COVID-19 and Bringing our Services On-Line
As we all navigate the recent health issues, please refer to this page for information regarding our services. We are continuing services at this time using online tools. If you have any concerns or problems with the service, please refer to this page and the included FAQ. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us!
From us to you:
As the number of cases rise in Hawai’i we have worked quickly to ensure that your care and learning can continue. We have found a safe, secure, and reliable on-line platform, which complies with HIPAA regulations. Please browse this page(document) to find additional information. We are still in the process of creating a way to pay for services electronically, however, we are continuing with therapy, coaching, and sessions before this problem is solved. 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.
Overall—Theraplatform has been contracted to provide our “On-line classroom”. It is a web browser based program, which means you do not have to download an app. You will be asked to provide an email and electronically sign a consent to use the platform. You may use the platform on most Mac and PC products, as well as mobile devices. The company, and our testing, indicated that Chrome produced a virtually (sorry for the pun) flawless experience. As the crisis evolves, we may upload a link to allow you the student to schedule your session directly, rather than needing to contact HVSS directly.
Singing Lessons, Accent Reduction, and Voice Coaching—technically these services can happen over any on-line portal, however, the on-line Theraplatform, appears to have superior, connectivity and reliability over other common platforms which have no encryption. Testing has been impressive. Because of our testing results we are asking all clients to use Theraplatform. If you don’t wish to use the platform we will of course use your preferred portal.
Speech, Language, and Voice Therapy—If you pay directly for services with no insurance, we have no barriers to converting to the on-line platform. Again we do not yet have a electronic payment system, we are working on this problem. You can restart therapy today. Those who receive services which are reimbursed by an insurance company, may not yet have availability. Covid-19 is changing the tele-health for speech, language, and voice therapy quickly. However, due to the vague language of regulations issued by Medicare, which are then reflected by private insurance companies, tele-health is not yet authorized for therapy across the board. At this moment we have been given the go ahead by Tricare (until April 15th, 2020), and HMAA except for some self-insure policies. HMSA has given a go ahead by using THEIR platform. Unfortunately this platform does not seem to work yet. If your insurance is not listed, it might be helpful to contact member services and ask the company to expedite changes in policy.
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
Overall—Theraplatform has been contracted to provide our “On-line classroom”. It is a web browser based program, which means you do not have to download an app. You will be asked to provide an email and electronically sign a consent to use the platform. You may use the platform on most Mac and PC products, as well as mobile devices. The company, and our testing, indicated that Chrome produced a virtually (sorry for the pun) flawless experience. As the crisis evolves, we may upload a link to allow you the student to schedule your session directly, rather than needing to contact HVSS directly.
Singing Lessons, Accent Reduction, and Voice Coaching—technically these services can happen over any on-line portal, however, the on-line Theraplatform, appears to have superior, connectivity and reliability over other common platforms which have no encryption. Testing has been impressive. Because of our testing results we are asking all clients to use Theraplatform. If you don’t wish to use the platform we will of course use your preferred portal.
Speech, Language, and Voice Therapy—If you pay directly for services with no insurance, we have no barriers to converting to the on-line platform. Again we do not yet have a electronic payment system, we are working on this problem. You can restart therapy today. Those who receive services which are reimbursed by an insurance company, may not yet have availability. Covid-19 is changing the tele-health for speech, language, and voice therapy quickly. However, due to the vague language of regulations issued by Medicare, which are then reflected by private insurance companies, tele-health is not yet authorized for therapy across the board. At this moment we have been given the go ahead by Tricare (until April 15th, 2020), and HMAA except for some self-insure policies. HMSA has given a go ahead by using THEIR platform. Unfortunately this platform does not seem to work yet. If your insurance is not listed, it might be helpful to contact member services and ask the company to expedite changes in policy.
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 Theraplatform
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.
STEP 1: Set up an appointment
Your service provider will ensure the appointment is in the system.
STEP 2: Locate Welcome Email
This is an email sent automatically by theraplatform.
Your service provider will ensure the appointment is in the system.
STEP 2: Locate Welcome Email
This is an email sent automatically by theraplatform.
Theraplatform welcome email
If you cannot find this email, double check your spam or 'junk' folder.
STEP 3: Set your password
Click the link in your welcome email. This will send you to a 'reset password' page. Set a password.
STEP 4: Login
Your username will be your full email, with the password you just set. If you have any problems, please use the 'forgot password' button on the login screen.
STEP 5: Join your session
Once you've landed on the home page, navigate to 'Join Scheduled'
STEP 3: Set your password
Click the link in your welcome email. This will send you to a 'reset password' page. Set a password.
STEP 4: Login
Your username will be your full email, with the password you just set. If you have any problems, please use the 'forgot password' button on the login screen.
STEP 5: Join your session
Once you've landed on the home page, navigate to 'Join Scheduled'
Theraplatform homepage
You should see a calendar of the current week, with at least one event (see image below). If you do not see a session listed, please contact us, and we will ensure the invite was sent correctly. You may need to refresh the page.
Theraplatform Session Calendar
If you see this event, you are all set! Click on the link, and 'join session'. You should then be in the client waiting room.
Theraplatform Waiting room
If this is your first session, you may want to test your set up while you wait. Click 'test your setup' (This will not remove you from the waiting room). Follow the instructions to check your camera, microphone, and speaker set up. Depending on your computer, you may need to 'allow access' to your camera and microphone.
Troubleshooting:
If you have any technical problems, theraplatform's help desk is available to you. If you still have trouble, we can possibly help. Please reach out to us if you have any problems or concerns.
Troubleshooting:
If you have any technical problems, theraplatform's help desk is available to you. If you still have trouble, we can possibly help. Please reach out to us if you have any problems or concerns.