Telehealth Appointments

Convenient, Confidential Psychiatric Care from a Private Location

Michael D. Lesem, MD PA offers telehealth appointments for eligible patients when clinically appropriate. Telehealth allows patients to meet with their provider through a secure audio/video platform while maintaining the same professional standards expected during an in-office visit.

Telehealth may be appropriate for follow-up appointments, medication management, certain psychiatric evaluations, and other services determined by the provider. Some visits may still require an in-person appointment based on clinical need, safety concerns, medication requirements, or provider judgment.

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Patient Requirements for Telehealth Visits

To participate in a telehealth appointment, patients must:

• Be located in a private, quiet, and safe environment.

• Be physically located in Texas at the time of the appointment, unless otherwise approved by the provider.

• Use a device with working audio and video.

• Confirm their identity and current physical location at the start of the visit.

• Avoid driving, multitasking, or participating from a public setting.

• Notify the provider if anyone else is present during the appointment.

• Understand that the provider may determine that an in-person visit is necessary.

Telehealth visits are not appropriate for emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact a local crisis line immediately.

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No Recording Policy for Telehealth Appointments

To protect patient privacy, provider privacy, clinical confidentiality, and the integrity of the treatment relationship, patients are not permitted to audio record, video record, screen record, photograph, livestream, copy, save, distribute, or share any portion of a telehealth appointment without prior written permission from Michael D. Lesem, MD PA.

This policy applies to all telehealth visits, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management appointments, therapy-related discussions, family sessions, and any communication with physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical staff, administrative staff, or other practice representatives.

By participating in a telehealth appointment, the patient agrees that:

• The appointment is confidential.

• No recording may be made without prior written approval from the practice.

• No screenshots, photographs, screen captures, or third-party recording devices may be used.

• No other person may observe, listen, or participate in the appointment unless disclosed to and approved by the provider.

• Any unauthorized recording or disclosure may result in termination of the telehealth session, conversion to an in-person visit, discharge from telehealth services, or discharge from the practice when appropriate.

Patients who would like a copy of their medical information may request records through the proper medical records process. Recording a visit is not a substitute for requesting records or asking the provider for written instructions.

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Privacy and Confidentiality

Telehealth visits involve the discussion of sensitive health information. Patients are responsible for choosing a private location where conversations cannot be overheard by others. The practice also takes reasonable steps to protect patient privacy and comply with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.

At the beginning of the appointment, the provider may ask the patient to confirm:

• Full name and date of birth.

• Current physical location.

• Emergency contact information.

• Whether anyone else is present in the room.

• Whether the patient understands and agrees to the telehealth and no-recording policies.

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Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth is useful and convenient, but it is not appropriate for every situation. The provider may recommend or require an in-person appointment when needed for safety, diagnostic clarity, medication monitoring, controlled-substance prescribing considerations, abnormal symptoms, technology problems, or other clinical reasons.

If the audio/video connection is poor, privacy cannot be maintained, or the provider determines that the visit cannot be completed safely or appropriately, the appointment may be rescheduled or converted to an in-person visit.

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Patient Acknowledgment

By scheduling or participating in a telehealth appointment, the patient acknowledges that they have reviewed and agree to the practice’s telehealth policies, including the prohibition on unauthorized recording, the requirement to participate from a private and safe location, and the understanding that telehealth may not be appropriate for every clinical situation.

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By consenting to participate in a telehealth appointment:

​I understand and agree that I may not audio record, video record, screen record, photograph, livestream, save, distribute, or share any portion of my telehealth appointment without prior written permission from Michael D. Lesem, MD PA. I understand this policy is intended to protect confidentiality, privacy, and the treatment relationship. I understand that violation of this policy may result in termination of the telehealth visit, loss of telehealth privileges, or discharge from the practice when appropriate.