TELEHEALTH NUTRITION FAQ’s TO HELP YOU GET STARTED
Let’s talk about telehealth & getting started with Telehealth. We know this shift brings up a lot of questions, so we put together this FAQ which we hope is helpful.
WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?
Telehealth, or virtual healthcare, is just like seeing your dietitian in person, only the appointment will be held from a HIPAA compliant, video-conferencing platform and is also where you can get all your patient portal information Simple Practice. If you choose to use your phone you will need to download the Simple Practice Appl It’s that easy!
We have been offering telehealth sessions for a while and excited to share this easy experience with more of y’all.
WHY CHOOSE TELEHEALTH?
Now more than ever is the time to decrease direct contact with one another in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading and/or being exposed to COVID-19. Telehealth is an excellent alternative to in-person counseling that allows us to reduce that risk. Not only is the website Simple Practice secure and free, but above all, it is extremely simple, hopefully making things a little bit easier and more convenient during these uncertain times.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEHEALTH?
In addition to minimizing exposure and promoting social distancing right now, there are a number of additional advantages of telehealth:
-
Telehealth increases access to your healthcare provider by helping overcome barriers such as long distance travel, traffic, family schedules.
-
Telehealth enhances traditional face-to-face meetings by combining high quality, real-time healthcare with flexibility and convenience for both the patient and provider.
-
Telehealth improves overall satisfaction by making it more convenient for patients to stay healthy and engaged in their health care, and conversely, for providers to meet with their patients.
HOW DO TELEHEALTH SESSIONS WORK?
We are currently using a simple, secure, and free platform called Simple Practice which allows you to meet with your Registered Dietitian from anywhere you have internet access: your laptop, phone browser, or other device. Simple Practice is also our patient portal where you can message your dietitian and schedule appointments.
Once you receive your appointment confirmation, you will receive a URL link directly to your dietitian’s “room,” allowing you to connect to them directly. Once you click on this personalized link, you and your dietitian will be able to go about your session as usual via video or audio call. Simple Practice also includes features such as screen sharing and file transfers, allowing your dietitian to provide things like handouts, education, and individualized meal planning sheets in the same way that she would if you were to be seen in-person.
WHERE DO I GET THE URL LINK TO MEET WITH MY DIETITIAN?
Once your visit has been booked, you will receive an automated confirmation email which contains the direct link to connect with your dietitian.
HOW DO I CHECK IN FOR MY SESSION?
Click on the link at the start of your appointment time and you’ll be taken directly into the waiting room until your dietitian is ready to start the video call. It’s easy!
WHAT IF I HAVEN’T RECEIVED THE LINK TO CONNECT?
If for any reason you haven’t received the link prior to the start of your session, please email our office manager, Andrea at Andrea@iLiveWellNutrition.com
IS THIS PRIVATE AND SECURE?
Yes! Simple Practice is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is recorded or stored. Doxy.me adheres to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.
DO I NEED TO SIGN UP FOR AN ACCOUNT?
No account needed! You do not need to sign up for an account to see your provider and you do not need to download any software.
IS SIMPLE PRACTICE FREE? WHAT IS THE COST?
Simple Practice itself is free to use. There is no additional cost, and the cost of the appointment is the same as your regular in-person session, so copays and deductibles may apply. See below for more specific information on making payments and insurance coverage.
WILL INSURANCE COVER THIS?
Insurance companies in Texas are now covering telehealth for dietitians throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Just like in-person sessions, details of coverage are very much plan specific and vary widely. Deductibles, copays, referrals and preauthorizations may apply. Reach out to Andrea at Andrea@iLiveWellNutrition.com with any insurance related questions.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY SESSION?
We require all of our clients have a credit card stored on file. If you do not, your dietitian can gather that information from you during your session and run payment if a copay is due. A receipt will be emailed to you following payment confirmation. FSA and HSA cards can be used.
TELEHEALTH TROUBLESHOOTING:
HOW CAN I IMPROVE VIDEO/SOUND QUALITY?
-
Close all open windows on your computer and make sure you have a full WIFI signal. If you are still having trouble, try restarting your computer.
-
We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox as your web browser
-
If you are hearing an echo, try using headphones.
We already miss seeing you all in person and cannot wait to open our doors to you in real life! We are hopeful that this transition to telehealth will be brief and temporary.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about telehealth counseling, do not hesitate to reach out via email Andrea at Andrea@iLiveWellNutrition.com or by phone: 512-693-7045 We’re here to help!
Adrien Paczosa is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian practicing in Austin, Texas and the surrounding counties.
She is the owner and founder of I Live Well Nutrition her Dietitian practice which started in 2007 and serves clients in the Austin, Texas area in two locations. Fearless Practitioners, the division of her business that offers training to dietitians and wellness professionals.