Background: This program will look at the use of telemedicine as a viable option for those patients who do not have access to an eating disorders professional in their area. The need for continued care is essential for recovery from eating disorders and this is a way to provide it.
Outline for IAEDP “Who you going to call” presentation
Introduction to providing care through telemedicine
-staff involved
-scheduling
-access to library, videos, forums
-hours involved, group times offered, scheduling
Availability of service
-how to access service
-HIPA compliance
-How sessions are run
-private portals for clients
-support forums online
Benefits of telemedicine ED treatment
-Scheduling
-location
Concerns associated with telemedicine
-Credentialing
-therapeutic connection
-getting physical data
-insurance coverage
The purpose of this presentation is to offer an alternative treatment option to patients who do not have access to care for their eating disorder. Many patients complete residential treatment or PHP and find themselves without trained eating disorders professional near their residence. The nature of the illnesses require ongoing supervision, therapy and support. There are other patients who have no transportation, child care or time allotted at work to make traditional appointments. These people struggle to maintain recovery or to get any help with their eating disorder. We will discuss the pros and cons of telemedicine. The field is so new that it is important to establish a standard of care utilizing this option. Since Brighthearthealth.com is the first JACHO certified telemedicine eating disorders IOP program to be credentialed, we feel we have something to share with others who are considering this type of practice. The learing curve is steep and by working together, we can help others provide care.
The theme of the presentation will be offering the highest level of professionalism to providers of treatment. This takes a tremendous effort on the part of staff to work in a new environment and maintain the integrity and provide the results needed for the success of the program. The eating disorders client provides unique therapeutic challenges that we have successfully addressed and are working on outcome studies to show the effectiveness of the program.
The goals will be to establish a conversation with the audience to answer questions about this type of treatment and to look at what it takes to provide this level of care to our patients. The ultimate goal is to assure that any patient with an eating disorder will have access to treatment regardless of their location. IAEDP is committed to teaching and we would like to share our insight and experiences to the attendees.
Dr.Berkus is currently the medical director for Brighthearthealth.com, a telemedicine IOP and a consultant for Remuda Ranch. She is developing a community mental health ED program for COPE in Tucson. She was in private practice and Director of the Eating Disorder Program at Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, Florida and Sierra Tucson in Tucson. Dr. Berkus has been with IAEDP for many years, serving as President, Secretary and chairman of the Education and Certification Committees. She has been a speaker for many conferences including NEDA, IAEDP, AED, ASBP and is the author of "10 Commitments to Mental Fitness".
Jon Ciampi is currently the CEO of Brighthearthhealth.com and was the CMO for CRC Health Group. His expertise is in marketing and business management. He has been in the health care area and has started and successfully manage other companies in the health care arena. He is interested in developing the type of eating disorder care that each patient deserves regardless of location.
