PMPI  TELEPSYCHIATRY

OUR PROCESS



THE PROCESS INVOLVED

 

Our Polycom video camera units are VPN secure-they will only communicate with a device meeting H.323 minimum standard security over the network and is in the tunnel created for this purpose. This security setting allows for a real-time patient/physician consultation by directly calling the receiving camera’s I.P. address.

 

The Tele-Coordinator escorts the patient(s) into the office for the visitation; the Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner gains access to all EMR via our cloud network-which the Tele-Coordinator has helped prepare- ensuring proper prescription and mental health records are available for the consultation.

 

Patients should at all times maintain a primary care physician for physical examination and addressing physical problems. Tele Psychiatric services address the psychiatric management of the patients and basic psychotherapy. Services provided by therapists are independent of psychiatric providers only if available and necessary, as determined by the medical team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TELE-HEALTH

 

The California Telemedicine Act of 1996 legalized the usage of teleconferencing technologies in the implementation of medical services within California. In 1998 the Federal government legitimized the practice with its own set of regulations, allowing for nearly 2/3rds of all states in the Union to join California in legalizing the practice.

Since then, the usage of telemedicine in the delivery of consultative medical services has grown throughout the country. You can learn more about our mission of Reach Out Psychiatry here.

 

 

CLINICAL USES

 

The following is a list of common clinical conditions appropriate for psychiatry consultation and treated by our providers:

1. Mood disorders

2. Psychotic disorders

3. Anxiety disorders

4. Diagnostic clarification

5. Childhood psychiatric disorders like ADHD, Mood disorders, Autism and

    related behavioral problems

 

 

ACCESS TO SERVICES

 

If patients have problems related to medication management or psychiatric emergencies, the telemedicine coordinator at your clinic will help coordinate the resolution of any issues locally with your primary care physicians as soon as possible. If clinically determined that the provider needs to be contacted, the information can be relayed by calling our specialist directly or on the office phone or fax, all such encounters are documented in the EMR for consistency and timeliness.

 

 

PATIENTS

 

Patients currently enrolled for Tele Psychiatry services are enrolled as local clinic patients in the presentation sites. The presentation site provides at least one Tele Psychiatry Site Coordinator; ensures that the Tele-Health Site Coordinator is trained in the use and application of Tele Psychiatry services; maintains coordination of care between the referral sources and the specialist; helps identify patients who would benefit from the use of Tele Psychiatry services; and discusses the use of Tele Psychiatry with patients to obtain informed consent to take consultation via Tele Health.

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The Tele Psychiatry Site Coordinator also organizes the presentation of clinical information with core elements of patient information including demographics, referrals, primary care physician notes, current medications, and facilitates that the Tele Psychiatry encounters are clinically appropriate.

Billing responsibilities are a function of presentation sites. Federal and State rural programs makes for a very feasible and efficient system of billing, collections and funding for these rural presentation sites. Discuss the details of financials with our Program Director or Medical Director.

 

 

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING

 

For a new consultation: 40-60  minutes

For a medication follow-up:  20-30 minutes

Based on complexity, Child and Adolescent patient usually needs more time