Introduction
Telepsychiatry is the delivery of mental health services using interactive audio and visual electronic systems between a provider and a patient that are not in the same physical location. The interactive electronic systems used in Telepsychiatry incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient information and audio and visual data. These protocols include measures to safeguard the data and to aid in protecting against intentional or unintentional corruption.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accessibility to psychiatric care.
- Patient convenience.
Potential Risks
As with any medical procedure, there may be potential risks associated with the use of Telepsychiatry. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
- Information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g., poor resolution of video) to allow for appropriate decision-making by your provider.
- Your provider may not be able to provide or arrange for emergency care that you may require.
- Delays in medical evaluation and treatment may occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment.
- Security protocols can fail, causing a breach of privacy of confidential health information.
Alternatives to the Use of Tele-psychiatry
- Traditional face-to-face sessions in your provider’s office.
Patient’s Rights
- I understand that the laws that protect the privacy and confidentiality of medical information also apply to Telepsychiatry.
- I have the right to withhold or withdraw my consent to the use of Telepsychiatry during the course of my care at any time. I understand that there may be no alternatives to telepsychiatry, based on location.
- I understand that my provider has the right to withhold or withdraw consent for the use of Teleppsychiatry during the course of my care at any time, based on clinical judgment of appropriateness.
- I understand that the all rules and regulations that apply to the provision of healthcare services also apply to Telepsychiatry.
Patient’s Responsibilities
- I will not record any Telepsychiatry sessions without written consent from my provider. I understand that my provider will not record any of our Telepsychiatry sessions without my written consent.
- I will inform my provider if any other person can hear or see any part of our session before the session begins. The provider will inform me if any other person can hear or see any part of our session before the session begins.
- I understand that I, not my provider, am responsible for the configuration of any electronic equipment used on my computer that is used for Telepsychiatry. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of all electronic equipment before my session begins.
- I understand that I must in eligible States to receive Telepsychiatry services from my provider.