So What is Telehealth Anyway?
Maybe you have been reading about this online or seeing it popping up in ads. But what is it? I just saw that our local hospital is offering video appointments for their patients. So how does this work?
Telehealth is like Skype or FaceTime; with one simple difference it is on a platform created for the medical community that is safe and protects your personal information. I am using a program call Doxy.me. It does not require you to download anything. There is no special app.
Here is how it works. You can contact me, and we will get you scheduled just like we would if you were coming to the office for a session. Once you are scheduled I will send you an email with all the appropriate forms for you to fill out. You can either sign them and put them in the mail or you can email them back to me on my encrypted email.
Then at the time of your session I will send you an email from Doxy.me. You will click on the link and it will take you directly to my virtual waiting room. Once I see your name appear, I will invite to join me, and we will see each other. At that point, our session will proceed much like it normally would.
You will need a couple of things,
1. An email address.
2. A smart phone or computer.
3. Internet
4. Privacy
And really that is it. It may feel awkward at first, but it really does feel like we are sitting across from each other. There is no additional cost, it is the same as a live session. And you can pay with a credit card or debit card. Most insurance companies are recognizing Telehealth, so I am happy to submit your insurance as an out of network provider. As with live sessions you will pay at the time of service and if your insurance covers any portion of it they will likely send it to you.
Call or email me today and if you are tired of being in your house I am still doing in-person sessions and will happily get you scheduled. If you prefer to stay home just let me know and we will schedule a video or phone session.
Take care of yourself and do what you need to do. Don’t neglect your mental health. When things get back to normal you will need to be healthy so you can navigate all the demands that our new world may throw at you.