Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of Services?
All services are by donation only. Each individual chooses what and how they contribute to NFS. Their donations cover costs and ensure that they and others in the community and around the world have an avenue to receive mental health services. This further assists NFS in their Mission to provide access to care and to empower individuals. You are in control.
What insurance does NFS take?
We do not take insurance, we do not bill insurance, we do not ask for your insurance information, and we do not want your social security number. All services are by donation only. As a 501(c)(3), you can keep track of your donations because they are tax deductible. Even if the insurance isn’t interested in hearing about your donations, the IRS may be!
Tele-Mental Health/Telehealth
What is Telemedicine/Tele-Mental Health?
Telehealth allows us to meet through audio and video over the internet.
According to The Center for Connected Health Policy, the official definitions are, "Telemedicine is “the use of telecommunication and information technology to provide clinical care to individuals at a distance, and to transmit the information needed to provide that care". "Telehealth means "the use of synchronous or asynchronous telecommunications technology by a telehealth provider to provide health care services, including, but not limited to, assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, and monitoring of a patient; transfer of medical data; patient and professional health-related education; public health services; and health administration."
How does Tele-Mental Health work?
- You’ll be sent a link for the video appointment. Click on it when your appointment is scheduled to start. You can use the camera and audio on your computer or mobile device.
- All Telehealth platforms utilized by NFS are HIPAA compliant.
How much does Tele-Mental Health cost?
- As with all services through NFS, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, telehealth sessions are by donation only.
What are the benefits of Tele-Mental Health?
- Increases access. Approximately 123 million Americans live in an area with limited access to healthcare.[1] Telehealth can play an important role in these communities by increasing accessibility.
- Reduces costs for clients. Nearly all research suggests that telehealth saves money when compared with traditional approaches to providing care. For clients, this often means lower copays, transportation costs, less time missed from work, and less money spent on child care expenses.
- Allows providers to see more clients in less time, which means providing access to care for more individuals.
- Same-level client care. No client outcome difference was found between telehealth appointments and face-to-face office visits. [2]
- Better client experience. Telehealth eliminates the wasted time traveling, sitting in traffic, taking time off work or other priorities, and sitting in the waiting room.
- It’s 100% HIPAA compliant and secure.
Sources
- Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Designated Health Professional Shortage Areas Statistics: Designated HPSA Quarterly Summary, as of December 31, 2017.
- Hilty, Ferrer, Parish, Johnston, Callahan & Yellowlees. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: A 2013 review. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 19, 444–454.
