Tele-Health Therapy in COVID-19

Our administrative team has been conducting research to determine the best back-to-work policy for Kimberly Keiser & Associates.

Making a decision is not easy, given the lack of clear and consistent guidance from various governing bodies, combined with the unknown nature of the COVID-19 virus and how new information about it is coming forth regularly.

While Kimberly Keiser continues to offer 100% online tele-health therapy sessions for the safety of our staff and our clients, we have asked these questions to determine whether it is appropriate to transition back to the office at this time.

Is it necessary to the business or our clients to conduct services in the office at this time?

No. Existing clients have have transitioned to tele-health successfully and continue to receive benefits from counseling sessions conducted via tele-health, and new clients continue to call to receive tele-health counseling services. In addition, insurance companies we are in network with are currently paying 100% of the session fee for tele-health sessions.

Is tele-health appropriate for ongoing mental healthcare?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages the use of tele-health for mental and behavioral health and cites its benefits as reducing potential exposures and avoiding negative consequences from delayed routine care. The CDC also notes that remote access to services may increase participation for those who are medically or socially vulnerable.

Is there medical and public health rationale or necessity for why the business should provide tele-health services versus re-opening to provide services?

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging healthcare providers to use tele-health, when appropriate, during the Public Health Emergency. Not only is the national Public Health Emergency still in place, but Governor Noem extended the State of Emergency in South Dakota until December 30, 2020. The HHS guidance includes “mental health counseling” as an appropriate type of care in which tele-health should be used.

What does the Federal guidance indicate the phases and rationale for reopening are?

According to the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, before a phased comeback, there should be a downward trajectory of influenza-like and COVID-like symptoms and illness reported in a 14-day period.

Is the number of cases going up, down, or at a plateau in South Dakota?

In South Dakota overall, the number of cases is on a downward trend. In Lincoln and Minnehaha counties, currently the number of cases fluctuates between an upward trend and a plateau. This data is a moving target, and all data points are monitored ongoing by our administrative team. Find the most recent updates here.

What is required to re-open?

See the US Federal website for the phases of re-opening and the requirements and recommendations of each. We must meet requirements of re-entering phase three; until then, it is recommended to continue to encourage telework, whenever possible and feasible with business operations.

In summary, the CDC, HHS, and Federal guidelines do not indicate that it is necessary or advisable for our business to re-open at this time.

For that reason, Kimberly Keiser & Associates will continue to offer 100% tele-health video sessions for the foreseeable future to keep our team and clients safe during this pandemic.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to our team!