Question 1

What is unique about this practice?

Accepted Answer

I strongly believe in individualized, respectful and compassionate care. The practice model is intentionally concierge style. This allows easy and direct access to the physician, Dr. Bhatia, without multiple layers for patients to go through to have their needs met.

Question 2

What is a psychiatrist and how are they different from other clinicians?

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is a physician i.e., a medical doctor (MD or DO), who went to medical school. As physicians, a psychiatrist has thousands of hours of actual hands-on training (generally this involves completing a 4-year residency training program) after completing medical school (usually about 4-5 years).

They can prescribe medications as well as offer psychotherapy, because of their intensive training along with a deep understanding of biology and mental health.

Question 3

What age group do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with adults aged 18 years to 65 years old.

Question 4

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Accepted Answer

In-person appointments are limited and offered on a case-by-case basis in Howard County and nearby areas. Services are presently rendered primarily via telehealth. I believe this model allows me to have a deeper outreach into the community and provide care across the states of Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia

Question 5

Are you taking new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am seeing new patients in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.

For new patient scheduling, please fill a new patient form on the main page or call us at 301-288-1028

Question 6

Do you provide second opinions regarding psychiatric medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients seek consultation to review prior diagnoses or medication trials and obtain a thoughtful second opinion before making further treatment decisions.

Question 7

Is there a specific group that you work with?

Accepted Answer

I have worked extensively with a wide variety of individuals with various psychiatric conditions in many different settings and am able to work with most people. However, as a physician myself, I am quite familiar and sensitive to the challenges faced by my healthcare colleagues and enjoy working with them.

Question 8

I already have a therapist. Do you see patients for only medication management?

Accepted Answer

I strongly believe psychotherapy is invaluable as a tool in your care. If you are already working with a therapist, I recommend you to keep working with them. I will collaborate with them to coordinate your care.

An extensive review of your symptoms, diagnoses and other history will best dictate the course of your treatment options. If medications are recommended, a detailed discussion will be done to help you understand the risks-benefits associated with them.

Question 9

What to expect in the treatment process?

Accepted Answer

Step One:
Schedule an initial screening consultation with Dr. Bhatia, usually by phone. If it is felt to be a mutually good fit, the next step involves setting up a more comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment.

Step Two:
A Psychiatric Assessment is an initial meeting with the psychiatrist, that lasts 60-90 minutes. A detailed review of your current needs, clinical symptoms, diagnostic formulation and treatment planning is done. Occasionally, a second meeting maybe required.

No formal patient-doctor relationship is established at this stage due to the nature of the visit being an initial consultation. At this point, if the doctor feels you need a different approach to your care, this maybe recommended. You are also able to continue looking for alternative approaches to your care if the recommendations do not align with your goals or expectations.

Step Three:
These are follow-up meetings, after a formal patient-doctor therapeutic relationship has been established and treatment interventions are initiated. These meetings can last approximately 30-45 minutes, to review your progress.

Question 10

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

The practice only accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) at this time. All other services are considered Out of Network (OON). I believe this model allows me to spend more time with patients and provide care as best as I see fit, without any pressure of time or unnecessary paperwork, and focus all my attention to you.

I can provide a superbill to submit to your health care plan for reimbursement, if you have Out-of-Network benefits. I recommend reaching out to your insurance carrier directly to review these.

Question 11

Is my care and information provided confidential?

Accepted Answer

Your information and care history is protected under the guidelines provided by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your information is confidential and private, as deemed by you, within the limitations of the law.

Question 12

I am nervous about medications, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

I believe in a patient-centric, patient-driven approach to care. If a medication is indeed indicated, extensive discussions regarding available treatment options will be provided. It is paramount to a good patient-doctor relationship to have a mutual agreement regarding the treatment plan.

Question 13

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Fees are discussed during the initial free screening consultation call.

Question 14

How do you handle urgent or crisis appointments?

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of the practice, we are unable to respond quickly to urgent or crisis calls. It is recommended that patients go the nearest emergency room or call 911 in such an event. If you are an existing patient, you may request an earlier appointment through the portal (if available).

We respond to routine clinical requests within 1-2 business days.

Question 15

Do you fill out paperwork like disability etc.?

Accepted Answer

I do not fill out any paperwork during the initial consultation. Selective paperwork may be occasionally completed for long-term established patients on a case-by-case basis.

I strongly recommend such patients seek out higher levels of outpatient care, for long-term impairments impeding work, as I believe it helps improve overall functioning and have clear goals of recovery.

Question 16

Do you provide forensic consultations or expert witness testimony?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Bhatia is a trained Forensic Psychiatrist and often provides expert witness testimony.

Attorneys or law firms seeking forensic consultations are encouraged to reach out to us directly via the website or calling the practice at 301-288-1028

Question 17

What is your payment/cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

Your appointment is time specifically reserved for you.

A 48-hour advance notice is required to avoid cancelation fees. Full payment of fees maybe applied for cancelation less than 48 hours prior to your appointment.

Please note, pre-payment of fees prior to the appointment is required.

Question 18

Have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the form listed on the website or call us at 301-288-1028 with your questions.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions