What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is delivery of health related services and information via telecommunication technologies like wireless internet, computers, and real-time audio-visual communication platforms. Behavior Change Institute utilizes a secure, HIPAA compliant Electronic Health Record System to facilitate communication between families, BCI Clinicians, as well as collaborate with other professionals in the families support team (e.g., SLP, PT, OT). Through this state-of-the art system, families can access:

Up-to-date information on their child’s treatment progress
Correspondence with their child’s clinical team
Treatment schedules

Behavior Change Institute specializes in the provision of intensive ABA services through a telehealth supervision model. Through the use of technology, BCI’s Clinicians are able to access client treatment records daily through our secure patient portal. Each treatment goal is graphed daily, and treatment protocols are modified in the client’s health care record, allowing for optimal communication between the child’s treatment team.

Why Telehealth?

According to the World Health Organization, the geographical location of a family is one of the main contributing factors as to whether an individual with a disability will receive access to treatment. Because there is an international shortage of Behavior Analysts, many individuals with disabilities living in rural or geographically isolated areas continue to be underserved.

For example, According to the US Census 2013, there are an estimated 5,853 children in the state of New Mexico who under the age of 18 and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum and only 26 Board Certified Behavior Analysts statewide. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board indicates that the average caseload for one behavior analyst supervising focused treatment is 16-24 patients. This leaves an estimated 5229 individuals under the age of 18 without access to this medically necessary treatment.

We're Bridging The Access Gap

At Behavior change Institute, we believe all families should have access to medically necessary services for their children. In an effort to enhance access and build capacity in rural communities, Behavior Change Institute is relying on advanced technology to deliver treatment via a researched-based telemedicine model.

Under this model, local Behavior Technicians are hired and trained to implement intensive 1:1 treatment in family homes, schools, and community-based settings. Where families do not have access to a Certified Behavior Analyst, BCI brings in clinical expertise from more highly populated areas and the local behavior technicians are supervised remotely, using real-time secured video streams.

Health Insurance Coverage

Nearly every major insurance company is now authorizing expanded telehealth  coverage, including New Mexico Medicaid. In most cases, telehealth care is covered  the same way in-person care is covered. BCI’s Health Insurance Specialist will work with your health plan to ensure that the services you choose are covered!

Contact our Care Coordination Team to get started.

Telehealth Treatment Models

Because every child is unique, every treatment plan is unique. We approach telehealth ABA therapy with the understanding that there is no ‘One Size Fits All’ treatment model. Each child receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their needs and the needs of your family.

Explore our telehealth treatment models below: