The Use of Telemedicine in Community Mental Health

Presentation to the House Appropriation Committee

June 28, 2006

Telemedicine: Current Use in Mental Health Services

• Increased access to quality care– Psychiatry and sub-specialty care, e.g. child and gero

• Screening and assessment in a crisis• Jail diversion• Reduced travel time for law enforcement• Increased productivity for community and

inpatient psychiatrists– Reduced Travel– Reduced waiting time in courts

DSHS Telepsychiatry Pilot: Medicaid Reimbursement

• Psychiatric Services are currently being provided to Medicaid and Indigent clients.

• The pilot will allow Local Mental Health Authorities to bill 6 codes for 4 services.

• Reimbursement will be for the federal share only, using the MH allocation as match.

• The pilot will be budget neutral to the state.• Projected start date is September 1,2006.

Eligible Service Hub Site Location

Eligible Provider

Remote Site

Location

Eligible Telepresenter

Medication Management1-90862

Diagnostic Interview1-90801

Interactive Psychiatric Diagnostic Interview1-90802

Psych office visit1-908051-908071-90809

Local Mental Health Authorities contracted by DSHS

MD'sDO'sAPN'sPA's  

Service Providers contracted by Local Mental Health Authorities

Qualified Mental Health Professionals

 

Evaluation ExampleSFY 2006 YTD

90 Days 365 Days

Medicaid 146 Indigent 278

Overall 425

Table 1. Baseline (SFY2006) vs. Post (SFY2007) Implemention Average Monthly Number of Adults Receiving Physician Services via Telemedicine at DSHS Community Mental Health Centers by Medicaid Status

Source: DSHS Mental Retardation and Behavioral Health Outpatient Warehouse.

Post(SFY2007)Baseline

(SFY2006)Medicaid Status