What is Medication Management?
Medication management is the ongoing clinical process of monitoring and optimizing your psychiatric medications. It includes regular appointments with your provider to assess effectiveness, manage side effects, adjust dosages, and coordinate refills. It is the difference between being on a medication and being on the right medication at the right dose.
Many patients receive an initial prescription from a primary care physician and never follow up with a specialist. That approach misses opportunities for optimization and can lead to subtherapeutic dosing, unnecessary side effects, or continued symptoms that proper management could resolve.
How We Approach Medication Management
Follow-up visits are typically 15-30 minutes. We review how you are responding to your current medication -- what is working, what is not, and whether any adjustments are needed. Stable patients are usually seen every 1-3 months. Patients on controlled substances or in active titration may be seen more frequently.
Medications We Manage
We prescribe and manage the full spectrum of psychiatric medications: SSRIs (Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac) for depression and anxiety. Stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta) for ADHD. Mood stabilizers (Lamictal, lithium) for bipolar disorder. SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta) for depression and chronic pain. Anxiolytics (buspirone, hydroxyzine) for anxiety. And others based on clinical need.
Insurance and Payment
Follow-up medication management visits are covered by most insurance plans. We accept Blue Cross NC, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and NC Medicaid plans. Cash pay is available.
When to Consider a Change
If you are having difficulty reaching your prescriber, waiting weeks for refill authorizations, feeling rushed through appointments, or have not had your medication regimen reviewed in over a year -- those are signals that your current medication management may not be meeting your needs.