Telehealth – Psychiatry

NorthShore now offers Telepsychiatry

NorthShore now offers Telepsychiatry at our clinics. Telepsychiatry is a private and secure video meeting system similar to how Facetime or Skype works. Patient will be able to interact with their psychiatrist through a computer. NorthShore will provide telepsychiatry services at all of our locations, so patients can see their psychiatrist from the same locations they already see their other providers. A referral from a NorthShore provider is required to participate in the telepsychiatry program.

What is Telepsychiatry?

Telepsychiatry is the ability to access psychiatric care remotely through the help of electronic devices. The telepsychiatry service offered to you will allow you to have a medical appointment with a psychiatrist through secure and interactive video equipment. You will be able to speak in real-time with the psychiatrist during your appointment, the same as a traditional visit.

Why is NorthShore adding Telepsychiatry?

We understand it can be difficult to find a local psychiatrist with available appointments. By bringing telepsychiatry to our health center, we can improve our current services and reach more patients.

Telepsychiatry is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association and is in operation in thousands of clinics and medical settings around the country, allowing more patients to have direct access to their psychiatrists.

What are the benefits?

Telepsychiatry improves patients’ access to a psychiatrist and will reduce travel time and costs. It also means that patients will not have to be away from work for long periods of time due to extensive travel time.

What if I want to see a psychiatrist in-person?

NorthShore currently only offers telepsychiatry. If preferred, there are other organizations in the area that offer in-person consultations that may require more travel. There may also be a longer waiting period to get an appointment for an in-person visit.

Will there be an additional cost for this new service?

At this time, the charge is no different than an in-person visit. Many insurers, including Medicaid, are covering most telepsychiatry consultations.

Is Telepsychiatry safe?

Yes, all telepsychiatry appointments are safe, secure, encrypted, and follow the same privacy (i.e., HIPAA) guidelines as traditional, in-person appointments. Your telepsychiatry appointments will always be kept confidential. In addition, telepsychiatry appointments are NEVER audio or video recorded without the patient’s permission.

Can I choose not to participate?

Of course, with this program you have been offered the option of seeing a psychiatrist through secure and interactive video equipment within your primary care office. It is your choice how you follow this referral.