TELETHERAPY
PREP & SETUP
HOW TO USE DOXY.ME
HEALTH INSURANCE
Teletherapy & Corona Virus (Covid-19)
Due to the CoVid-19 Pandemic, Federal Government and Health Insurance Companies have changed and relaxed the requirements for teletherapy sessions. Under normal circumstances, Health Insurance companies could choose whether or not to reimburse for a teletherapy session and decide which audio-visual platform services a client and provider must use (e.g, Doxy.Me., MDLive, TeleDoc, etc.,). In addition, Federal Government approved the use of all private, non-public facing, audio-visual platforms even those which were not secure to HIPPA Standards (e.g., Facetime, Skype, etc.,); however, HIPPA Standards relaxation may shift. For more information on health insurances coverage, click on the blue button above entitled “HEALTH INSURANCE.”
With the pandemic spread of the Corona Virus (CoVid-19), it has become essential to make use of teletherapy sessions. It is important to understand that a teletherapy session is not the same as a telephone (telephonic) session. Teletherapy sessions require the client and therapist to make connection that is both audio and visual allowing them to see and hear one another. Telephone (telephonic) sessions are the simple voice-to-voice calls you make (e.g., a standard telephone call).
Fortunately, Michael uses the private, and secure platform Doxy.Me which does meet compliance standards for HIPAA. It is not only easy to use, but clients can connect via iPhone, iPad, Laptop, PC, and many other smart devices provided the computer or device has both a microphone and video camera. Doxy.Me works with Google Chrome (Windows Devices) and Safari (Apple Devices). Doxy.Me allows clients and providers to connect though it does not record the client’s name or the actual session (i.e., doxy.me only retains the date, start and end times, and session length).
Teletherapy – What Is It?
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Teletherapy – How To Get Set-Up
Teletherapy sessions are not difficult to arrange and set-up. In order to conduct teletherapy, clients need to have an method of auto-pay on file with the front office in order to bill you for your copay after the session is complete (as well as late cancellation and no show fees in the event such occurs). You financial information is kept in card file that is securely lock-up during non-business hours. While many clients have this information on file, Michael encourages clients to double-check when in doubt. It is not required, but clients will need to call after each session to provide means of payment to the front staff. You may download the auto-payment form from this website as it will let you know the information you will need handy when you contact the front office.
In addition to method of auto-payment, Michael requires you provide a phone number and recommends you leave an email address were you can be reached during this time. If possible, he recommends using phone number and email address you can access on the smart device or computer you will be using during your teletherapy session.
Finally, Michael and Carroll Counseling Center – Severna Park Clinic do require clients who want to make use of teletherapy sessions to sign a Consent Agreement. Given the current circumstances, clients may download the form from this website, complete, and drop-off at front office or simply mail it to the clinic address.
Quick Checklist – (1) Method of Auto-Payment, (2) Email Address & Phone Number, (3) Consent Agreement For Teletherapy
Teletherapy With Michael Using Doxy.Me
Michael makes use of the free, private, and secure teletherapy platform called Doxy.Me. It can be used on a range of devices provided it has a camera (or webcam) and a microphone (e.g., iPad, IPhone, Laptop, PC, and many other smart devices). In order to enter the online waiting room, follow these instructions:
- Goto Michael’s Virtual Waiting Room (www.doxy.me/mclcpc)
- When you arrived, choose to enter as Patient
- Next enter your Name. Doxy.Me is a private and secure platform. If you wish, you can enter your first name and last initial.
- If asked for permission to access your camera and microphone, give permission to access them.
- Once these steps have been completed successfully, you should be in the online waiting room and your name will appear in the que.
- Please be patient. When he is ready for your session, Michael will open the connection and your session should begin…
IMPORTANT: It is very important that your device is fully charged and/or plugged-in to power source and you are ready for your session. It is your responsibility to be ready with for your session as late cancellation and missed appointment fees. Michael cannot be responsible for sessions that terminate early due to battery failure. If the event your connection fails, Michael will wait a few minutes for you to attempt to reconnect. If you are unable to re-establish a connection, Michael will attempt to call you and complete your session by telephone.
Teletherapy – Health Insurance (Approved & Temporarily Approved)
Michael and Carroll Counseling Center – Severna Park are doing their best to keep-up with the current status of health insurance companies that are approving teletherapy during the current pandemic. While this information is the best available information at this time, Michael reminds you… in the end you are responsible for knowing your insurance coverage. If you have questions about your coverage, you may contact the front office who can provide you with the most current information. If you are uncertain whether teletherapy covered under your health insurance policy, Michael encourages you to contact your health insurance provider and ask whether your policy covers teletherapy and whether there are any restrictions.
As mentioned above, under normal normal circumstances, the health insurance companies can choose whether or not to reimburse for a teletherapy session and even decide which audio-visual platforms-services the client and provider must use (e.g., Doxy.Me, MDLive, & TeleDoc). Teletherapy platforms must be audio-visual, private, and secure on a level that meets compliance standards with HIPAA.
With the current restrictions created by the CoVid-19 Pandemic, the federal government has approved the use of any private, non-public facing, audio-visual platforms-service even those that are not upto HIPAA Standards (e.g., Facetime, Skype, etc.,). Consequently, clients and providers should be able to use any teletherapy platform for teletherapy sessions as long as the client’s health insurance covers teletherapy sessions.
Doxy.Me (General Approval Meaning Even After CoVid-19 Pandemic)
- BlueChoice, Carefirst, Cigna, and United Behavioral Health (UHC/UBH)
- Out-Of-Pocket Clients (No Insurance)
Doxy.Me (Federal Government Waiver On Teletherapy Platforms – Temporarily Approved)
- Carefirst Federal (Teledoc), Cigna West (MDLive), and GEHA (MDLive)
- John Hopkins (EHP & USFHP) [Approves Teletherapy Uncertain Whether Doxy.Me Is Generally or Temporally Approved]
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield [Blue Choice & Carefirst are approved… other policies appear to cover – if you have doubts call and check]
Doxy.Me (Approval Status Remains Unknown)
- Medicare & Tricare (Michael does not take these policies)