I cannot express my gratitude enough for this program or my team. I was absolutely hopeless and broken. They changed that in me and changed my family unit. They are so good at their jobs. They have changed my life. “Job” or not, they saw me before I even saw myself. That can’t be taught. That is THEM, who they are.
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Telehealth
Providing virtual care through telehealth to ensure patients’ needs are met
PrairieCare is proud to offer a fully secure and operational telehealth platform to help deliver high-quality services to new and existing patients. Below are some frequently asked questions about how services are provided via telehealth at PrairieCare. If you have additional questions or are preparing for your first telehealth appointment, please review the Patient Telehealth Guide For Microsoft Teams which includes step by step instructions and answers to many commonly asked questions.
Call us to get started 952-826-8475.
What is telehealth/telemedicine?
According to the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), telehealth includes patient consultations via video conferencing (commonly referred to as telemedicine), transmission of still images, e-health including patient portals, remote monitoring of vital signs, consumer-focused wireless applications and nursing call centers, among others. Telehealth via video conferencing has been used in psychiatry for many years and has proven to be both a safe and effective way to provide care. PrairieCare is proud to offer telehealth to its clients.
What system does PrairieCare use for telehealth?
PrairieCare uses Microsoft Teams, a safe and convenient platform that offers assessment and treatment online.
How do I access telehealth sessions with my clinician?
All patients accessing telehealth must be pre-approved by their clinician before telehealth occurs. There are many benefits to/for both providers and patients, in particular for those patients or clinicians traveling far distances to offer or receive care and for those who may have difficulty traveling for various reasons. Patients interested in telehealth should discuss the option directly with their clinician.
What are the technical requirements for telehealth at PrarieCare?
You will need a reliable internet connection, a webcam and speakers/headphones (these come with most laptops). Also, you will want to verify your bandwidth at https://www.bandwidthplace.com/. If your download or upload speed is lower than 1 Mbps, the video will work, but it will not be optimal and you could experience some difficulty.
How can I assure my privacy?
PrairieCare Microsoft Teams is encrypted and HIPAA-compliant. We recommend using a privately owned laptop or desktop computer and a wired internet connection. You will be responsible for making sure that you are in a private and soundproof space for your session.
Do I have to download anything?
You will need to download the Microsoft Teams web app. When clicking on the hyperlink sent to you via email for your session, you will be taken through the set up process. As this takes time, please login at least 15 minutes early for your first telehealth session, to be sure you are ready for your appointment.
Will my insurance pay for telehealth sessions?
Effective January 1st, 2016 all private health plans issued in Minnesota, before or after January, 2017, are required to cover telehealth services at the same level as in-person services and previous patient location restrictions have been removed. If uncertain, clients are encouraged to contact their insurance company to ask about coverage.
How can I make sure I have a successful online session?
Login early, and create a quiet/private space to prepare for your appointment. If you find PrairieCare’s environment helpful, try to mirror this environment. Also, assure you meet the technical requirements listed above.
*Resources: Best Practices in Videoconferencing-Based Telemental Health by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Telemedicine Association (April 2018)
Testimonials
It all starts with a phone call…
If you are a clinician, physician, or provider looking to refer a patient, call 952-826-8475.
No-cost mental health screenings via phone are offered to anybody seeking psychiatric services at Prairiecare.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, counselor, physician, family, or friend – and not sure where to turn – you can call us at 952-826-8475 to help determine the best services for each individual’s needs or reach us through email by filling out this form.