Telemedicine for Behavioral Health

Studies show that 97% of patients who are seen remotely by their provider feel they receive the same quality of care as an in-person visit. Additional research has validated the effectiveness of telemedicine.  There is no detectable difference in the ability of a therapist to gather necessary information, make an accurate diagnosis, and develop a plan for treatment. In short, video visits result in the same desired clinical outcomes as in-person care when used appropriately.

One study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston followed 241 depressed elderly veterans, some of whom received treatment via telemedicine, while others received in-person care. At the end of one year, there was no meaningful difference in symptom relief or satisfaction between the two groups.

In general, telemedicine software is designed to be as easy to use as other familiar modern applications. Patients and providers with a basic familiarity with online apps should be able to quickly figure out how to use a telehealth application.

Each state decides if they want to mandate reimbursement for telemedicine visits. If you’re among the 30 states that do mandate it, you’ll be reimbursed at the same level as an in-office visit. (Check our state map to see if you live in a state with a parity law.)

In addition, many insurers recognize the value of telemedicine and will reimburse for remote visits even if the state does not require them to do so.

Medicaid programs in 48 states reimburse for some telepsychiatry services. State Medicaid policies, rules, and laws are continuing to become more progressive with respect to telemedicine. Medicare will reimburse for telepsychiatry services if the community is considered rural.

Because patient information and video are being transmitted, telemedicine software is required to be HIPAA-compliant. Any solution you consider should be encrypted to protect patient confidentiality. Consumer grade applications like Skype and FaceTime are not appropriate for clinical applications.

This is determined on a state-by-state basis. For example, in California and many other states, it is not necessary for the doctor/patient relationship to be established in-person.