Telehealth Policies
Skycloud Mental Health offers video appointments to individuals in the states in which the health care provider is licensed (updated on website). Patients must be located in one of these states at the time of the appointment but otherwise may be at any private location of their choice for the appointment. Video appointments require access to a device with audio and video capabilities as well as internet connection. Insurances may not cover video appointments. Pricing is posted here.
Sessions and visits will be held via “telehealth”: using video conferencing software with audio capability and/or a separate software/device for audio (e.g, telephone, headset, etc.). Of note, telehealth establishes a formal provider-patient relationship used to maintain regular assessment, diagnostics, therapy, and/or prescription. We will be utilizing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protected software to ensure that your protected health information is secure from unauthorized access and that confidentiality is maintained. This document serves as a consent form for treatment via telehealth in general.
Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth stands at the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and formal health services. You can expect the following benefits:
- Telehealth eliminates barriers to accessing healthcare and provides an 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, - Telehealth allows for flexible scheduling.
- Telehealth offers a reduction of stigma by providing private treatment in the comfort of the patient’s personal space.
- Telehealth can provide treatment to patients with disabilities and limited mobility without requiring extensive planning for transport.
Limitations of Telehealth
While it is not possible to anticipate all the limitations of any treatment, you should consider the following when consenting to treatment via telehealth:
- Telehealth audio visual 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.
- Telehealth may not be suitable for certain illnesses that require higher levels of care.
- Certain illnesses may not be adequately treated by telehealth.
We reserve the right to assess suitability and appropriateness of telehealth candidates due to the potential limitations of the treatment modality mentioned above.
As telehealth is generally conducted remotely, safety protocols and alternate means of seeking help will be addressed in detail in your consultation. However, the following are generally accepted alternatives to treatment via telehealth: Treatment in a more traditional, in-office visit with another provider. Pursuing treatment via telehealth is a decision made by you. If you choose to revoke your decision and pursue alternate treatment, you are able to withdraw your consent at any time. (Of course, we recommend discussing this decision with your provider first. We also recommend establishing your next provider prior to termination to eliminate any gaps in treatment.). By signing this form I certify that I:
- I understand that I am consenting to evaluation and treatment via telehealth.
- I understand that no results can be guaranteed, despite our best efforts to deliver care.
- I have been given the opportunity to ask questions about telehealth or any aspects of the evaluation and treatment at any time.