Amy Alson MD Psychiatrist Charlottesville VA

How should I prepare for my first appointment? After we schedule an appointment, I'll email or text you a link to electronic registration forms. Please complete the forms at least 2 days before your scheduled appointment. If you prefer to fax a pdf, go to the forms and policies page.
What is a psychiatrist and what is an internist? A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness. An internist is a physician who provides general medical care to adults; many internists specialize in areas of medicine focused on a particular part of the adult body, or a kind of disease. My training and experience in general medicine informs my work as a psychiatrist, including my understanding and treatment of people affected by eating disorders.
Do you treat people who don't have an eating disorder? Yes. Many of my patients do not have an eating disorder. I treat mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, insomnia, OCD, ADD, and other psychiatric conditions that are appropriately managed in an out-patient psychiatry office.
Do you treat children? No. I treat people 18 years of age and older.
Do you accept insurance payments? No. I don't participate on insurance company panels or with Medicare. This frees your treatment of restrictions and significantly reduces paperwork.
Will you bill me? Payment is required at each visit by check, cash, or credit card. I do not employ a billing service or clerical staff.
How do I use out-of-network benefits? Insurance companies may cover part of the cost of your care after you meet a deductible. You can pay for unreimbursed medical expenses with pre-tax dollars with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Account, (HRA). Out-of-network treatment can cost less than in-network care, so it's worth doing the math.
What if I don't have out-of-network benefits? You may be able to use HSA, FSA or HRA funds to cover healthcare costs. IRS Publication 969 offers a good explanation of these accounts.
What if I am insured by Medicare? Medicare will not reimburse you for my services. You will be asked to sign a contract agreeing to pay for my services. Medications and tests I order may be reimbursed by Medicare, according to your policy.
Do I need a referral? I don't require a referral. Your insurance policy may require a PCP's referral to a psychiatrist before they will cover the cost of psychiatric care.