Welcome to The Mental Circle

Thank you for choosing our practice for your mental health care. This document outlines important information about how we operate and what you can expect from our services.

Appointment Information

Before Your Appointment

• New patients should request a booking through our website. Dr. Brooker will review your request and confirm availability.
• Please arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment to complete any necessary paperwork.
• Bring any previous psychiatric or psychological reports, current medication lists, and relevant medical information.

Cancellations

We understand that circumstances change. However, please note:

• Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee, which can not be claimed from your medical aid and for which you will be liable.
• This policy helps us manage our schedule and offer appointments to other patients who need care.

Running Behind Schedule

While we strive to see patients on time, psychiatric care sometimes requires additional time for emergencies or complex situations. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Fees and Medical Aid

Understanding Your Account

Our fees are structured according to the nature and duration of the consultation and aligned in accordance with Healthman Psychiatry Costing Guidelines:

• Initial consultations are typically longer and coded as such.
• Follow-up visits vary in length based on clinical needs.
• Fees for reports, motivations, and prescriptions issued outside of consultations will be billed separately.

Medical Aid Coverage

Important points regarding medical schemes:

• We are not currently contracted directly to any medical aid.
• It is your responsibility to understand your medical aid benefits and what is covered under your specific plan.
• The amount paid by your medical aid depends on your chosen option and available benefits.
• If you would like us to do a benefit check against your medical aid on your behalf, please send us your details.
• You remain personally responsible for any shortfall between our fees and what your medical aid pays.
• Pre-authorization does not guarantee payment in full.

Rates

Our rates are aligned with major medical aid scheme rates, there may still be a co-payment dependant on your specific medical aid and/or option.

• You will be asked to settle your account at the end of the session.
• Should you have available funds within your medical aid, we may be able to submit on your behalf, provided we are aligned with your medical aid.
• Private rates are time based and aligned with industry guidance. Please contact us to enquire about private rates.

Payment Terms

• Should there be a co-payment as instructed by your medical aid, this needs to be settled at the time of the consult.
• Should your claim be rejected by your medical aid, you remain personally liable and will be sent and invoice by email. This must be settled within 30 days.
• If you have not received an account within this time, please contact the practice.
• If you feel that your medical scheme should have paid in full, you can lay a complaint with the Council for Medical Schemes at complaints@medicalschemes.com

Confidentiality and Privacy

Your privacy is protected by South African law, including:

• The Constitution of South Africa
• The National Health Act
• The Mental Health Care Act
• The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

When We Share Information

We will only share your information:

• With your written consent
• With your medical aid for billing purposes (diagnostic codes only)
• With other healthcare professionals involved in your care, when necessary
• When legally required to do so

Your Records

Your medical records are kept secure and confidential. You have the right to access your records or request copies when needed for your ongoing care.

Communication Between Appointments

How to Reach Us

You can contact the practice by:

• Phone: +27 68 790 0063
• Email: admin@thementalcircle.co.za

Prescription Renewals

Requests for repeat scripts may take up to 72 hours to complete. Please ensure that requests for repeats are made in advance, as last-minute requests may not always be possible. It is unethical to write prescriptions without being aware of the patient’s current clinical presentation, and for your safety, we may request a clinical consultation before writing a repeat script.

Your Role in Treatment

Successful treatment is a partnership. We ask that you:

• Be honest about your symptoms, concerns, and any difficulties you're experiencing.
• Take medications as prescribed and report any side effects promptly.
• Attend appointments regularly and on time.
• Inform us if you're seeing other healthcare providers or taking other medications.
• Ask questions if you don't understand something about your treatment.

Treatment Outcomes

While we are committed to providing the best possible care, it's important to understand that outcomes in mental health treatment cannot be guaranteed. Response to treatment varies between individuals and depends on many factors including adherence to treatment plans and individual biology.

Practice Standards

Respectful Environment

We are committed to providing a respectful, professional environment for all patients. We expect all patients and visitors to treat our staff with courtesy and respect.

Children and Dependents

Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the cost of a child's healthcare, even when the child is old enough to consent to treatment independently.

Concerns and Complaints

If you have any concerns about your care, please speak to us directly. We are committed to resolving any issues promptly and professionally.

Questions?

If you have any questions about these policies or need clarification on any point, please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help and want to ensure you have a clear understanding of how our practice operates.

Dr. Janine Brooker and team
The Mental Circle