Hi 😊

 

Thanks to Kylie for your contributions and to Fiona and Alyce.

 

Please find an update about the ever unfolding Covid-19 situation. Of course this may change soon.

The primary aim of the following measures is to:

1. Protect clients and clinicians at WPS from exposure to COVID-19 infection &

2. Ensure continuation of psychological treatment over the coming months.

WPS Staff Member being tested for Covid-19

On Saturday 21st Mar late afternoon, Maddy informed Fiona and I that she had been tested for Covid-19 on Saturday after being advised by the department that a friend she was with on Friday 13th March had tested positive to the corona virus. Maddy worked at reception on Monday and Friday last week. Maddy indicated she has no symptoms as of Sunday evening.

 

From my reading of the DHHS website, people are in the main said to be infectious in the  24hrs before they become symptomatic.

 

I also contacted the Covid- 19 hotline and they reassured me that there was no need for staff who were in contact with Maddy last week  to isolate unless they were feeling unwell.

No doubt the landscape for our services and the community will continue to evolve quite rapidly.

If you need or want to call me, or text with any questions or comments to group about above feel free. 

Recommendations

1.       Telehealth vs. Face to Face: Limit face to face consultations wherever possible. It is your choice currently.  

Issues to consider when making Telehealth  decision  will of course depend on factors including; government  guidelines, yours and client’s health, clinical appropriateness, clinician preference and beliefs, client issues, funding for telehealth, client access (some prefer video eg. zoom, Skype) and others phone;  the  location you are accessing telehealth is effective and safe, mitigation of  any potential risk to client.

Notes on Zoom: Clients don’t have to have zoom installed, need to ‘run’ zoom, they get an invite code via email. We can template this email. Client has option to turn off camera. Psych has option to ensure they are in the meeting first. Can use from PC, MAC, Phone etc. Host (only) can record session or export ‘chat’.  Zoom is an option for group sessions – breakout rooms available

Note Funded Telehealth Programs

• TAC

• VOCAT

• Open Place

• NDIS

• WorkCover – New clients need claims agent approval

• TPS

• Medicare: Covid-19 Items only at this stage.

2.       WPS waive fees for cancellations in circumstances where clients are vulnerable (eg. client unwell  (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, cold),  being assessed for COVID-19; requiring self-isolation, close contact with a confirmed case, etc.)

3.       Meetings held in group room, outside where/when possible or via Video (e.g. Skype/Zoom).

4.       Fee based Telehealth Sessions with Medicare Referral:

Telehealth sessions are fee-for-service and do not attract any Medicare rebate at this stage (Option is to see face to face)

Fees for a 25 minute session are $75.

Fees for a 50 minute session are $150.

**To assist reception and your clients, please indicate your preference for current delivery of services  (reply required asap please)

1.       Continue with face to face contact  (SMS reminder to go out as per usual)

2.       Continue with face to face contact and offer Telehealth (video) or phone as an option should a client request it or cancel   (SMS reminder to go out as per usual)

3.       Request that your clients conduct non-contact (video or phone) consultations  (adjusted SMS.. to include non-contact option)

4.       Request that your clients conduct non-contact consultations for the most part, providing names of those clients you wish to see face to face  (adjusted SMS.. to include non-contact option)

You will notice some changes on your diary. Reception have started to offer non-contact consultations this week for some Psychologists. We will write a casual appt under the clients name and record their preferred method. i.e)