As we all are pretty aware of, there have been drastic changes in how we can or will get medical and/or therapeutic attention thanks to the pandemic. (SIGH!). As I make the rounds with my own medical team (allergists, acupuncture, ophthalmologist, gynecologist), I am getting asked if I want to use online visits. For some doctors, it’s a perfect way to communicate quickly and easily with the patient. For other physicians, you absolutely have to be in the office to be seen. When it comes to therapy, it can be a positive option because you don’t have to leave your home. You don’t have fight for parking spaces or be presentable to go to see a therapist, it’s plain super easy. HOWEVER…. talking to a therapist who has not seen you before, can result in some problems or misunderstandings about treatment. Naomi Shaw– an LA-Story.com contributor– has some super smart tips and ideas how YOU can best benefit from using Telehealth visits for therapy.
Top Tips for Getting Started with Telehealth for Therapy
By Naomi Shaw
Telehealth and telemedicine were already projected to significantly grow in popularity over the next few years. No one expected such a significant increase to happen so quickly but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become a lifesaver for those unable to seek in-person help. Although telehealth can be beneficial to many different practices, with an impending recession, unemployment, and social distancing requirements, Americans are more in need of mental health support than ever. Many people find it difficult to provide self-care when it is most needed, due to fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, or guilt for indulging in something pleasurable. Telehealth offers your practice the ability to continue providing accessible, comprehensive care to those who need it most while relieving some burden from both parties.
Here are some tips to help you get the process started.
Choose the right telehealth solution for your practice.
Counselors, therapists, and mental health workers have been incredibly valuable for awareness and support as mental health conditions continue to grow. Yet still, 56% of Americans are struggling with a mental health condition and are not receiving adequate treatment. The space for telehealth in therapy is wide open. It may take a bit of time and planning, but it doesn’t have to be a headache.
The first step to smoothly integrating telehealth services with your current practice is to ask the right questions.
–What features are most important for you to be able to offer your clientele?
–How will you be using telemedicine?
–Do you plan to use live video chatting?
–Will you need a platform that supports a mobile app?
Laying out as many questions and goals as possible early on will help you figure out your practice’s top priorities and predict any expected challenges before moving forward.
Gather the technology and software best fit your needs
If you are considering integrating your therapy practice with telehealth you should already be aware of the importance of an EMR system. EMRs have become the cornerstone of successful practice management whether a practice is already using telemedicine or not. An EMR often combines systems integration and interfacing, document scanning, prescription tracking, and appointment reminders. Choosing the right one is only the beginning. From there you then need to ensure you have all the proper additional equipment and setting set up to create your workflows.
Make Sure Everyone Is On The Same Page
This step is crucial as there is always a bit of a learning curve when it comes to incorporating new technology into a practice. The best software solutions today are designed to be as user friendly as possible but it’s still important for your staff to be well trained so they feel secure enough to help patients troubleshoot. If your telemedicine software vendor offers training packages it’s in your best interest to initially spend a bit more to build a solid foundation from the experts on the platform.
Seek and Respond to Client and Staff Feedback
Clients are the reason any practice exists and remains successful, so it’s incredibly valuable to include them in this process. While some people love new and exciting changes others may be hesitant. Transparency, especially in the medical world, is the best possible way to instill trust and encourage your patients to be open to embracing telehealth. Provide surveys and ample opportunities for patients (and staff) to give feedback throughout the plan of care. Your EMS may also help when trying to reach new clients, as patient data collected could be used to create a comprehensive look at your existing client base and your practices performance output. Be open to changes and make modifications as necessary.
Be Aware of the Telemedicine Laws
New opportunities and advances in medical practices should never include any sacrifice of ethics or the foundational purpose of therapy. With recent health data hacks the importance of security in the healthcare space is paramount. Make sure to discuss security protocols and HIPAA compliance with your telemedicine vendor. Take the time to double-check and familiarize yourself with the sometimes intricate and tedious legalities as different regulations apply to different states. The eVisit State Telemedicine Legislation provides a simplified yet in-depth clickable map showing different states’ telehealth regulations. This is especially relevant if you currently do or plan to work with minors. Additionally, in certain states, you must first establish an in-person patient-provider relationship before you can continue care via telemedicine.
Telehealth is a rapidly expanding industry and even after the initial crisis period surrounding the pandemic passes, many will continue to love the flexibility and simplicity of a more digitized medical practice. As technology continues to advance specifically for this field, you can update your patients on how they can benefit from these new emerging technologies.
As a global community, we are all adjusting to a new normal as we fight to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to Naomi Shaw for the informative article about the obstacles that therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers need to be aware of and also learn how to navigate the lesser known territory of using Telehealth for online sessions with clients!
NOTE: Telehealth provides services for other physicians who need to check in on patients who are unable to get to their offices. This eVisit State Telemedicine Legislation site provides information on what type of providers are eligible to be compensated for their work with patients. The list is substantial.
Bio of Naomi Shaw:
Naomi Shaw lives in Southern California with her husband and three kids.
She is a freelance journalist and Stay-at-Home mom that enjoys writing on fashion, beauty, green living, and interior design.
Follow Naomi Shaw on these social platforms:
Twitter: @naomijshaw
Website: naomijshaw.weebly.com
Thanks to Naomi Shaw for these tips on dealing with Telehealth for Therapy for use by social workers, counselors, therapists, and psychologists.
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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