We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you determine if Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry uses the right approach for you. If your questions are not in this list, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Integrative Psychiatry is a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Dr Tummala has come to recognize that there really is no chemical imbalance driving mental illness. Instead mental illness represents a breakdown in the functioning of the “software” of the body. Our body-mind system is a delicate web of inter-connected physiological systems that provide feedback back and forth, in a delicate symphony that creates ‘music’ when healthy or ‘noise’ when in dis-ease. When there is a breakdown anywhere in this system, symptoms can manifest far from where the breakdown is, including psychological symptoms.
Integrative Psychiatry recognizes this and strives to find the root cause of the problem (i.e; where is the breakdown in physiology?) and implement a holistic plan that repairs the physiological breakdown. Integrative Psychiatry also denotes the fact that it integrates the best of what modern medicine and other forms of alternative medicine, have to offer. For more information, click here.
Trinergy Health practices a ‘direct pay’ model where in a patient pays the physician directly for the services received. Bills for service can be provided upon request and patients can submit the bills to their insurance company for reimbursement. Dr Tummala (or Trinergy Health) is not in contract with any insurance company; and she does not submit bills to any insurance company and she does not guarantee any insurance reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company for your benefit information.
This ‘Direct pay’ model is gaining traction all over the country especially in the Primary Care setting. Current health care system in the US, which is heavily controlled by the insurance industry; is not sustainable due to high costs, poor quality of care delivery, and increasing burn out for physicians. Hence many physicians are opting to have a simpler model which allows them to practice medicine in a way that is empowering for both patients and physicians.
For interested readers, here is a nice breakdown about the problems with US healthcare system, nicely decoded by Dr Oz:
http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/america-s-test-kitchen-s-best-skinny-shortcuts?video_id=5293510317001.</a >
Dr Tummala has opted out of Medicare. Medicare patients can still work with Dr Tummala, provided they are agreeable with the cash based; direct pay model of Trinergy Health. Medicare patients have to also sign a waiver stating that they will not seek reimbursement from Medicare for services provided by Dr Tummala/Trinergy Health.
Dr Tummala is not accepting Medicaid patients at her clinic. This includes BadgerCare, T-19, Forward Health, etc.
Trinergy Health is still exploring the option of providing tele-psychiatry. We are not offering it at this time. However, Dr Tummala envisions that even with tele-psychiatry, the initial visit will need to be in-person.
Although Dr Tummala is not specifically trained in Child Psychiatry, she has had basic child psychiatry training as part of her psychiatric residency education. She is accepting children age 6 and older. Dr Tummala is very passionate about helping our young children achieve mental wellness through a comprehensive/holistic approach.
Dr Tummala is board certified in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry and is pleased to work with adults of all ages. She has a proficiency in diagnosing and treating complex neuro-psychiatric conditions; once again using the best of Western and Eastern medicine.
Dr Tummala has a strict policy against prescription of narcotic substances (opiates, including suboxone, subutex) and other highly addicting psychotropic agents like benzodiazepines, stimulants, etc. Dr Tummala has found that such “medicines” are ultimately detrimental to a person’s long term health and wellness.
In the event of a patient who is already prescribed and taking such medicines, and after a thorough consultation, if Dr Tummala recommends a taper and discontinuation, the patient is expected to follow through with such recommendations. All effort and support (as is possible) will be provided by Dr Tummala to help such a patient in the taper and discontinuation process. Please note that such taper and discontinuation usually takes months so as to allow the mind-body system to acclimatize to a new state of function.
Dr Tummala does recommend certain labs after the initial consultation, and other labs periodically. Patients are encouraged to go to their primary care physician for most of these labs. However, certain special lab tests (eg: testing for genetic polymorphisms) are available only through specialty labs at this time, who also follow a ‘Direct pay’ model. The cost for diagnostic tests vary depending on the fee schedule of the specific laboratories utilized and the tests ordered. Patients will be informed of these costs before any tests are ordered. Trinergy Health makes no profit or commission from these tests. In most cases, payment to these labs must be made directly by the patient to the lab, at the time of sample submission.
For patients without insurance or with a high deductible insurance unwilling to submit to their insurance company (and looking to save on the expense), Dr Tummala recommends getting their routine labs done at https://www.anylabtestnow.com/</a >.
Dr Tummala has found that this lab is reliable, efficient and charges much less than what other local hospitals are charging for routine labs. This lab also operates using a ‘Direct Pay’ model.
Initial Psychiatry consultation with Dr Tummala costs $400.00. This includes complimentary consultation with Vaidya Sunita Pandey (Ayurvedic doctor/health and wellness coach). Patients can expect to spend at least 90 min for this initial consultation with both providers.
Follow up sessions are: $175.00 for 25 min session; and $350.00 for 50 min session. Please review the financial terms and cancellation policy</a > document for more details.
We are not offering a sliding scale at this time.
Dr Tummala is offering extended hours in the evening (5pm to 7pm) and on Saturdays (9am to 1pm). Please note there is an additional charge for these hours. Please review the financial terms and cancellation policy</a > document for more details.
Dr Tummala is a board certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist. She has extensive experience in the use of psychotropic medications. After a thorough consultation, if indicated, psychiatric medications are also offered with a thorough discussion of risks and benefits.
However, Dr Tummala’s integrative and comprehensive treatment plan uses psychotropics as just one aspect of intervention. The other aspects are diet and nutrition, herbal medicines, exercise/yoga, meditation, massage therapy, detoxification therapies, psychotherapy, family counseling, etc. It is this comprehensive approach that is helping her clients achieve mental wellness, harmony and vitality!
Through her training in Integrative & Holistic medicine, Dr Tummala has received extensive education in dietary and nutritional science; as well as in Botanical medicine. Over the years, she has gained considerable expertise in the use of nutritional and herbal supplements; with huge benefit to her patients.
Some supplements are available for purchase at Trinergy Center. They are from high quality suppliers. Information about our suppliers will be made available per request or interest. Patients may purchase supplements from any other source as well.
Please be advised that we take no liability risk if you choose to utilize the supplements we recommend or those you buy from Trinergy Center. These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dr Tummala uses supplements as a means to improve the general health and wellbeing of the patient. The patient agrees and understands that use of supplements and dosages may differ from that which is listed on the label or elsewhere (eg: on an online website regarding a particular supplement).
Please see customer testimonials for review and feedback about Dr. Tummala and her approach. Patients may also view customer feedback regarding Ayurvedic therapies.
Dr Tummala’s vision is to provide affordable, holistic modalities for true healing of her patients. Health is not a destination or just an absence of disease. Health is being alive, joyful, energetic and passionate about one’s life. It is a lifestyle and a mindset – whether through diet, exercise, massage and relaxation modalities, meditation, spirituality, cultivating relationships and community, healthy coping, etc.
With this goal in mind, she is offering cooking classes, meditation classes, and authentic Ayurvedic services under the guidance of an actual doctor of Ayurvedic medicine (Vaidya Pandey has an MD in Ayurvedic medicine with expertise in the science of detoxification). All of these wonderful resources are made available under one roof, for patients to choose what benefits them most.