COVID-19 Telehealth Policy

*** SUBJECT TO CHANGE ***

Policy Statement

Evolve Psychology Group is committed to providing a high level of quality service which includes making our service as accessible as possible to all members of the community, and to continuity of treatment for all of our valued clients. In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic we are continuing to act thoughtfully and calmly to continue to provide our clients ongoing psychological support in creative ways. This has required us to consider the way in which we continue to deliver of psychological services to the members of our community including the ongoing option of telehealth e.g., telephone or videoconferencing options.

In March 2020 the Government updated the temporary COVID-19 Medicare telehealth items to ensure all Australian’s were eligible clients to access telehealth services if clinically appropriate. On 13th December 2021 the Government announced that the provision of telehealth services will continue to ensure flexibility in the provision of health care services.

Eligibility for MBS rebated telehealth services will continue to include:

• being eligible to receive services under Medicare under a particular program of funding;

• having a valid referral from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician; and,

• not being a patient of an emergency department or admitted to hospital at the time of the service.

Factors to consider in assessing a client’s suitability to access telehealth services include:

• Capacity to access technology;

• Form, frequency and degree of symptomatology;

• Extent of psychological disturbance/crisis;

• Barriers to access the service (i.e., language, physical and visual impairment);

• Ability to access a private space in which they can attend a confidential telehealth session;

• Risk of harm to/from self and/or others.

These aspects of the client’s presenting problem are factors that their psychologist will consider when assessing suitability for telehealth but they do not necessarily preclude the use of telehealth. Risk assessment and management is always an important part of a psychological service. However, in the context of telehealth the person’s psychologist will pay particular attention to specific strategies to manage risk that may arise in this context. Therefore, client’s informed consent to engage in telehealth services will be sought which will be included in the client’s signed consent to access services.

As with client’s usual face-to-face consultations privacy and confidentiality will be maintained during the provision of telehealth services. It is important that the client have access to a private space in their home where they are free to access a telephone, mobile device, smart phone, computer or iPad/tablet for a confidential telehealth consultation. Videoconferencing consultations will be provided via Zoom Video which is a remote conferencing service with "end-to-end encryption" which allows a user to enable this setting to ensure their calls are HIPAA/FERPA compliant to ensure client privacy and confidentiality.

The fee for the telehealth services will be the same as face-to-face services for a MBS 50+ minute session, private client or current session fee rate with a provisionally registered psychologist, or an NDIS or other insurance funded session as per the client consent/agreement. As all session fees are payment on the day (except to third party providers such as insurance companies and NDIS plan managers). Payment for the telehealth session will be required prior to the session time, therefore, invoices for sessions will be emailed prior to your appointment. For clients who are unable to pay via EFT this will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your psychologist.

Procedure

1. Client’s suitability to attend psychological services via telehealth will be assessed and where suitable an appointment time for a telehealth consultation will be booked.

2. Clients Informed Consent to engage in Telehealth services will be included in the initial consent form signed when clients initially engaged in our services.

3. MBS telehealth clients will continue to use allocated sessions under their MHTP and all usual reporting requirements will need to be met by psychologists.

4. Ensure clients have received the information sheet regarding the provision of Telehealth.

5. Refer to our COVIDsafe Plan 2022.

This policy will be reviewed every two (2) years (or sooner should there be changes to the structure or organisation of Evolve Psychology Group Pty Ltd, or to relevant legislation).