Author Topic: Skype  (Read 2469 times)

Laniesa

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Skype
« on: September 13, 2010, 09:41:05 PM »
I was wondering if any of your physicians were using Skype? One if my clients is a psychiatrist and was wanting to know. Also, he was wondering if he could treat patients from another state on Skype or would that be practicing across state line?

PMRNC

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Re: Skype
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2010, 10:31:27 PM »
Opinion:  I'd never want a physician who wanted to "skype" me. LOL

There are guidelines for online visits, medicare does not pay for them but I'm pretty sure the guidelines are meant over a secure means of communications such as a chat environment that is on a secure server. I'm pretty sure SKYPE is not a valid means of patient care. Most of the carriers that are paying for online are being reimbursed mainly for med checks, email communication, or mental health therapy when a patient cannot be seen at their office.
Linda Walker
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Laniesa

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Re: Skype
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2010, 11:19:39 PM »
Well that is exactly what he wants...he has mental patients that cannot leave their house. It is not intended to be his primary way of treatment.

Michele

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Re: Skype
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2010, 08:39:08 AM »
I am familiar with Skype but do not have any providers who use it in their practice.  I am familiar with providers who provider telemedicine services but I do not know if Skype qualifies for that.  I know with regular telemedicine (I am not familiar with the method they use to communicate, but I know it's not Skype) the insurance carriers consider it 'face to face' treatment since the provider and the patient can see each other while they are speaking.  I guess I would recommend contacting a couple of the major insurance carriers he pars with (if he does) and ask.

I'd be interested to hear the answer.

Michele
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PMRNC

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Re: Skype
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2010, 10:51:49 AM »
Yes I would call the carriers too, and I too would be interested in their response.
Linda Walker
Practice Managers Resource & Networking Community
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Medical Billing Forum

Re: Skype
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2010, 10:51:49 AM »