Marji Hajic, OTR/L, BCPR, CHT
Owner, Hand Health Resources, Inc. Occupational Therapist AOTA Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation Certified Hand Therapist California Hand Therapy Certification California Physical Agent Modalities Certification |
David Benavides, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist California Hand Therapy Certification California Physical Agent Modalities Certification |
Schedule your Appointment Now Using the Online Scheduler!
|
|
Setting Up & Using TheraPlatform
for your Online Appointment This 3 minute YouTube video offers helpful tips and hints and outlines the steps required to schedule your online appointment, set up your individual Theraplatform account, and access the Theraplatform menu that gives you access to joining your online session, completing required intake forms, and accessing resources and handouts provided to you by your therapist. |
|
Scheduling your Appointment
|
Resetting Your Password
|
How-To Meet Your Therapist Online
|
|
Completing Intake Forms
|
Accessing Handouts & Materials
|
FAQs about Telehealth
what are the benefits of using telehealth for my therapy sessions?
Other than the current obvious need for social distancing to limit exposure to COVID-19, potential clinic closures and stay-at-home orders, there are many benefits to scheduling a hand therapy appointment online. You can choose the days and times you prefer. Often, there are more scheduling options available or the ability to make "off-hour" appointments. And, there may not be as long of a "wait list" before you can "see" your therapist and begin your rehab. Telehealth appointments can be more convenient for those who obligations that limit their time away from home or office: no driving/parking/walking time required!
Is using telehealth easy? I'm not very good with technology.
If you have a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop or a desk top computer, you likely have the skills you need to have an online session. You will need to be able to open an account on our telehealth platform by entering your email and establishing your personal password. You will need to be able to click to the link that is emailed to you when your appointment is set or to open the webpage https://handtherapycenter.theraplatform.com. At that point, it is just a matter of clicking on the menu items that you need. From the menu, you will be able to test your camera and your audio set-up prior to your appointment time. You can "enter" the therapy session. You can schedule additional appointments. You can send your therapist a text message. You can access any handouts that your therapist provides.
Is my personal information protected?
The telehealth platform that we have chosen, TheraPlatform, is HIPAA compliant. Your personal information is protected. All of the interactions, whether visual, audio or written are encrypted.
what will i need to do for my telehealth session? do i need Any special equipment?
For your online telehealth appointment, you will need a smart phone, tablet, laptop or desk top computer with audio and camera access. Please make sure that the microphone and camera are turned on.
any other tips for a successful telehealth appointment?
- You will need to allow camera and microphone access to be able to see and hear your therapist.
- Please check your video and audio systems prior to your session by choosing the “TEST” option from the TheraPlatform menu.
- You will likely need to turn off any "pop-up" blockers.
- It is helpful to be in a well-lighted area so the therapist can see your injury and how you are moving.
- As our appointments are focused on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation, a short-sleeved shirt will allow you to point out your injury to the therapist, allow the therapist to see the injury, and allow you to move easily.
- Turn off any other streaming applications or programs in your location for the duration of your therapy session. They take WiFi priority and your telehealth session will be "choppy" and may drop out if they are left on.
- Minimize distractions around you.
- Your therapist will advise you if you need specific items for any follow up appointments or for your home program (for example, lotion to massage scar or for a massage for swelling; putty for hand exercises; application of heat prior to your online appointment or cold afterward). We can often provide ideas on how to use normal household items for your rehab to limit the need to purchase "therapy" items.
- Please be patient as we are all new to this and trying to rapidly implement this option in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There may be some kinks we need to work out! But we are finding that our sessions have been quite successful and even quite fun! We've been able to apply our years of knowledge and experience in new and exciting ways!
Will my insurance cover a telehealth hand therapy session?
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of insurance companies have changed their policies, at least temporarily, to allow access to medical and therapy services through telehealth platforms. However, each insurance provider and each medical plan can be different. It is best to contact your insurance company directly to request information.
- If an insurance claim is being submitted, a physician's prescription for therapy services is required.
- Our telehealth platform allows us to easily generate a "superbill" that has all the needed information for you to submit to your insurance company if you will personally be submitting your claim.
Alternative Options for Scheduling your Telehealth Appointment:
- Go To TelePlatform; click on your therapist's name, click on "Telehealth"; click on the number of minutes; schedule the time you would like. At the time you schedule, you will be asked to sign up for an account with your name and email.
- OR contact the Hand Therapy & Occupational Fitness Center to let us know that you are interested in checking in with either Marji or David via Telehealth:
- Complete the Contact Form below and a therapist will get back to you
- OR call and leave a message at the clinic: Phone: (805) 682-3055
- OR E-Mail us: clinic@handtherapysb.com