Patient information

Know what to expect before you request a visit

Start with fit, payment, and preparation. The important details are here in plain language so there are fewer surprises later.

Dr. Vertrees listening to a patient during an appointment

What to Expect

We'll request your credit card info to schedule your appointment and will bill you when you check in.

You'll need your insurance card for any prior authorizations. We don't bill insurance for visits.

Please bring any important medical records, scans, and lab work. Better yet, fax them ahead of time.

First-visit checklist

Major credit card
Insurance card
Medical records & scans
Completed intake form

Request an Appointment

Before you commit

Insurance and payment

We're a cash-pay specialty practice. We don't bill insurance for office visits, but most patients still use HSA/FSA funds or get reimbursed by their insurance for out-of-network care.

Why cash-pay?

It lets us spend real time with you: unhurried specialist visits without the bureaucracy that limits most insurance-billed practices.

How patients pay

• Major credit & debit cards
• HSA / FSA debit cards
• Out-of-network insurance reimbursement (typically 50–80% of bill)

Insurance still helps

Insurance generally covers your MRIs, lab work, Botox, and injectable medications. We handle prior authorizations and coordinate with your carrier.

See full pricing →Detailed FAQ below ↓

Clear boundaries

Policies

Cancellation Policy

New patients will be charged the full amount of the visit unless they cancel 48 hours or more in advance. Established patients must cancel 24 hours or more in advance to avoid the same charge.

Late Policy

Patients arriving late will only be seen during their regularly scheduled appointment time and may have their appointment times cut short. If you arrive too late you may be asked to reschedule. Late patients are charged the full fee for their scheduled service.

No Show

New patients who do not show for their scheduled appointment will be charged the full amount of the visit unless they cancel 48 hours or more in advance.

Established patients who do not show for their scheduled appointment will be charged the full amount of the visit unless they cancel 24 hours or more in advance.

Behavior

A functional physician-patient relationship relies on mutual trust and respect between the respective parties. We understand that when people don't feel their best, they don't always act their best, and we believe in second chances in most cases. However, behaviors including but not limited to rudeness, foul or forceful language, insults, obstinacy, treatment noncompliance, drug-seeking, or lying to any of our PROVIDERS, STAFF, OR OTHER PATIENTS may be grounds for dismissal from our clinic and is at the discretion of our medical director.

Straight answers

Frequently asked questions

You take insurance, right?

Well, no.

Why don't you take my insurance?

Several reasons: First, insurers come between the patient and her/his doctor due to increased red tape and reduced appointment times. With increasing bureaucratic red tape and dwindling reimbursement, physicians are forced to spend less and less time with patients (and they're often staring at computers or tablets entering data to meet certain pay code levels). In our opinion, this is no way to take care of people.

So I actually pay you, then?

Correct. Just like you pay your accountant, lawyer, vet and orthodontist.

But, I can use my insurance somehow, right?

Usually. Check with your insurance provider about out-of-network benefits, which are typically 50-80% of your bill. You pay us at the beginning of your visit and we'll give you an itemized bill to submit to your insurance carrier.

I have a Health Savings Account (HSA). Can I use my HSA debit card?

By all means. We checked into this one. We're a qualified medical expense.

But I get Botox shots, and they're pricey. Will I be on the hook for that?

We strongly doubt it. We can almost always get injectable medicines for you through your insurance, and the drug company has generous coupon savings that help with out-of-pocket costs.

I hear a lot about "boutique" or "concierge" practices. Are you one of those?

We're not sure what this really means. We like to think of ourselves as a cutting edge, holistic headache center providing compassionate, comprehensive care to adults and teens. And we don't take insurance. If that's your definition of boutique or concierge then we're all in.

I need an MRI and a blood test. Covered, right?

Yep. No worries there since it gets billed through your insurance.

Do you prescribe narcotic medications?

No. Narcotic medications such as opioids and barbiturates can increase the brain's sensitivity and worsen headache conditions if taken on a chronic basis, and it can render our headache treatments ineffective. Even one or two narcotic doses per month can make your treatment more difficult.

Do you accept patients who are taking narcotics?

It depends. If you are willing to wean off of your current narcotic regimen, then we may be able to help you. If necessary, we may ask for the assistance of a pain management specialist to help with the weaning process. We do understand that narcotics are sometimes necessary to address other medical problems. However, the brain doesn't distinguish whether you are taking these meds for headaches or other purposes. Since narcotics render other headache treatments ineffective, we may not be able to help you if you stay on them. Unfortunately, sometimes people have to make tough choices about whether or not to prioritize their headaches or their other pains. We make no judgment about this and can help you make the right decision for you. We simply ask that you not shoot the messenger!

I see you're a neurologist. Do you treat other neurological conditions too?

It depends. Headache management is often complex, and we look at the whole person and are managing a lot of different issues. There may be times when your other neurological issues need a higher level of care. If that's the case, we'll refer you to the right person.

What if I don't have headaches and only want to see you for my epilepsy, Parkinson's, memory loss, neuropathy, etc?

This will be at the discretion of the doctor. At this time, our center is a headache-focused institution.

Can I request a visit with Theo, your friendly service dog?

Absolutely! Theo LOVES meeting new friends and is a pro at calming patients with his gentle presence. His tail never stops wagging, and he's always ready with a comforting nuzzle when you need it most. Many patients find his sweet demeanor incredibly soothing during their visits. Just let us know when scheduling if you'd like Theo to be part of your appointment. He'll be thrilled to help make your visit more comfortable! (And yes, belly rubs are always welcome.)

What if I don't want Theo around?

Please let us know and we're happy to move Theo out of your way.

Start here

Have the basics? Send an appointment request.

Send an appointment request. Our team will follow up to confirm the right visit and find a time that works.

Request an Appointment Call (512) 655-3737