Telehealth Options

Using Telehealth Options

All of our therapists are able to offer telephone or secure internet sessions.

Instructions for video [internet – telehealth] sessions:

  1. You’ll need a fast internet connection [and/or a 4G/5G data plan] and a device with a camera and microphone.
  2. Even your smartphone will work in most cases. Tablets, laptops, desktop computers with webcams/mics are better.
  3. If your therapist is using Zoom, you’ll want to make sure that you have the latest version of the app on your pc or smart device.
  4. update instructions here:  https://youtu.be/E7zERcVLUBM
  5. What browser to use? If your therapist is using Doxy.me, iOS users will need to use Safari 11+ exclusively.
    On Android device, or on a computer:  Doxy.me officially supports Chrome, Firefox, Safari 11+, Microsoft Edge (if running Windows 10) and the Samsung mobile browser.
  6. If you have a headset, earbuds, or microphone, that will help. And a private place to talk for about 45 minutes.
  7. Make sure that you have provided us with current phone numbers and email addresses, so we can stay in touch with you.

Some insurance plans allow for phone and/or secure internet sessions, and will reimburse ACP. Call your carrier for clarification. As of 3/12/2020, it’s our understanding that secure video sessions are covered services with BCBS, UBH, Cigna, TriCare, and Medicare. Others may be added later.

Telehealth Platforms

June 2020 >>>> Several of us have discovered the versatility of Zoom for Healthcare – also HIPAA-compliant. Rather than re-invent the wheel [so 3500BC, according to Google!] – take a look at this great summary – and take note of the video links at the bottom of the page for additional tips.

March 2020 >>>> There are several HIPAA Compliant services that therapists and Nurse Practitioners have available. Several of our therapy staff have opened accounts with Doxy. Doxy offers a reliable service, is HIPAA compliant for online security, and requires no software to be installed by you. If your therapist uses this option, you’ll receive an email with a log-in link. It will look like this: https://doxy.me/ACPtherapist – most often this will be your therapist’s name, of course! If your clinician prefers a different set-up, they’ll review this with you.

Special Forms for Telehealth sessions

  • Given the shift in service delivery, an updated consent form is necessary. You could complete this paperwork at the office, if feasible. Alternatively, you can download and digitally fill-out and sign these forms. If you’ve not done this before, please know that there are a couple steps to this, so portion out some time to complete this. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
  • You can find complete instructions on how to ‘sign’ a digital document here [Howtogeek.com].  TIP: You’ll find a summary of steps at the top of the post, so you can skip the details if you don’t need them.
  • Telelhealth Forms

Process

  • About 10 minutes before your appointment, you’ll want to move to a quiet, private environment
    • Please consider turning off notifications on digital devices, so you can minimize distractions
  • If you’re using headphones or Bluetooth devices, make sure they are turned on/unmuted/ready
  • When you’re ready to ‘check-in’ for your session [on Doxy, for example] you’ll click/tap on the https://doxy.me/awesomeACPtherapist link – or copy/paste into your browser address window. You’ll then be invited to enter your name and complete the check-in.
Use this box to check-in for your online sesson.

Check-in with Doxy

  • At the time of your appointment, your therapist will start the session. Both of you might take a moment to center yourselves in the frame, and adjust speaker volumes. Pro tip: avoid strong back-lighting, as this will put you into a deep shadow as the camera tries to compensate. As usual, at about the 45 or 50 minute mark, your therapist will wrap-up the session, perhaps make plans for the next session, and end the online session.

 

 

 

 

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