Imagine being able to get 24-hour support for people dealing with substance abuse.
See how one rehab center expands its reach with teletherapy for substance abuse treatment.
It is called Telemedicine, and it can remove the restrictions of distance and time when it comes to receiving treatment.
The world is changing, and our ways of doing things are changing.
What is Telemedicine?
Teletherapy, also known as Telemedicine, is a treatment done over the computer, phone, or another virtual device.
By offering Telemedicine, clients can receive treatment without having to worry about
- Long Commutes
- The fear of being recognized
- Being restricted by the counselor’s availability
Telemedicine allows clients access to immediate help when they are in a situation where they feel like they may use or buy a substance.
Thanks to this treatment, we can drastically reduce the opioid epidemic we are dealing with in the U.S.
Pros and Cons of Telemedicine
With any treatment, there are going to be pros and cons. But many people believe the pros out waythe cons in this situation.
Pros
- Clients can build stronger relationships- This will help them build trust and make them more willing to go to them for help.
- Easy Access- Clients can get help when and where convenient for them or when they need it.
- Continuous Support- Clients will no longer only have support during business hours. One of the leading causes of relapse is not having support when needed.
- Quick response time- The days of having to leave a message and hope they get back to you in time are over.
- Chronic care- For some dealing with mental and physical health problems, they can keep up with their treatment no matter where they are.
- Continuity care- By having multiple ways clients can get the treatment, they will have a constant support team that can give them the confidence to stay on the right path.
Cons
- Not right for everyone-Telemedicine may not be the right treatment for some patients, like those in high-risk or unstable living situations.
- Lack of technical knowledge requires that clients know how to use a smartphone, computer, or another virtual device. Also, some clients may not be able to afford these devices.
- Privacy and security- Some patients may find it hard to talk freely due to others being around.
- Cost- Some patients may have to pay for this out of pocket.
- MAT or Medication-Assisted Treatment therapy is still being studied, and there is not enough evidence showing Telemedicine is helping.
Does Insurance cover telemedicine?
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the government has been forced to reevaluate the need for Telehealth services.
Not all Telehealth services are covered, but live video is covered in all 50 states.
Telehealth policies are changing all the time, so hopefully, all services will be covered by all 50 states in the future. As for right now, these services are covered by Medicaid.
Medicaid feels that in-home telehealth services meet the same criteria as in-person services. Sadly, Medicare does not cover telehealth services at his time.
However, they are beginning to cover it in certain situations.
What Telehealth treatments are available?
Telephone-based treatment has been used for many years and has proven highly effective.
Therapy over the phone requires no extra cost, no licensing fees, and no patient training since people already know how to use a regular phone.
Interactive Voice recognition (IVR) is an automated telephone service with preset questions. It will give feedback based on the answers you give.
Web-based treatment- This treatment has also been available now, and patients can download an app.
Video conferencing is done through a secure portal on your personal computers. Studies have shown it is no different in the effectiveness of in-person vs. video.
Northbound Treatment Center offers treatment services through their Homebound program.
Northbound has been helping patients from the safety and comfort of their homes since January 2016.
The Homebound program provides care for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. This program is perfect for patients who:
- Have never been to treatment
- Just completed residential treatment
- Need further support after a relapse
Participants who enroll in this program will work closely with their teams to develop the right individualized schedule.
Northbound believes the outpatient program is vital to the success of the recovery process.
If you or a loved one is interested in the telehealth program at Northbound, please don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 311-0003.