Telepsychiatry Facts & FAQs
General Questions
Q: Why is telepsychiatry an effective alternative to an in-person session?
A: At Genoa Telepsychiatry, we build sustainable telepsychiatry programs that increase access to behavioral health providers in underserved communities. Our services improve clinical outcomes, and community health and wellness. Using telepsychiatry, individuals who otherwise would do without mental healthcare can now receive treatment. Also, research demonstrates that telepsychiatry is as effective as the traditional, face-to-face model of care.
Q: Who are your typical providers?
A: Our providers include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and LCSWs who choose to work with us for a variety of reasons. Some have personal or family obligations that preclude them from working full time. Others want to provide psychiatric care and treatment, without the challenges of managing a private practice. A commonality amongst all of our providers are motivated to provide care to disadvantaged individuals.
Q: What mental healthcare services are offered through telepsychiatry?
A: Essentially all services that an on-site psychiatrist would provide are offered through telepsychiatry. This includes administering comprehensive intake assessments, psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy and medication management.
Q: Where do patients receive services?
A: Patients visit their local clinic where they are set up in a private room with a computer and video camera. They are then connected with their providers through our brower-based telepsychiatry platform. Services are delivered onsite, at a familiar environment where patients feel comfortable and can be supervised by clinic staff.
Q: Can medication be prescribed with telepsychiatry?
A: Yes. Our psychiatrists are able to prescribe all psychotropic medications for patients seen virtually. Schedule II through Schedule V controlled medications can be prescribed, as well. Our providers write and sign the prescription, which is then sent directly to the clinic. Patients pick up their prescription and have it filled at their preferred pharmacy. Alternatively, with our ePrescribe feature, psychiatrists can electronically fill and send prescriptions directly to their patients’ pharmacy of choice.
Q: How effective is telepsychiatry?
A: Over the years, many well designed studies have been conducted demonstrating the clinical equivalency between a traditional face-to-face session and one conducted using telepsychiatry.
Q: Are patients comfortable with the platform?
A: Yes, they are. In fact, some patients even prefer receiving treatment through videoconferencing. Sessions are scheduled within days, eliminating the need to identify a psychiatrist nearby– who may be located hours away, as is the case in many areas– then wait several months for an initial appointment. Many individuals appreciate the privacy the platform affords and feel more comfortable seeing psychiatrists remotely, without worrying that they will encounter their psychiatrists in their community.
Q: Are services on-demand or scheduled in advance?
A: This varies by facility. Our partners contract for a specific number of hours per week. Services are delivered on schedule, at times that have been mutually determined by the clinics and our providers.
Q: What software is used?
A: We’ve built our own software, which is secure and HIPPA-compliant. It has a robust set of features including tools for patient scheduling, videoconferencing, documentation, document sharing, prescribing (medication and lab tests), and workflow automation.
Q: Will I need to invest in expensive new equipment?
A: All that is required is a laptop or tablet equipped with a webcam, and a high-speed internet connection. The majority of existing computers or laptops are telepsychiatry-ready.
Q: Is software training included?
A: Yes, software training is included. Our Customer Success team provides comprehensive training in advance so that all clinic staff and physicians are confident and comfortable with using our software prior to use.
Common Partner Questions
Q: What kind of facilities do you build programs for?
A: We partner with a wide range of facilities including but not limited to hospitals, emergency departments, community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, primary care practices, accountable care organizations and correctional facilities.
Q: How many licensed medical personnel are part of the Genoa Telepsychiatry network?
A: We have about 60 providers under contract nationwide, licensed in various states across the country.
Q: How do you handle payment and billing for provider services?
A: We charge a flat hourly fee for clinical services on behalf of our physicians. Your facility follows normal billing protocol, but adds a ‘GT’ modifier for physician services.
Q: What is your provider cost per hour, appointment, etc.?
A: The cost varies by state and the amount of reimbursement you receive. We strive to build long term, sustainable programs for our partners and so we charge below the reimbursement rate. Telepsychiatry also receives additional reimbursement for the originating site fee (Q3014).
Q: How are appointments with your providers scheduled for our patients?
A: In brief, a clinic manager logs into their browser-based clinic portal (www.aap.1docway.com) where they then select the “create a new appointment” tab. The appointment page displays provider availability that was established during the physician matching process. For a more comprehensive answer to this question, we recommend scheduling a demo to see this process in action.
Q: What technology is required on our end to conduct the video visits?
A: A computer, webcam (we can provide you with one if need be), and internet access.
Q: What do you charge for the use of your technology platform?
A: There is no additional cost for our platform.
Q: What type of integration do you have with EMRs?
A: In 90% of our cases, personnel are using our workflows from our website. We are able to import and export any data from your EMR to our platform, and vise versa. No need to print and scan through. Once a certain threshold of work for the provider with your facility has been exceeded, there are certain cases where the provider works directly in the facility’s EMR. We establish this level of understanding with the provider from the beginning. It is our ultimate goal for our processes to streamline with your current workflows.
Q: How do I become a partner?
A: Simply click here and complete the form to schedule a demo or contact our sales team to speak with one of our representatives.
Common Provider Questions
Q: How much time am I expected to spend with patients?
A: We encourage you to provide the same exemplary care you would to patients in a traditional setting; therefore, we do not dictate how you should practice. As a guideline, however, 45 minutes are typically allocated to conduct comprehensive intake assessments and psychotherapy, while medication evaluations and management are typically 15 to 30 minute sessions.
Q: Is enrollment in Medicare/Medicaid/Insurance panels necessary?
A: Yes. Because most of our partners’ patient populations are Medicare/Medicaid, our providers are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance panels prior to providing care.
Q: Do I have to be Board Certified?
A: Most of our partners expect our providers to be Board Certified, however this is not mandatory in all cases.
Q: Do I need to be a tech-expert to use the software?
A: No. We’ve designed our platform to be extremely user friendly and provide thorough training to ensure that you’re comfortable with using our software.
Q: How/when do I get paid?
A: You will receive payment electronically at the end of each month after we confirm your hours. It typically takes 1-5 business days to process payment.
Q: What is the expected time commitment?
A: There is no minimum or maximum time commitment requirement. This allows our providers to create telepsychiatry schedules that are convenient for them.
Q: How does scheduling work?
A: After thoughtfully matching you with one of our partner facilities, you will select the days and hours that best fit your schedule. We will then coordinate your availability with the clinic’s needs.
Q: Will I need to be credentialed to work with your clients?
A: Yes. We assist our clinics with the credentialing process and will keep your information on file so that this process can be repeated easily each time you start with a new clinic.
Q: What if I don’t have my own malpractice insurance policy?
A: We will automatically enroll you in our company’s malpractice coverage and cover the cost for your convenience.
Q: Can you describe the physician workflow?
A: After completing patient sessions, you will identify and select the correct CPT billing codes for services rendered in your notes. We expect patient progress notes to be submitted within 48 hours of the appointment.
Q: How soon can I start?
A: Should we have a clinic in the state(s) where you are licensed, you can be assigned promptly. Please keep in mind that providers must be credentialed, on-boarded, trained, and deemed an appropriate fit with our clinics prior to providing services.
Q: How do I sign up to become a provider?
A: That’s easy! Click here to complete our application form and our physician engagement team will contact you shortly.