Does Life in Perspective have a COVID-Safe Plan?
In-person services in an office environment pose a risk for potential exposure to the virus. My practice operates under a COVID-Safe plan, taking necessary precautions to protect my clients' safety at my premises as far as possible. It is important to acknowledge that all parties (me and my clients) are responsible for taking relevant precautions to minimise exposure to COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.
What are the COVID-Safe Plan safety precautions?
I am the sole practitioner of my private practice and I do not have other staff employed at the practice. Therefore, exposure to more people at the practice are limited. Clients are encouraged to sign in with the CovidSafe app QR code in case contact tracing is necessary. I allow enough time between my consultations for clients to leave the premises and to clean/disinfect the rooms before the next client arrives. Social distancing measures are applied as far as possible. Hand sanitizers are available in the reception area as well as in the consulting room. Furniture, the Eftpos terminal and all touch surfaces are disinfected between consultations. Masks are worn as mandated unless a client has proof of an exemption. Disposable masks are available if needed. Clients are requested to bring their own water and a pen to prevent cross contamination.
I request in my Client Informed Consent Form, my appointment reminders and on a door sign that no-one attends/enters my rooms if -
- They are experiencing even mild cold, flu or COVID symptoms including a sore throat, cough, fever or breathing difficulty.
- They have been identified as a close contact of a COVID positive case.
- They and/or a close contact are awaiting COVID test results.
- They and/or a close contact have been directed to isolate.
I undertake to notify my clients if any of the above applies to me, in which case we can reschedule or arrange a telehealth consultation, based on our mutual circumstances at the time.
In case of an infection at the practice, I will follow the required procedures to notify all affected people and government authorities. Only the minimum necessary information (in line with QR code check in data) will be released. No further details regarding your interactions with myself, and work together, will be disclosed.
What are the benefits and limitations of Telehealth (telephone or videoconference) consultations?
Telehealth has been proven to be effective for the treatment of various mental health problems during COVID-19. It ensures ongoing provision of psychological support when clients are unable to attend the practice during this challenging time. However, in some cases, receiving psychological treatment via telehealth services may not be appropriate. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The privacy of any form of communication via the internet can potentially be vulnerable depending on the security of the technology used. To support the security of my clients' personal information, I use COVIU, a platform that is compliant with the Australian standards for online security including end-to-end encryption. Clients will be given a choice of their preferred telehealth option, either telephone or videoconferencing consultations.
For more information please read "Psychological services via telehealth – information for consumers."
Who are eligible to attend psychological services under the Medicare Better Access (MBS) Scheme during COVID-19?
All Medicare cardholders, located in Australia, are eligible to access the services. However, you will need a valid referral on a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP to qualify for Medicare rebates. Currently, the original 10 consultations per calendar year have been increased to 20 per calendar year due to COVID-19 until the end of 2022. If you do not have a referral on a MHCP you can attend my services on a private basis. Please contact your private health fund to inquire if they will reimburse you for attending my services. For more information re. the MBS services please read:
- COVID-19: Medicare funded psychology services | APS
- Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative under Medicare | APS (psychology.org.au)