Telehealth remains
Telepractice is still evolving, However 2023 is bringing more changes. Due to Medicare and subsequent insurance regulations we can no longer offer therapy through none HIPAA compliant portals. Even peer-to-peer portals such as FaceTime are no longer. We ask that all patients download any Apps that Simple Practice requires to ensure the smooth running of teletherapy sessions.
Requests to use Zoom for Voice Lessons will be honored but we are not responsible for the stability of the audio. Zoom uses sound filtering technologies to improve the quality of your meeting calls. This results in most singing sounds to be distorted, or simply filtered out. Musician settings and echo cancellation settings are available but you have the responsibility of knowing how to ensure that you know how to use those settings.
We proudly offer services on encrypted Simple Practice and can support you with this platform. Voice Lessons that are disrupted due to the use of a non-recommended platform are still billable at the full rate.
Requests to use Zoom for Voice Lessons will be honored but we are not responsible for the stability of the audio. Zoom uses sound filtering technologies to improve the quality of your meeting calls. This results in most singing sounds to be distorted, or simply filtered out. Musician settings and echo cancellation settings are available but you have the responsibility of knowing how to ensure that you know how to use those settings.
We proudly offer services on encrypted Simple Practice and can support you with this platform. Voice Lessons that are disrupted due to the use of a non-recommended platform are still billable at the full rate.
From us to you:
Simple Practice is safe, secure, and reliable on-line platform, which complies with HIPAA regulations. You will receive a "reminder" with the appointment details. You can then simply select begin session. We are updating our payment processing but will continue to use Stripe as the Credit Card Processor. You will find the portal on the Client Portal link found on the Forms page. There is a 3% convenience fee applied to all credit card payments so a 15 If you have the capability to write checks please mail checks promptly to the physical address in Kailua. As always Mahalo nui loa for trusting your speech, language, and voice care to Hawaii Voice and Speech Studio.
Singing Lessons, Accent Reduction, and Voice Coaching—technically these services can happen over any on-line portal, however, the on-line SimplePractice, appears to have superior, connectivity and reliability over other common platforms which have no encryption. Because of our testing results we are asking all clients to use Simple Practice. If you don’t wish to use the platform we will of course use your preferred portal however, please understand that Zoom will edit out your voice if you cannot use the music settings.
Sometimes it won’t work. Please keep in mind that tele-therapy is not for all patients or students. Tele-therapy is inappropriate for young children who need tactile cueing. Assessments are not always valid when performed on-line. Finally, it is important that you the client has a quiet, private place, with consistent internet access in order to benefit from, and fulfill HIPAA guidelines for tele-health.
I hope this information helps in continuing your work to find your voice. Best Wishes to you for a safe and healthy spring.
-Trissa Walter and staff
Singing Lessons, Accent Reduction, and Voice Coaching—technically these services can happen over any on-line portal, however, the on-line SimplePractice, appears to have superior, connectivity and reliability over other common platforms which have no encryption. Because of our testing results we are asking all clients to use Simple Practice. If you don’t wish to use the platform we will of course use your preferred portal however, please understand that Zoom will edit out your voice if you cannot use the music settings.
Sometimes it won’t work. Please keep in mind that tele-therapy is not for all patients or students. Tele-therapy is inappropriate for young children who need tactile cueing. Assessments are not always valid when performed on-line. Finally, it is important that you the client has a quiet, private place, with consistent internet access in order to benefit from, and fulfill HIPAA guidelines for tele-health.
I hope this information helps in continuing your work to find your voice. Best Wishes to you for a safe and healthy spring.
-Trissa Walter and staff
F.A.Q.
Q: Will my insurance cover online services?
A: It depends. At this moment, HMAA will cover online services (except for self-insured), as will Tricare (through April 15). Please contact us to confirm whether your services will be covered!
Q: What technology is needed for online services?
A: In order to have the best experience, you will need:
Q: How do I get started?
A: Schedule an appointment as usual. If using theraplatform, please follow the set up guide below. We recommend starting this process before your appointment time - while set up should be easy, there may be unforeseen complications. If you have any problems, please contact us! We want this transition to be as easy as possible.
A: It depends. At this moment, HMAA will cover online services (except for self-insured), as will Tricare (through April 15). Please contact us to confirm whether your services will be covered!
Q: What technology is needed for online services?
A: In order to have the best experience, you will need:
- a computer with a self-facing camera. Mobile devices may work, however we have not thoroughly tested compatibility.
- a working internet connection and internet browser.
- headphones with a microphone (optional).
- A quiet working environment.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Schedule an appointment as usual. If using theraplatform, please follow the set up guide below. We recommend starting this process before your appointment time - while set up should be easy, there may be unforeseen complications. If you have any problems, please contact us! We want this transition to be as easy as possible.
Getting Set Up with Simple Practice
This is our own step-by-step guide for theraplatform, from our own testing of the service. As we all adjust to the new system, please have patience! If there is a problem we have not addressed here, please contact us and we will do our best to work through it.