Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
Who can use the services?
Any health care provider or school clinician involved in the care and treatment of children, adolescents and perinatal women. We’re available to assist:
- Pediatricians
- Family physicians
- OBGYN’s
- Physician Assistants
- APRN’s
- School nurses
- Social workers
- Other clinicians
Do the consultation services cost me anything?
No; the program is publicly funded and free of charge to providers anywhere in the state.
What is the response time for consultations?
When you call during business hours (9am-5pm Mon through Friday) you will speak to a live person who will gather information about your consultation needs and triage your call. We strive to have you in touch with a consultant within 30 minutes of your request, however this is occasionally not possible due to consultant availability. All consultation requests are responded to within one business day.
How do I request a consultation?
Call our consultation line at 866-986-2778 to speak to a live intake staff (Monday through Friday 9am-5pm) or schedule a consultation by filling out the online request form.
Can I refer my patients directly to DocAssist?
No; Illinois DocAssist is a free statewide consultation and training service for health care clinicians.
May a patient or guardian call Illinois DocAssist and ask for a consultation for themselves or their child?
DocAssist is a provider-to-provider collaboration and is not equipped to handle direct patient care.
Can other staff in my practice use DocAssist?
Yes, if they are directly providing care to the patient, we can help them.
Do you ask for or collect Protected Health Information?
We generally do not ask you to provide protected health information beyond demographic information like age, gender, race and ethnicity. However, if the patient you are calling about is a DCFS ward of the state, we will ask you for more information as this will help us to coordinate with the DCFS medication consent line to offer you the best service.
Can you help me if my patient or student needs referrals to Mental Health services?
Yes, we have social workers on staff who will help you to identify the most appropriate local resources for your particular patient. They will provide you with updated information on insurance eligibility and wait times.
Do you offer follow-up consultations about he same case?
Yes, the consultant who speaks with you will offer to schedule a follow-up consultation to help you manage the patient over time. We recommend following up with one of our consultants 2-4 weeks after the initial consultation. You can also request a follow up to a previous consultation at any time.
Can you offer other information and resources to help me develop my confidence and skills in managing pediatric or perinatal mental health?
Yes, Illinois DocAssist offers several free educational resources. We encourage you to check out the following: