POLICY NAME: TEMPORARY CLINIC POLICIES
EFFECTIVE DATE: MARCH 23, 2020
LAST UPDATED: December 4, 2020
Virtual Visits Mandatory
Texas Behavioral Health will now require Video Visits for all patients. Patients who have trouble accessing the Video Visit system from their home may come to the clinic to complete their Video Visits in the clinic. Our diverse team of licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health providers provide the emotional support you need from the privacy and ease of your home. From talk therapy to medication management, our team is here to support your full mental well-being.
Those without an internet connection can still access the internet via Xfinity WiFi for Free. Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.
You can request a Virtual Visit here or Learn More about COVID 19 here.
Visitor Policies
The modified visitor policy restricts visitors to patients only, restricts the number of access points and implements screening for all visitors to clinic locations that are open.
- Only patients in critical treatments such as TMS, Long Acting Injections, Spravato will be allowed in Clinic with some exceptions.
- All patients will be screened at entry points.
The brief screening process includes a questionnaire. Individuals cleared through the screening process will be allowed in patient waiting areas and to complete their appointment. Patients who are sick or do not meet screening criteria will not be allowed to enter or stay in the facility.
Clinic Operations (Temporary Closures Announced)
To ensure our staff and our community are supported we are implementing specific steps as part of our operation continuity plan virtually.
These steps include:
- Moving staff (providers, non-clinical staff) to work from home and closed-door office in a thoughtful, choreographed manner. This ensures the safety of our staff and continued excellent care for our patients.
- Working with limited patients and critical care staff (TMS, Spravato, LAI) in the office for critical care that includes TMS, Spravato, Long-Acting Injection patients.
Below are operations that remain open but will follow the modified visitor policy:
- Texas Behavioral Health of Pearland (TMS, Spravato, Injection Only)
- Texas Behavioral Health of Friendswood (TMS, Spravato, Injection Only)
- Texas Behavioral Health of Pasadena (TMS, Spravato, Injection Only)
- Texas Behavioral Health of Baytown (TMS, Spravato, Injection Only)
- Texas Behavioral Health Support Center
Below are operations that will temporarily close but will continue virtually:
- Texas Behavioral Health Corporate
- Texas Behavioral Health of Medical Center
- Texas Behavioral Health of River Oaks
- Psychological Testing
Cost of Care
On March 6, 2020, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act was signed into law. This statute gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to waive geographic and originating site Medicare telehealth reimbursement restrictions for mental health services overall, during certain emergency periods.
With the ever-changing rules amid to adapt to COVID-19 concerns, Texas Behavioral Health will accept patients and insurances for Virtual Visits the same way as in-person visits meeting the COVID-19 standards. In case of coverage related issues, self-pay rates may apply.
Prescriptions
For your convenience, we are working with Genoa Healthcare Pharmacies to offer delivery of medication options to patients that are part of our practice. Dedicated to serving the needs of those in behavioral health, we have asked our partners to offer 2-day touch-free delivery options to patients in the Houston area.