Direct Appointment Booking is a new way for you to access medication management and initiate care quickly. Instead of scheduling a free consultation first, you can now request or book your first appointment directly with a provider who offers this option. To book a consultation instead, see A Guide to Consultation Requests (CR).
What Is Direct Appointment Booking?
Direct Appointment Booking allows you to request or schedule an initial provider appointment directly from a participating provider's Alma profile, with no consultation required.
How Direct Appointment Booking Works
1. Find a Provider
To search, use the Alma directory.
2. Select an Appointment
For providers offering Direct Appointment Booking, you can choose to request or book an available intake session directly from the provider’s profile.
3. Add Your Insurance and Payment Method
Before completing your booking, Alma will ask for:
- Your insurance information
- A payment method
This allows us to run an eligibility check to review your benefits before your first visit and confirm your estimated cost per session. To learn more, see Understanding how Eligibility Checks work
4. Receive Confirmation
After we verify your information and your prescriber confirms the appointment, we will send you a confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still request a consultation instead?
No, participating providers who have enabled Direct Appointment Booking are currently only offering intake sessions. However, many providers still offer consultations.
Do I have to provide my insurance and payment method before booking?
Yes. This helps Alma verify your eligibility and confirm your estimated cost before your appointment.
What if I don’t have insurance?
You can still book if your prescriber accepts private pay. For more details, see How to Pay for Therapy Without Insurance Coverage.
How do I attend my appointment?
Once your provider confirms your appointment, you’ll receive an email with information on how to meet with your provider for your appointment. For virtual appointments, your email will include a secure video link.
What will I be charged if I miss the appointment?
Each provider sets their own cancellation and no-show policy, including any associated fees. You'll find details about your provider's specific policy in the intake paperwork they send after confirming your appointment.
Will you check my insurance before the appointment, and how will I know what my out of pocket expense will be?
Yes. We'll verify your insurance eligibility and email you your out of pocket costs, including any copays, coinsurance, or deductible, before confirming your appointment.
Why do you need my payment information?
Providing your payment information upfront secures your appointment and streamlines the payment process. Since you'll have a credit card on file, any applicable cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles) can be charged automatically after your session. This also ensures your provider is compensated for their time if you're unable to attend.
Is this first appointment free, like the consultations are?
No. This is a paid intake appointment, not a free consultation. If you’re using insurance to cover the cost of your session, you'll be responsible for any applicable costs based on your coverage, which may include copays, coinsurance, or your deductible. We verify your insurance beforehand so you'll know your expected costs before the appointment.