Practice Policies

Coverage

  • Email is the preferred method of communication.
  • For issues that cannot wait for a response, or for true emergencies, please call 911 or go to your local Emergency Room.

Parking / Location

  • Out of respect for neighborhood traffic and limited parking, patients are asked to drive slowly down Belmont Avenue (a one-way residential street), to try and arrive a few minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time, and to park in the driveway (not on the street).
  • There are two parking spaces immediately in front of the garage; patients should park on either the right side or the left side so that each of two cars can easily get in and out.
  • The office and waiting room are above the garage; patients should use the outdoor staircase that is to the right of the house (do not use the front door of the house).

Fee / Discharge Policies

  • Patients are responsible for paying in full at the time of service and are responsible for any costs related to returned checks.
  • WPH will charge the required credit card on file for any balance that has been outstanding for over a month.
  • If there is a problem with the credit card on file and the patient does not complete payment after appropriate notice has been given, WPH reserves the right to use a collection agency. This may include additional fees.
  • Dr. Trettin will not see patients for appointments if there is any outstanding balance.
  • If the patient does not come or cancels within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment, 100% of the fee will be charged.
  • Dr. Trettin reserves the right to discharge patients from WPH at her discretion (e.g., because the patient needs a higher level of care or because of extensive noncompliance) and would then facilitate transition to new care.

Ethics

  • Practice is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant.
  • Confidentiality is maintained with the following exceptions:
    • Communication with other health care providers (if the patient agrees).
    • Interaction with family members or partner (if the patient agrees).
    • If the patient is an immediate and significant danger to herself or to others.
    • If Dr. Trettin learns of behaviors that may constitute legal child abuse or neglect.
    • If the patient’s ability to drive becomes an obvious and serious concern, the state requires that this be reported.
    • If Dr. Trettin is court-ordered by a judge to provide information about the treatment (every attempt would be made to preserve confidentiality).
    • If a law enforcement official requires information to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person.
  • Research / drug companies:
    • Dr. Trettin maintains up-to-date knowledge through reading clinical literature that is peer-reviewed and non-industry biased (not funded by pharmaceutical companies).