What is Telehealth?


Telehealth is a form of video conferencing allowing psychiatrists and therapists to provide services to patients outside of the office, for example at the patient’s home or workplace. It also provides the opportunity for consultation with family members, teachers and other providers involved in the patient’s care. Surveyed patients participating in telemedicine say they are very satisfied with the care they are receiving and that they feel telemedicine is a reliable form of practice. In addition, they find that they are able to keep their appointments on a more regular basis.

Telehealth Services.

Telehealth services serve as a need of support for individuals who may have difficulty with continued physical appointments due to a myriad of reasons. If you need support for an illness or disorder, but can’t make it to an in-person appointment then telehealth may be an appropriate service for you.

Are you a busy stay-at-home or working parent, and don’t have time to schedule or keep doctor appointments?

Do you lack health insurance, or does your health insurance fail to fully cover your medical needs?

Telehealth (or telemedicine) is a fairly recent innovation. Telehealth allows the facilitation of health-related services to patients via live video conferencing. Thanks to modern technology, just about everyone in the U.S. has a smart phone or tablet capable of video chat. This ease of access to make video calls has revolutionized the health industry, allowing doctors and nurses to interact with patients through a convenient phone call.

Using your smart phone, you can consult with a nurse, a physician or a mental health professional to receive ongoing care when your primary care physician is unavailable, to get a prescription refilled, review test results or medical summaries or to have a remote therapy or counseling appointment.

 

What does Teletherapy Require?

For your appointment, you will need to have access to a private area as well as a computer/tablet/smart phone with a camera and high-speed internet. I will provide you free of charge with HIPPA compliant secure software to use and educate you how to apply the software before the session begins. You should be logged on at the time of your appointment.

Benefits

There are countless benefits regarding telehealth. Using best practices it provides the patient with benefits that may lead to better care that otherwise the patient would not receive. I am familiar with individuals living in rural areas, or driving long distances, or having to take time off from your busy schedule to come to the office. This form of treatment can eliminate your commute time and lead to less stress, especially when you may have frequent appointments.  For patients who are usually seen in the office but are sick or traveling, this form of treatment allows you to still keep your appointment without interrupting your care.

Affordable.

In the United States, approximately 80 million people have inadequate health insurance, or no health insurance at all. Telehealth can be more affordable for clients paying out of pocket.

So if this sounds like you:

  • You lack health insurance, or recently lost coverage

  • Your health problem isn’t covered by your insurance

  • You don’t have the right type of medical professional nearby

  • You lack the time or resources to get to an in-person medical appointment

  • You want the ease and convenience of a video conference appointment… then Telehealth services may be just what you need.


Convenience.

The convenience of scheduling an appointment through a phone app cannot be understated. Quickly pick a date and time, and you’ve scheduled your online appointment. There’s no need to get ready, or even leave your bed or couch. If you have social anxiety or phobias that cause you to avoid social interactions, Telehealth makes it easier for you to get therapy or medication.


Scheduling Accessibility.

Telehealth appointments can be very beneficial if getting to a traditional in-person appointment is a hassle for you. If you lack the time or resources to use public transportation, are physically disabled or live in a remote area, telehealth appointments can help by removing the need to leave your home to attend an appointment.

Do you need to see a doctor or therapist, but are unable to leave your home? Are you looking for a cost-effective alternative to seeing a medical or mental health provider? Contact me today to schedule an appointment.