The COVID-19 pandemic made patients and providers alike more aware of the need for remotely accessible care options like telehealth practices. Telehealth makes it easier—and often more affordable—for routine behavioral healthcare services, like therapy, to be accessed from home. When you’re running a behavioral healthcare practice, there are some things you should know about telehealth so you can remain compliant while delivering the best care you can.
Sunwave Health makes it easy to work telehealth appointments into your patients’ care plans. Whether you’re running a medication-assisted treatment clinic or an outpatient behavioral health practice, Sunwave Health offers a fully integrated telehealth platform that allows you to seamlessly connect with your patients from anywhere. Find out why telehealth and patient engagement are so important for the future of your business by calling 561.576.6037.
What Is Telehealth?
It’s as simple as it sounds. Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include video conferencing, phone calls, and other virtual communication methods. It allows patients to access care from their own homes, eliminating the need for them to physically go into a clinic or office.
Things to Know About Telehealth
Before you begin offering telehealth appointments, you should do your research so you can provide the best possible care for your patients. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Laws may vary – Your state may have specific regulations surrounding provider licensure and care delivery via telehealth. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations and ensure that you’re in compliance.
- Privacy and security are crucial – With any type of virtual communication, there is always a risk of privacy breaches. It’s important to use secure platforms and follow HIPAA guidelines to protect your patients’ personal information.
- Technology may not be accessible for all patients – Some patients may not have access to the necessary technology or internet connection for telehealth appointments. It’s important to have alternative options available for these individuals.
- Training and education are key – It’s essential that you, your staff, and your telehealth patients are properly trained in using secure platforms. This will ensure a smooth and effective experience for both you and your patients.
- Telehealth can be useful for more than talk therapy – While telehealth is commonly used for therapy sessions, it can also be effective for other services such as medication management and group therapy.
Your patients should also be able to expect the same level of care and confidentiality from a telehealth appointment as they would from an in-person visit. It may feel different at first, but with the right training and protocols in place, telehealth can be an effective and convenient option for both providers and patients.
What to Expect in a Telehealth Appointment
Providers will have different experiences during virtual visits than their patients. For providers, you can expect to have a similar assessment and treatment process as you would in an in-person visit. However, there may be some additional considerations, such as:
- Technical difficulties – Technology is not always reliable, so it’s important to have backup plans in place in case of technical issues during a telehealth appointment.
- Privacy concerns – Virtual appointments may take place in different locations for both the provider and the patient. It’s important for providers to ensure they are in a private and secure location during appointments.
- Limited physical examination – Without being physically present with the patient, certain aspects of a physical exam may not be possible during a telehealth appointment. Providers must rely on the patient’s self-reports and be diligent in their assessment and treatment planning.
For patients, telehealth appointments can offer convenience and accessibility. They may also feel more comfortable sharing personal information from the comfort of their own home. However, they should still expect a similar level of care and attention from their provider as they would in-person.
Call Sunwave Health for Telehealth Solutions
An integrated telehealth solution that engages patients for better outcomes is vital for any behavioral healthcare practice. At Sunwave Health, we understand the importance of telehealth and offer a comprehensive platform that allows you to seamlessly connect with your patients. Contact us online or call 561.576.6037 today to schedule a demo of our secure telehealth platform.
