Prescription Policy

Practice Policy: Prescription & Controlled Substance Management Policy — Attuned Psychiatry

To ensure patient safety, clinical excellence, and compliance with Georgia and federal regulations, Attuned Psychiatry maintains the following clear guidelines regarding prescription medications and refills:

1. Active Evaluation & Follow-Up Requirement

Prescriptions and refills are provided only for active patients who maintain regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Gideon Matzkin, MD, ABPN. Depending on medication stability and clinical complexity, follow-up visits are required every 1 to 3 months.

2. Refill Requests & Turnaround Time

• Most routine refills are authorized during your scheduled follow-up appointment to cover you until your next visit.
• If you need a bridge refill between visits, please submit your request through the IntakeQ Patient Portal or have your pharmacy send an electronic refill request at least 3 to 5 business days before running out of medication.
• Refill requests are processed during normal clinic hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and are not processed on weekends or holidays.

3. Controlled Substances & PDMP Monitoring

• Before prescribing any controlled substance (such as stimulants for ADHD or short-term anxiolytics), we review the Georgia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database as required by law.
• Per federal and state telepsychiatry regulations, an in-person evaluation at our Decatur clinic (2440 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 200) may be required prior to or during treatment involving controlled medications.
• Lost, stolen, or early refills of controlled substances will not be replaced.

4. Prior Authorizations for Medications

If your insurance plan requires a prior authorization for a prescribed medication, our administrative team—including Mergel Bienes and Davie Seraspe—will submit the necessary clinical documentation to your insurer. Please allow 3 to 7 business days for insurance payer review.