Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatry (or psychotherapeutic) services using interactive audio and visual (video) electronic systems where the provider and the patient are not in the same physical location. The interactive electronic systems incorporate network and software security protocols to protect patient information and safeguard the data exchanged.

 

Requirements:

• A computer and a webcam with microphone to video conferencing using a HIPAA compliant online company specializing in telemedicine.

 

Potential Benefits:

• Telepsychiatry eliminates barriers to accessing healthcare and provides alternative means to obtain behavioral health services for patients who may otherwise have limited accessibility or encounter prolonged waiting lists in the community.

• In addition to removing the burden of travel time to a physical medical office as well as the risks and costs associated with transportation, telemental health allows for flexible scheduling.

• Telemental health offers a reduction of stigma by providing private treatment in the comfort of the patient’s personal space.

• Telemental health can provide treatment to patients with disabilities and limited mobility without requiring extensive planning for transport.

 

Potential Risks:

• Telepsychiatry audiovisual equipment may experience technical difficulties.

• While every precaution is taken to secure patient data and maintain confidentiality, the nature of electronic appointments results in additional exposure to security breaches.

• Telepsychiatry may not be suitable for certain illnesses that require higher levels of care.

• Certain illnesses may not be adequately treated by telepsychiatry.

• It is the discretion of the mental health provider regarding continuation of telemental health services.

 

Medication Prescribing:

• All medications prescribed by the mental health provider will be sent electronically to the pharmacy on file.

• Controlled substances such as stimulants, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics will be prescribed at the provider’s discretion. A Quietly Radiant Controlled Substance Contract must be completed by the client and faxed/mailed/delivered to Quietly Radiant prior to controlled substance prescriptions being provided.

• All clients prescribed controlled substances must present in person either at Quietly Radiant or an affiliate lab entity to complete a set of vital signs and urine drug screen prior to prescriptions being sent to the pharmacy.

 

Required Information at Every Visit:

• Name, location, and telephone number of the patient at the time of session. This is to ensure that your provider is aware of alternative means of treatment should an emergency occur.

 

Activities Permitting During Telemedicine Services

• Prescription refills will be permitted at the time of the appointment.

• Appointment scheduling can be done outside of the appointment by going online to quietlyradiantpsych.com or calling our office at 757-656-1665.

 

Responsibilities of the Provider:

1. QRPS reserves the right to assess suitability and appropriateness of telepsychiatry candidates due to the potential limitations of the treatment modality mentioned above.

2. In the event of imminent danger, the provider is legally and ethically bound to report information to authorities, family members, or others, to minimize potential harm.

 

Responsibilities of the Patient:

• I agree to take full responsibility for the security of any communications or treatment information involved with my own computer and with my own physical location.

• I understand that I, NOT the provider, am responsible for providing and configuring any electronic equipment used on my computer which is used for telepsychiatry. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of all electronic equipment before my session begins.

• I understand that I must be seen face-to-face at least one time per year.

• I understand that it is my responsibility to verify insurance coverage/eligibility for telepsychiatry treatment.

• I agree to either provide the office with vital signs obtained from a primary care physician’s office or appear to QRPS within one week before or after the scheduled telepsychiatry appointment for vital signs.