What is “Telehealth”
Telehealth is your therapy being provided either via phone or videoconferencing in an online format.
At Treat Yourself Well, we have been providing tele/video health for quite some time pre COVID-19. We have found that it can be highly beneficial and successful.
How does it work?
While you don’t need anything overly fancy you do need a space that is quiet and free from interruptions. You also need a computer with a microphone and camera if you are doing videoconferencing.
- When you schedule your appointment, your psychologist will set up an online meeting and email you a link with a password
- When it is time for you appointment - click on the link and follow the prompts
- Make sure you unmute your microphone and have your camera on. Your psychologist will be there for your appointment!
Prior to your Telehealth appointment
In addition to our general confidentiality and consent form, we will send you a specific Telehealth Informed Consent Form. We ask that you read, sign and return your informed consent via email to us. This forms outlines the benefits of telehealth, security, privacy and personal safety.
FEES associated with Telehealth – TELEHEALTH FOR EVERYONE
As of 6 April 2020, there are special COVID-19 Medicare item numbers. Under these items you may be eligible for bulk bill services. These are temporary items to 30 September 2020. Please click here for more detail.
If you do not fit into one of the MBS item categories, as of 6 April 2020, everyone is eligible for telehealth. If you have an existing Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you will be charged your usual fee and you will receive your Medicare rebate. Your telehealth session will count towards your 10 MHCP sessions.
If you do not have a MHCP, you will need to visit your GP (either in person or via videoconference) to obtain one. The paperwork from your GP needs to be made available to us via fax or email prior to your appointment to be able to access your rebate or to receive bulk billing services (if eligible).
If you do not have a valid MHCP, we will charge the usual fee. However, please note that you can now access telehealth via your private health insurer too under COVID-19 – please check with your insurer.
COVID-19 presents many challenges for us all as we adjust our life to physically distancing to #flatten the curve #mentalhealth. We do not usually provide bulk billing services, and as always, we want to provide the best support and service for our clients. We will continue to abide by our commitment to our valued clients and if you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 please contact us to discuss your circumstances. Now more than ever we need to remain connected and continue to treat yourself well.
Please note: There are times though where it may not be clinically appropriate to engage in this form of therapy. Your psychologist is the best person to talk this through with.
To find out more please contact us at info@treatyourselfwell.com.au or call us on 9555 4810
See you all soon
Tanya and TYW team