2.7 Conducting Telehealth Sessions

telehealth platform requirements hopscotch providers must utilize the built in hipaa compliant zoom video conferencing function on hopscotch for all telehealth sessions performed providers will administer an optimal online experience for their clients and caregivers providers should not conduct sessions via phone unless a noted technical difficulty has arisen during the session providers cannot conduct and bill for client sessions that occur via sms/text providers agree to use a high quality camera, microphone, and speakers during telehealth sessions to ensure a stable and quality connection, the provider's internet speed should be a minimum of 10 mbps providers may check internet speed at the following link https //www speedtest net/ technical difficulties if a provider or a client is experiencing technical difficulties preventing the session from starting and/or continuing, please contact the client using the contact information provided within the platform providers can continue the session via phone conversation if a technical difficulty persists, however, they must include documentation in their notes as to the change and efforts made to continue the session with the client a session continued by phone is only appropriate during technical difficulties and not for routine sessions providers cannot conduct a session, whether recurring or interrupted, with a caregiver/client via sms/text if recurring technical difficulties persist for the provider, they must notify hopscotch support ( ) for additional follow up physical setting/room requirements hopscotch providers agree to conduct in person and telehealth sessions in an environment that is private, quiet, and with minimal distractions to maximize video quality, suitable lighting and a professional on camera background is required for telehealth sessions providers are not to perform in person and telehealth sessions in public areas (i e coffee shop, restaurant, outdoor area, public venue, etc ) as private and identifying information is not secure for the caregiver and client within these settings providers may not conduct sessions while operating a moving vehicle providers will encourage caregivers and/or clients to attend their session in a private and confidential setting providers will not conduct a session with a caregiver and/or client who is attending a session while operating a moving vehicle if this situation occurs, a provider will communicate with the caregiver and/or client that they must reschedule the session for a new date and time that is suitable for both parties preparing for a session when conducting telehealth sessions, providers should log on at least 5 minutes prior to session start, ensure that they have a stable internet connection, and that they are in a well lit, quiet, and non distracting area providers are not to perform sessions in public areas (i e coffee shop, restaurant, outdoor area, public venue, etc ) as private and identifying information is not secure for the caregiver and client within these settings providers must always present themselves in a professional manner with clothing that is neither offensive or inappropriate when conducting in person sessions, providers should arrive at least 5 minutes prior to session start and ensure that they are in a well lit, quiet, and non distracting area all providers should maintain in person sessions in a private, secure location that adheres to the responsibilities of hipaa compliance and privacy of protected health information providers must always present themselves in a professional manner with clothing that is neither offensive or inappropriate during a session at the onset of each session, providers must verify the following client identity (provider must ensure that they are providing services to the right person) client location (provider must ensure that client is physically within the state that provider is licensed to practice) presence of caregiver (provider must confirm that the client’s caregiver is within proximity in the event of an emergency or crisis) providers are encouraged to review boundaries and best practices with clients and caregivers about participating in telehealth sessions this includes ensuring that client’s video remains on, client’s privacy and confidentiality is maintained, and every effort is made by client to remain engaged and participatory during session providers must also follow best practices while delivering services including keeping video on at all times, maintaining focus and attention, and engaging clients to the best of their ability upon session completion, providers should confirm the next appointment with the client/caregiver and ensure that it has been scheduled within the hopscotch platform post session providers should complete and sign their note within the hopscotch platform within 48 hours of session completion notes must be completed, signed, and locked before the provider is able to submit verification for payment