General Guideline for Autism Evaluations (Children)

Thank you for considering an evaluation with my practice. Below is an overview of what to expect during the assessment process.

1. Initial Appointment (Intake)

We begin with a 60–90 minute intake appointment where I gather background information about your child’s development, behavior, emotional health, and any current concerns.

Before this visit, I will email you an intake packet, which includes:

• Consent forms

• Intake questionnaire

• Additional screening tools

Some forms can be completed online, while others will need to be printed, filled out, and returned by uploading them to the secure patient portal.

2. Teacher and School Input (If Applicable)

If possible, it is extremely helpful to gather input from your child's teachers, daycare providers, or therapists. Please also upload any of the following if available:

• IEP or 504 plan

• Psychological or educational evaluations

• School behavior reports or observations

3. ADOS-2 Assessment

Some private insurance plans require ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) to validate the diagnosis, especially if you intend to pursue ABA therapy. I offer ADOS-2 as part of the evaluation, if clinically indicated and agreed upon.

4. Number of Visits

The full evaluation typically takes 2 to 5+ visits, depending on:

• Complexity of the case

• Parent/caregiver participation in completing forms

• Whether or not ADOS-2 is included

• Need for collateral interviews (e.g., with teachers or therapists)

5. Final Feedback & Report

Once the evaluation is complete, I will meet with you to:

• Share findings

• Discuss diagnoses (if applicable)

• Provide a written report

• Offer tailored recommendations for support, therapies, or school accommodations

More Information About Autism Evaluation Process and Pricing 

I typically require 3–5 visits to complete a comprehensive autism evaluation. Here’s a brief overview of how the process works:

Evaluation Process:

• The initial visit (90 minutes) focuses on gathering medical and developmental history.

• In the follow-up visit(s), I continue interviewing the caregiver, review developmental and school records, conduct behavioral observation, and ask clarifying questions. These sessions help differentiate autism symptoms from other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions.

• If screening results are unclear, I may ask for additional screening tools. If these remain inconclusive, I may recommend ADOS-2 testing, which would be a separate visit.

 Billing and Insurance:

• The initial visit is typically billed as CPT 99205, plus CPT 99417 for every 15 minutes beyond the standard time (beyond 54 minutes).

• Follow-up visits are usually billed as CPT 99215, also with 99417 units if prolonged time applies.

  • Note: Some insurance plans cap 99417 reimbursement at 3 or 4 units per day.

• Report writing (including interpretation of screening tools, interviews, and records) is billed separately as:

  • CPT 96130 (first hour, $130)

  • CPT 96131 (each additional hour, $130)

  • Report writing usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on complexity and the amount of data reviewed.

 Important Insurance Reminders:

• I strongly recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm:

  • Whether they require ADOS-2 testing in order to approve an autism diagnosis (especially if you’re seeking coverage for ABA therapy)

  • Whether you have a deductible or just a co-pay for these types of services

  • What the allowable amount is for each CPT code

 For example:
I may submit a charge of $350 for CPT 99205 + 99417 x3 units, but your insurance may only allow $290. If you have a deductible, you will be responsible for the allowed amount, not the full charge. If you’ve already met your deductible, you may only owe a co-pay or co-insurance.

Visit Frequency for Medication Management

The frequency of medication management visits with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) can vary depending on the patient's needs, treatment plan, and stability. Common schedules include:

1. Initial Follow-Up: After starting a new medication or making significant changes, a follow-up is often scheduled within 1-2 weeks to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

2. Monthly Visits: Patients who are still stabilizing on their medication or require closer monitoring may have visits every 3-4 weeks and more often for pediatric patients.

3. Every 2-3 Months: Once the patient is stable, medication management visits are typically scheduled every 2-3 months.

These timelines are flexible and adjusted based on the individual's mental health condition, medication type (e.g., controlled substances may require more frequent visits), and any emerging concerns.

Important Note on Controlled Substances for ADHD:

 I can continue your treatment after reviewing previous evaluations and treatment plans. Release of Information (ROI) forms will be required so I can request records from your previous provider. Alternatively, if you have copies of your records, you can send them to me via patient portal or fax them. If these records are not available, I will need to do another ADHD evaluation. Note, that I require the initial visit when I prescribe a stimulant medication to be in person (currently only available on Fridays in my Seattle office) and at least annually thereafter. If you have other chronic conditions I may require medical records and release of information forms signed so I can collaborate with your physician or specialist. 

Patients who use cannabis more than occasionally (e.g., daily or near-daily use) will not be prescribed stimulant medications but may be still treated for ADHD using other treatments. 

This is based on safety concerns, as frequent cannabis use can:

• • Exacerbate attention, mood, and psychotic symptoms

  • Increase cardiovascular risks when combined with stimulants

  • Indicate a pattern of substance use that requires further assessment and care

Medication Policy on Benzodiazepines  [Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan)]  

At Mindful Minds, LLC, we prioritize safe, evidence-based treatment approaches for mental health and wellness. As part of our commitment to responsible care:

• Chronic Use: I do not prescribe benzodiazepines for long-term or chronic use, as these medications may pose significant risks, including dependency and tolerance.

• Tapering Support: I may provide support for individuals looking to safely taper off benzodiazepines, using evidence-based guidelines tailored to their needs on case by case basis. .

Your safety and well-being are my top priorities.

See policies and consents for more information (available in patient portal after requesting the appointment).

Disability Paperwork Policy

As part of my practice, I am able to complete disability paperwork only for established patients. This means I cannot complete any disability-related forms during the first visit or early stages of treatment. Before I can consider completing such paperwork, I require:

   •   Previous psychiatric records

   •   A signed Release of Information (ROI) form for your current Primary Care Provider (PCP), therapist, and any previous mental health providers.

This information is necessary to ensure I have a full understanding of your treatment history and to allow me to collaborate effectively with your treatment team.

My goal is to support your mental health recovery and help you return to optimal functioning in daily life, including your work and/or school responsibilities.