Frequently Asked Questions

For Patients and Loved Ones

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine uses online telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Telemedicine, a subset of telehealth, provides a range of services, such as psychiatric evaluations, therapy and medication management.

What does this mean for you?
It means that our services are designed to meet you wherever you are and provide services that make a difference.

How private and secure is HealthLinkNow?

Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us. Our services are provided exclusively through HealthLinkNow’s secure online clinic, which meets all state and federal regulations for patient privacy. HealthLinkNow providers use our HIPAA compliant video platform. All appointments attended through HealthLinkNow, as well as messages and medical records that are maintained, are electronically protected by our secure system. Additionally, we ensure that our company policies and procedures always safeguard our patients’ privacy.

Click here for our full privacy policy.

Do I need to purchase special equipment?

There is no need to purchase special equipment. Our providers are available via any computer with a camera, speakers and internet connection. PC and Mac computers, tablets, smartphones and large scale video conferencing systems are all viable devices for telepsychiatry.

What causes Mental Illness?

Mental illness can be caused by many factors in one’s life such as stress at work or in relationships. Someone’s physical makeup can also leave them more vulnerable to mental illness such as having family members with a mental illness.

What are common signs and symptoms of mental illness?

Changes in your sleep, appetite, mood and behaviors. You may become more irritable and isolative avoiding activities that you once found enjoyable.

How can you help someone with mental illness?

Being direct and honest about someone’s symptoms is a helpful approach. Directing a loved one to professionals that are trained to help is the best course of action. There are many mental health services available from community services to telemedicine. It is important to keep looking until you find the treatment that works for you.

Why Group Therapy?

  • Support System – Group therapy is a wonderful way to give and receive support.
  • Improve social skills – Group therapy teaches social conversation skills and helps patients to develop crucial listening and understanding skills to better navigate every day conversations.
  • Unity – Realizing you are not alone in how you are feeling and being alongside others struggling in similar ways can be a powerful therapeutic tool.
  • Safe place – Group therapy ensures that all participants can talk about their individual experiences, opinions and beliefs without ridicule, or disrespect from other group members or therapists.

What topics are covered in Group Therapy?

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Stress management
  • Occupational problems
  • Anger management
  • Past traumas
  • LGBTQ
  • Self-esteem
  • Covid-19 Coping Skills

For Healthcare Providers

Most states require physicians to be licensed to practice in the originating site’s state, and some states require providers using telehealth technology across state lines to have a valid state license in the state where the patient is located. Therefore, with limited exceptions, telehealth consultations with a physician across state lines require licensing paperwork. If you electronically interact with patients in other states or prescribe medication across state lines, you should establish licensure in those other states. HealthLinkNow handles licensing and credentialing for its providers.

Who uses HealthLinkNow for telehealth services?

HealthLinkNow’s system can be integrated into any healthcare workflow:

  • Hospitals systems
  • Rural communities
  • Behavioral health facilities
  • Primary care locations
  • Emergency departments
  • Academic institutions
  • Managed care organizations
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Substance abuse recovery facilities
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Individual care (direct to home, work or school)
  • Accountable care organizations
  • Outpatient services
  • Residential treatment centers

How effective is telemedicine compared with a personal office visit?

There is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of telemedicine, and research has found satisfaction to be high among patients, psychiatrists, therapists and other professionals. Telemedicine is equivalent to in-person care in diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, quality of care and patient satisfaction. Patient privacy and confidentiality are equivalent to in-person care. With a robust evidence base that shows telemedicine leading to improved outcomes and higher patient satisfaction ratings, policy makers, payers and providers are increasingly considering ways to implement and use telemedicine.

Where can I get more information for my organization?

For more information about HealthLinkNow and how we can customize a program to fit your needs, please contact us at 888-880-8443.