Telehealth is the
practice of delivering clinical health care services by any means other than
in-person or face to face. Telehealth is
healthcare provided by via technology assisted media, other electronic means,
or by telephone. In Telehealth services,
medical and mental health information is used for diagnosis, consultation,
treatment, psychotherapy, follow up and education.
The client has the
right to withdraw consent to participate in Telehealth care at any time without
affecting future care, services, or benefits to which they would otherwise be
entitled.
There are potential
risks, benefits, and consequences associated with Telehealth, including but not
limited to, disruption of transmission by technology issues, interruption and
or breaches of confidentiality by unauthorized persons, and the limited ability
to respond to emergencies.
Telehealth is currently
a covered service under Medicare and is billed like a typical office
visit. Clients remain financial
responsibility for payment of all applicable co-pays, co-ins, and deductibles.
Prior to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Medicare allowed telehealth to occur under very specific rules and this was not a service I was able to offer.
It should be understood that Telehealth rules and requirements are subject to the changes by CMS/Medicare. In addition Medicare may require an in-person appointment prior to the start of a telehealth episode of care and at specific intervals there after.
Although Medicare may continue to allow the provision of care via Telehealth it is up to each individual provider to decide if this is a type of care they will offer in their practice.
There will be NO
recording of any Telehealth sessions by either the client or this
provider. All information and the
content of Telehealth sessions, including the written record are confidential. Protected Health Information and may not be disclosed without written
authorization; except where disclosure is permitted or required by law.
Telehealth may not be
appropriate for all condition and may not be appropriate for all
circumstances. A higher level of care
may be needed for those experiencing severe symptoms, active suicidal or homicidal
thoughts, and or crisis. Electronic
communications should not be used for emergency communications or requests.
If there are any
technical difficulties or service interruptions please call me at my office
phone:
831-471-5044
Emergency Contacts and Protocols
In the case of a crisis
or Mental Health Emergency I will communicate with the Emergency Contact you
have listed on your Intake Questionnaire.
If there is no one listed or if I am not able to reach this person, I
will alert your Primary Care Provider and or local Crisis Services.
24/7 Crisis Services and Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
988 and or
1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast
1-877-663-5433 or 1-877-ONE-LIFE or 831-458-5300
County of Santa Cruz Adult Mental Health Dept.
1-800-952-2335
Santa Cruz Psychiatric Health Facility
Phn: 831-600-2801
Location: 2250 Soquel Avenue,
Santa Cruz, California 95062
