FAQ's

Do you speak any other languages?

Yes, Spanish.

What is a nexus letter?

It is a medical opinion document written by a licensed medical provider in support of your VA disability claim.

Is a nexus letter necessary?

No, a nexus letter is not necessary to file or obtain service-connection for a medical disability. It can be extremely helpful for your claim to highlight how your condition is service-connected and provide evidence based medical support for that claim.

How does an independent medical case review for my personal injury case help me?

Your attorney may recommend having a third party medical provider review your medical case to determine if you’ll have lasting impacts after the injury.

Do I need a diagnosis or are you diagnosing me with a condition?

Yes, a diagnosis is needed for any condition Dr. Santiago is considering providing medical opinion documents for. She does not offer exams, diagnosis services, prescribing services, or treatment services.

Can you fill out other federal disability forms or other documents that I need for other reasons?

No, the only documents Dr. Santiago completes are for VA disability claims and those for personal injury claim cases in litigation.

What is needed for a VA records review?

Your DD214/215, VA documents showing current service connection disabilities and at what percentage, and your medical records from all providers you’ve seen for those disabilities.

What is needed for my personal injury medical case review?

Your attorney should contact our office to discuss the documents needed. Typically, we'll need your medical records, photos of the injury if applicable (only for personal injury claims are photos accepted), and any additional information your attorney would like to include for review.

Do we need to be in the same state for you to provide a VA medical opinion document?

No.

Are you a law firm, provide legal advice, or file my claims for me?

No.

Are there any guarantees or refunds if I do not win my VA or personal injury claim?

No. Unfortunately, there are never guarantees when it comes to VA or judicial system decisions.

What are your nexus letter and litigation collaboration costs?

A one (1) hour telemedicine consultation and thorough medical records review with Dr. Santiago is a flat fee of $650. A VA nexus letter or personal injury independent medical opinion letter is $750 for one (1) medical connection; $300 for each additional medical connection; $1000 for up to two (2) mental health connections; $300 for each additional mental health or medical connection. There are cancelation fees and additional consultation fees as well. We will provide each client with the Agreement form at the time they book their appointment.

What are your hours of operation?

Dr. Santiago's email and telephone are available 24/7. She will return inquiries promptly within 24 business hours.

I live in CT, can you help me get a medical marijuana card?

YES!!!!! If you have a qualifying diagnosis, Dr. Santiago can help certify new patients for just $100 and renewals for $100. The state does not charge any additional fees for the card. Payment is expected at the start of the visit. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/medical-marijuana-program/qualification-requirements to see if you qualify.

What medical care do you provide?

We provide behavioral health and weight loss prescription management.

Do you accept insurance?

We are in-network with Medicaid (Husky A only), Aetna, United Health Care, and ChampVA.

Do you prescribe controlled substances?

Yes. If determined for your condition you are in need of scheduled medications. We follow the DEA and CT rules and regulations. You will need to sign a controlled substance policy as well prior to prescribing.

Do I need to be seen in person for care?

No. We offer full telemedicine care on a secure line. We can also ask you for a set of home vital signs if needed.

What are the no show policies?

If you no show the intake you are discharged from the practice. If you have two no shows in six months you are discharged from the practice. Both instances will result in no further medication management and you will need to find your own replacement provider.

What's your late policy?

15 minutes, after that it is a no show. Self pay and private insurance (not Medicaid) are charged the full visit rate for all no shows.

Do I have to pay for my service at the time I receive the service?

Yes. If you have a co-pay, deductible, or are self pay you will be charged at the start of the visit. If your card is declined or you can not pay the appointment is cancelled and you are still charged the no show fee. The provider has booked time to provider your care and no show fees cover that time.

Do you offer a sliding pay scale for self pay?

Yes, for mental health prescription services only, not for weight loss or medical marijuana card certifications. You will be asked to show proof of income with pay stubs, SSI letter, and/or tax returns. Dr. Santiago will determine your eligibility.

Do you provide talk therapy?

No.