Telehealth
Services
Since our doors opened, ICS has been committed to providing high-quality care with as few barriers to access as possible. Introducing telehealth services in 2019 has allowed us to respond to the needs of an even greater number of individuals and families with the help of cutting-edge technology.
We have expanded our telehealth services due to the COVID-19 outbreak and look forward to continuing to offer this channel of care for years to come.
What is telehealth
Telehealth involves the use of digital channels of communication (i.e. phone, video-chat) to remotely access healthcare services from the comfort of one’s home or office. Integrative Counseling Services, PC has offered virtual appointments using the SP App since 2019. When a patient joins our practice, we conduct a consultation to determine whether telehealth services would be right for their care. COVID-19 has expanded acceptable parameters of telehealth.
Acceptable forms of telehealth during COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the list of channels of virtual communication that can be used for telehealth has expanded to include the following:
Telephone
Skype
FaceTime
These channels are NOT HIPAA compliant but are allowable at this time due to COVID-19. They are not protected by a BAA. Restrictions and regulations are subject to change based on insurance policy. Integrative Counseling Services, PC, will notify patients as soon as possible whenever changes to regulations occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telehealth
Sessions are protected with bank-level encryption and security when using our telehealth application.
It stands for Business Associate Agreement. It is a contract between ICS and Simple Practice (our telehealth platform) that satisfies HIPAA requirements for privacy/confidentiality. Integrative Counseling Services, PC does have a BAA.
No, all insurances do not cover telehealth services.
This depends on insurance and in most cases yes copays and deductibles apply to telehealth sessions.
ICS therapists are required to have a minimum of 8 hours of telehealth training.
The software/application that ICS uses for telehealth does not have the capacity to record sessions. ICS does not permit sessions to be recorded in any way without express written permission.
Your therapist must be licensed to provide therapy in the state you reside.
Simple Practice
Telehealth is not appropriate for everyone. That will be something that will be decided by you and your therapist and can change at any time during the treatment.
Many people can benefit from telehealth including but not limited to individuals with transportation issues, those with time constraints who need sessions during a lunch break, students who attend college out of the area, those who travel for work, those with childcare barriers, those who live in areas where travel can be affected by weather, etc.
A computer (laptop or desktop), smartphone, tablet with access to the internet
Sessions cannot be conducted through these means.
Covid-19 Health & Safety Plan
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, new healthcare regulations and restrictions are temporarily in place. Visit our Telehealth page to learn how patients and providers may be impacted.
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Telehealth services remain available for all clients as clinically appropriate
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Masks are worn by staff and are strongly encouraged for clients and guests
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ICS staff use disinfecting wipes and sprays throughout the day to keep surfaces and high traffic areas clean
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Disposable gloves are available upon request
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Wall mounted hand sanitizers are available in two locations in each office
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Regular professional deep cleaning
*NOTE: ICS will provide a disposable mask to anyone who doesn’t have one in the office by request