What Happens when the Public Health Emergency Ends? Telepsychiatry and Hybrid Practice Post-PHE-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) organizes a webinar featuring speakers Dr. Shabana Khan and Dr. John Torres. They discuss the future of telepsychiatry and hybrid psychiatry after the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers highlight important topics such as audio-only services, controlled substance prescribing through telemedicine, licensure requirements, and telehealth coding for Medicare. They mention the potential changes after the public health emergency, including the reestablishment of in-person requirements for Medicare patients and the need for separate DEA registrations in each state for controlled substance prescribing.<br /><br />Drs. Khan and Torres emphasize the state-by-state variations in regulations and the importance of staying up-to-date with federal and state laws. They encourage healthcare professionals to engage in advocacy efforts to improve telemedicine regulations. The webinar provides valuable information for psychiatrists and mental health professionals interested in offering telehealth services in their practice.<br /><br />The speakers also discuss the future of telehealth regulations and enforcement. They mention federal investigations into online prescribing services and predict potential increased enforcement exercises in behavioral health and psychiatry.<br /><br />Additionally, the speakers address specific considerations for telehealth practice, including licensure requirements, practice addresses, and compliance with DEA regulations for prescribing controlled substances. They advise checking with individual payers for their specific requirements.<br /><br />The video concludes by discussing strategies for maintaining continuity of care in a virtual environment and addressing barriers to telehealth access and engagement. Factors such as network connectivity, device availability, and digital literacy are highlighted. The speakers suggest reaching out to the APA for advocacy support and resources.<br /><br />Overall, the video provides an informative overview of telehealth regulations, future considerations, and strategies for successful telepsychiatry practice.

Keywords

telepsychiatry

hybrid psychiatry

COVID-19 pandemic

controlled substance prescribing

telemedicine

licensure requirements

telehealth coding

state-by-state variations

advocacy efforts

telehealth regulations

enforcement

continuity of care