GEORGIA'S FIRST CHOICE IN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION TREATMENT FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Ridgeview FAQ
Frequently asked questions from patients, family, and referring professionals.
If you have questions that are not in our FAQ’s, please call us at, toll-free (844) 350-8800 and we will be happy to assist you.
We are available 24/7.
We know patients, as well as family members, friends and referral sources have a lot of questions before, during and after treatment so we have addressed many of the frequent inquiries we receive below.
Ridgeview Institute
How long does it take to be admitted into an inpatient program and what can I expect?
The assessment is the first step in the admissions process. The Access Center counselor will then select a Ridgeview physician for you if you do not already have one, check your insurance benefits and obtain the necessary authorization from your insurance company, then ask you to complete medical, family history and admission forms. Typically the admission process takes two to four hours (including the assessment); however, it may take longer depending upon your insurance company’s requirements.
Will my insurance pay for my treatment? Will someone explain how my hospital bill will work?
Most insurance plans cover all or part of the cost for Ridgeview’s treatment programs. A Patient Accounts representative will assist you with financial arrangements for any costs not covered by your insurance. If you have questions about your bill at any time during your stay, please contact the Patient Accounts office.
While we accept most insurance plans, your part of the cost will vary based on your benefit plan. You will be asked to pay your deductible and any co-payments at the time of admission based on your insurance company and health insurance plan. A Patient Accounts representative will answer any financial questions you may have about costs not covered by your insurance. Physicians are not employees of Ridgeview Institute; therefore, a separate payment to the physician will be required. As a convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, debit cards and checks.
Verification of Insurance Benefits. Verifying your insurance benefits is necessary to make sure your treatment at Ridgeview will be covered. This can be done before coming to Ridgeview by calling the Access Center with your insurance policy information. Knowing your benefits will help you plan for any expenses not covered by your insurance.
Your health insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Specific questions about your policy and coverage are best answered by your insurance company or your employer. We will make every effort to comply with your carrier’s procedures. Knowing your benefits will help you plan for any expenses not covered by your insurance.
Pre-certification with Your Insurance Company. Pre-certification involves reviewing the clinical assessment with a reviewer at your insurance company to obtain authorization for your admission. This process is necessary to give you full access to your insurance benefits. Insurance companies often impose penalties, such as denial of payment for treatment, when pre-certification procedures are not followed before admission. Unfortunately, depending upon your insurance company, pre-certification is sometimes a slow process. We will do everything we can to hasten this process.
Ridgeview Institute accepts the following insurances:
- AdvaNet (80 % of billed charges)
- Aetna
- American Behavioral
- Amerigroup
- BCBS (HMO ,Indemnity PCG PPO, Exchange)
- Beacon /Value Options
- Behavioral Health Systems (small contract)
- CareSource (new contract )
- Cenpatico /Ambetter
- Cenpatico/PeachState ( Medicaid)
- CIGNA BH
- COMPpsych
- Coventry HC (merged with Aetna in 01/2015)
- DBHDD (short term crisis stabilization)
- EBS – RMSCO/Lifetime Benefit solutions
- Emory Healthcare Network (new contract)
- First Health
- Humana
- HealthNet (VA) 95% of Medicare
- Integrated Health Plan (purchased by MultiPlan in 09/2012)
- Kaiser
- MAGELLAN (Pinnacle & Navigator (Meidcare) Networks)
- MAGELLAN (Summit Networks)
- MultiPlan/ PHCS/ BeechStreet
- NOVANET (small contract)
- MH Net
- One Health Alliance/ Alliant Health Plan (small contract)
- PruittHealth Premier (Medicare Advantage)
- Secure Health Plans
- Three Rivers Provider Network
- TRICARE/Value Options (discontinued as of 01/01/2018, managed by Humana, See Tricare /Humana)
- Tricare /Humana (new contract)
- UBH/OPTUM
- US Labor Dep. Workers comp (100% of Medicare)
- Wellcare Medicare
- Wellcare Medicaid
What kind of paperwork can I expect during the admission process?
During the admission process you will be asked to complete several forms including medical and family history forms. This information is important for your treatment at Ridgeview, so please be thorough.
Patient Rights. Ridgeview Institute believes in the respectful treatment of patients and families while providing a safe and supportive environment. We provide a system to ensure that the rights of our patients and their family members are preserved and protected. You will receive a written copy of your Patients Rights upon admission. Please feel free to ask us questions about anything you do not understand.
Is my mental health treatment confidential?
Complete confidentiality is a patient right and is mandated by Federal law. We will not release information to anyone without your permission. If you would like for us to talk with a family member, personal physician or anyone else regarding your assessment or treatment at Ridgeview, please request to sign a Release of Information form. A confidentiality code will then be assigned and must be used for anyone else to access your information.
Who will be my doctor?
If you do not have a Ridgeview physician, we will select one for you based on your treatment needs and your insurance company’s requirements. Your Ridgeview physician will lead the treatment team coordinating your care and, if needed, prescribe any medications.
Since physicians are not employed by Ridgeview Institute, you will be required to make separate payments to the physician. If you have questions about your physician’s charges, you will need to contact your physician’s office. If you have a personal physician or therapist that you would like for us to involve in your treatment we will be glad to do so; however, we will not contact anyone without your permission.
Can my family visit me while in inpatient care?
Visitation is allowed during scheduled times which vary for each program. Please choose the appropriate link below or check with your program staff.
Adult Inpatient Services FAQ
Youth Services FAQ
Recovery Residence FAQ
Women’s Services FAQ
Older Adult Inpatient Services FAQ
Will my family be involved in my treatment?
We strongly encourage family/significant others to be involved in treatment whenever possible and appropriate. Ridgeview offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, patient and family groups, and weekly support and education groups to the patient’s families and significant others during and after treatment. Our four-day Family Workshop, held monthly, provides opportunities for patients and families to heal together.
Can I smoke while I’m here?
Smoking is allowed in the adult programs only in designated outside areas. Cigarettes are not sold at the hospital.
What will happen after I am admitted to Ridgeview Institute?
You and your family, if available, will be escorted to the appropriate program for a tour and brief orientation for treatment and family services. Afterwards, a staff member will meet with you to complete the assessment process and help you get started.
What should I bring to the hospital?
Limit your clothing to what you will need in the course of a one-week stay, so we recommend three to four changes of casual clothing without drawstrings Casual clothing is recommended. For women, casual pants or jeans with tops or comfortable, casual dresses. For men, slacks or jeans with casual shirts. Please note that offensive or inappropriate logos will not be allowed. Laundry access is available with laundry detergent.
We also suggest a supply of socks and underwear that will last between three and four days. Please do not bring tube socks or leggings.
Bring one pair of comfortable shoes without shoelaces and
a sweater or light jacket, without drawstrings.
Toiletries: Comb, brush, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste rechargeable electric razor. We provide toiletries if needed. (No glass or aluminum containers, no mirrors, no alcohol content in any products, and no hair dryers or flat/curling irons)
Medications: Please bring all your medications and provide a list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosages and frequency. Ridgeview will provide medications on our formulary only. This may not include medications prescribed for certain medical conditions.
Phone Numbers: Bring a list of important phone numbers, as you will not have immediate access to a cell phone while you are in treatment.
Please leave these items at home:
Please do not bring jewelry, money or other valuables. Wedding rings are appropriate.
Any clothing with drawstrings is prohibited: sweatpants, running shorts, hoodies, pajamas, shoes with shoe strings, paracord jewelry or watches, etc. Belts are also not allowed.
Electronic devices such as MP3 players, tablets, laptop computers, radios, cell phones, alarm clocks or other items with a cord are prohibited.
Please do not bring your own pillow, sheets, blanket or stuffed animals. We will supply all the linens and pillows you need during your stay.
You do not need Food and drinks from outside of the hospital. You will be provided with snacks in addition to regular meals.
All of a patient’s belongings will be searched by a qualified staff member and recorded on a Patient Property Inventory. This list of his/her belongings will be reviewed with the patient and the patient will need to sign this form. Ridgeview Institute is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles listed under the “Items retained by the patient” section of the form.
How do I obtain a Patient ID?
Every patient is protected under the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) law that requires us to keep our patients’ identity confidential.
The patient will be given a unique ID number when he/she is admitted. He/she will have the opportunity to give their patient ID number to whomever he/she chooses. In the case you have not received this number please leave a message for the patient and if he/she is admitted to the hospital, our staff will give the patient a message that you are attempting to reach him/her. Receptionists will not be able to confirm if a patient is admitted to the hospital without the patient ID, but if you leave a message and the person you are trying to reach is at the hospital the message will be delivered. If the patient does not want to provide his/her ID, this is their right and the phone call may not be returned.
We strive to include friends, family and referral sources in the care of our patients, but we do respect the confidentiality of each patient and adhere to HIPAA laws.
If you are a referring professional attempting to contact your patient, please contact us and ask for one our community liaison’s to provide assistance.
Can I send mail or flowers to my loved one?
Yes, you can send mail and address it to your loved one with the patient ID number on the front. Please note that for safety reasons, all mail will be opened in front of a staff member.
Flowers are also allowed on a case by case basis, but for safety reasons:
- Ridgeview Institute does not allow glass or metal containers in patient living areas.
- Flowers cannot remain on the more acute units or the unit designated for adolescents.
- We recommend flowers that do not have pollen due to potential allergies.
- It is best to consult with your loved one’s therapist before sending flowers to a patient.
- Thank you for your understanding, our priority is the safety and comfort of our patients.
What is outpatient mental health treatment?
Outpatient care offers many of the same services as inpatient care in a less structured environment. Outpatient care allows patients to attend treatment during day or evening groups but return home to be with family or friends. Unlike inpatient care, individuals in outpatient programs do not have a secure environment to isolate them from negative or triggering factors. Therefore, patients in treatment for substance abuse disorders must voluntarily abstain from drug or alcohol use when they return home each day.
Because of the freedom and flexibility involved in outpatient programs, they are best suited to individuals in the early stages of addiction or who experience mild symptoms of mental illness, as well as those transitioning from inpatient care. At Ridgeview Institute, our outpatient programs are offered during daytime and evening hours so treatment can be scheduled around work and family commitments.
