Telehealth

 

“Telehealth” means the delivery of health care services or consultations through the use of real time two-way interactive audio and visual communications to provide or support health care delivery and facilitate the assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, and care management of a patient’s health care. Telehealth includes the application of secure video conferencing, store-and-forward technology, and synchronous interactions between a patient located at an originating site and a health care provider located at a distant site. Until July 1, 2025, telehealth also includes audio-only communication between a health care provider and a patient in accordance with subdivision 6, paragraph (b). Telehealth does not include communication between health care providers that consists solely of a telephone conversation, email, or facsimile transmission. Telehealth does not include communication between a health care provider and a patient that consists solely of an email or facsimile transmission. Telehealth does not include telemonitoring services as defined in paragraph (i). MN Statute Sec. 62A.673(h)

 

Distant Site and Originating Site

“Distant site” means a site at which a health care provider is located while providing health care services or consultations by means of telehealth.

“Originating site” means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth. For purposes of store-and-forward technology, the originating site also means the location at which a health care provider transfers or transmits information to the distant site.

The Originating Site is the location of an eligible patient at the time the service is being furnished via a telecommunication system. Authorized originating sites include:

 

The Distant Site simply means a site at which a licensed health care provider is located while providing health care services or consultations by means of telemedicine. This is generally the provider’s office.

 

Finally, for mental health providers, it should be noted that the new telehealth law permits a provider to document a client’s verbal approval or electronic written approval of the treatment plan or change to the treatment plan in lieu of the client’s signature when mental health services or assessments are delivered through telehealth and are based on an individual treatment plan.

 

Telehealth Services Offered

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Indigo Recovery provides all clients with information upon intake that will both inform and give notice for how services will be provided. The Client Consent to Telehealth Services form is included in all intake paperwork for clients; their signed copy will become part of their maintained client chart.

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Client Consent to Telehealth Services

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1. I understand that the information and patient rights outlined in the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) continue to apply to me during tele-therapy. 

2. I understand that in some cases the information transmitted may not be sufficient due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment or internet connection.

3. I understand that the laws to protect privacy and the confidentiality of medical information also apply to telehealth and that no information obtained in the use of telehealth will be disclosed without my consent. Indigo Recovery LLC  has security and safeguards in place to protect such information; however, Indigo Recovery LLC cannot be responsible for any information that is disclosed on my end for lack of privacy at my  location.

4. I understand that disclosure of the location I chose to conduct therapy online is required and if the location changes, it is the patient’s responsibility to notify the provider to ensure compliance with State regulations. This is in place to ensure that appropriate emergency contacts/providers are accessible in the event of an emergency. 

5. I understand that I may expect the anticipated benefits from the use of telehealth in my care, but those results cannot be guaranteed or assured. Additionally, I understand that telehealth may not be as effective as face-to-face services in some circumstances, and if my provider believes another form of services would better serve me; my provider may refer me to seek a provider who can provide such services in my area.