Telehealth

Telehealth allows us to meet through audio and video over the internet. 

You’ll be sent a link for the video appointment. Click on it when our appointment is scheduled to start or open it through the Telehealth by SimplePractice app (download free in the app store). You can use the camera and audio on your computer or mobile device. 

We are very excited about this new option because it means no waiting and travel time, and you won’t have to take time off work or other priorities. Plus, it’s 100% HIPAA compliant and secure. 

Your cost for a video appointment will vary depending on the coverage you have with your insurance provider. Most insurances charge a copayment just like traditional appointments, and it most likely will be the same amount. We can determine your exact coverage and what your copay will be before we schedule an appointment. 

• We recommend joining the video appointment 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time so you can make sure that everything is set up correctly. 
• Restart your computer every day for it to run as efficiently as possible.
• Close any unnecessary programs and applications on your computer before joining a Telehealth call. These take away from resources needed for your computer to run efficiently.
• Keep your software and operating system up to date. Install recommended updates only from sources you trust. 
• You may need to adjust the volume or mute/unmute your speakers to prepare for the call. We also recommend keeping a pair of headphones nearby in case you need to use them for improved audio/voice. 
• Clients might want to cancel or have questions about the appointment before the start time. Make sure you are actively checking your email and phone.
• If you can connect to the Internet, but are having trouble joining the video, you can use our recommended Pre-call Tool.

 Healthcare IT Market by Product End User (March 2017). Global Forecast to 2021.
American Well (2017). Telehealth Index: 2017 Consumer Survey. Available online at http://go.americanwell.com/2017ConsumerSurvey.html. 
Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas Statistics: Designated HPSA Quarterly Summary, as of December 31, 2017.
American Well (2015). Telehealth Index: 2015 Physician Survey. American Well Blog. Available online at http://info.americanwell.com/telehealth-index-2015-consumer-survey. 
Hilty, Ferrer, Parish, Johnston, Callahan & Yellowlees. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: A 2013 review. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 19, 444–454.
Washington State Telehealth Implementation Guidebook. Available online at 
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/BHSIA/FMHS/DSHSTelehealthGuidebook.pdf