What is telehealth? Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technologies to provide health care. We are using Zoom Healthcare, a HIPPA compliant telehealth platform, to connect with clients and families. Therapy sessions will be conducted via videoconferencing, using computers, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices. Teletherapy is a way to remove barriers of isolation, distance, and illness while continuing to help progress skills and problem solve through challenges. Therapists will direct activities throughout the session and help clients and families utilize their home resources as part of therapy sessions.
Telehealth is currently covered by most insurance companies and our Medicaid and Waiver Programs. Not all self-funded insurance policies cover blanket telehealth practices, but our office is working to reach out to each program in order to expand coverage. We are getting daily updates from insurance companies with increasing approval for telehealth services, including self-funded programs through the Kentucky State Insurance program and the University of Kentucky. As always, we will check your benefits and be your advocate with your insurance company. We recommend that our clients also check their individual policies, as policy holders are sometimes able to get more complete information. It is always helpful to ask for the reference number and representative’s name when speaking to the insurance company.
What do clients and families need to do? Let us know if you are interested in telehealth therapy. We will need a signed consent form in order to proceed, as well as payment set up through the office (a credit card/health savings card can be put on file or a plan for payment can be set up). Your therapist will set up a scheduled session with you and send you an email “invite” for the “meeting.” When it is time for your session, click on your meeting invite and join in with your therapist. Your therapist may request certain materials be available for planned activities ahead of the session. It is also necessary that a parent, guardian, or caregiver be present for pediatric clients or those who are under guardianship.
Thank you for your patience with us as we begin the telehealth adventure. We are in this together and want to keep providing the best service we can to our clients!