In an announcement from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Impact is now able to offer PT/OT services via digital communications. Previously, PT/OT were not covered services for telemedicine. In other words, Medicare will now cover e-visits for PT/OT for the foreseeable future. Some private insurances are now covering telehealth services to PT/OT, as well. We are also offering self pay options, for those with insurance that doesn’t cover these new services!
E-Visits
We will be offering e-visits for any of our established Medicare patients who are concerned about coming to the clinic due to COVID-19. E-visits are considered any communication with your PT or OT via phone or email. Through an e-visit, you can ask any questions you may have regarding your therapy. Our therapists can advise you on different things as they normally would during an in-person appointment.
Telehealth
Telehealth is a little different from an e-visit. A telehealth visit takes place through a one-on-one video chat. Just like an e-visit, it’s a time where you can ask questions and progress your home program. By using telehealth, our therapists will be able to monitor your exercises and help with any problem areas. It will be very similar to an in-person visit, except it won’t be hands-on.
Continuing PT/OT
We highly recommend you take advantage of these new resources if you’re high risk for COVID-19. Through e-visits and telehealth, we will be able to ensure you’re getting the best care you can get in the comfort and safety of your own home.
We don’t want you to lose all the progress you’ve made in therapy! By implementing these new tools, we are enabling our patients to continue with their therapy without the risk of being exposed to COVID-19.
How it Works
E-Visits: Simply let your therapist know that you’d like to participate in e-visits. Then, you and your therapist can either set up a time to talk on the phone, or email back-and-forth, whichever you prefer!
Telehealth Visits: At your request, we will schedule your one-on-one appointment with your current therapist. Then, you’ll receive an email with the meeting link, which you’ll open at your appointment time. This will open a live video feed between you and your therapist. It’s that simple!
In order to participate in a telehealth visit, you must have an electronic device that has video and audio capabilities (smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.). If you need help or have any questions regarding any of this, give us a call! Lacie will be on hand to help answer any tech questions, or even walk you through the process. Your tech experience, or lack thereof, shouldn’t prevent you from getting the care you need!
This is a rapidly evolving situation, so we don’t have all the information just yet. We will continue to update you as we receive new information. In the meantime, know that we’re doing everything in our power to keep our patients healthy and safe.
– Impact Team
