Telehealth Resources from DOH

The Department of Health offers Telehealth Resources for its licensed professional health care workers, for Washington licensed providers to offer telehealth visits to patients in Washington: Telehealth Resources | Washington State Department of Health  This includes agency affiliated counselors, certified counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, psychologists, social workers, but it also includes so many more, such as chiropractors, optometrists, dentists, and veterinarians.  Each profession may have additional telehealth guidelines the professional must follow while others do not—this is DOH’s latest document for guidance (some of the hyperlinks are already outdated on the publication—check with your specific profession’s webpage with DOH): Telehealth Guidelines (wa.gov)

What is notable is that since January 1, 2021, telemedicine training is a requirement before a health care professional, other than a physician or osteopathic physician (licensed under chapters 18.71 RCW or 18.57 RCW, respectively), provides clinical services through the platform.  Also, from January 1, 2023, the provider must have an established relationship with a patient for an audio-only telemedicine service to be compensated for the same rate as an in-person visit.  Since July 25, 2021, audio-only services require patient consent for billing prior to service.

There are still practical considerations about what platforms are HIPAA compliance and security concerns.