my doctor to complete medical forms on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

All request for medical records and medical forms must be requested through our secure portal and are subject to a charge. Patients will need to schedule a consult with the Office Manager to discuss the letter or forms needed. Additionally, patients must sign and complete an Authorization for the Release of Protected Health Information Form to allow the release of records to the outside entity.

We cannot guarantee that a form will be completed during your office visit. All forms are logged by the Office Manager and are completed in the order in which they are received by the physician. The office is frequently backlogged on these types of documentations. Please be considerate and understand that it may take at least 3-4 weeks for letters and forms to be completed. Payment is required before completion of your forms.  Please use links below to fast track your request.

Question 11

What actions will result in the termination of psychiatric outpatient services?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Fermo has the right to terminate doctor patient relationship for the following reasons:

1. Overtaking prescribed medications especially controlled substances.
2. Repeatedly requesting refills of controlled drugs before the scheduled fill date.
3. Exercising unsafe medication administration practices. 
4. Taking medications while intoxicated.
5. Taking medications along with recreational drugs and other substances that have not been prescribed by the doctor. 
6. If the patient misrepresents their symptoms or lies about their substance use.
7. Repeated pattern of failure to keep scheduled visits - After three missed appointments, patient is in jeopardy of being terminated. A notice of this decision will be sent via US Mail along with 30-60 day supply of medications and referral options will be sent to the patient.

The following areas of non-compliance are not conducive to delivery of quality care and the patient will need to find another psychiatrist or seek medical care with an alternative medical doctor.

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