David Weiss MD

A new decade is here, and with it comes some promising changes for telepsychiatry. In the coming year, we can expect to see increasing reimbursement with the start of CMS coverage and new billing codes from the American Medical Association. Patients and providers are also becoming more familiar with telehealth, driving up both the demand […]

Many of us look forward to the holiday season, providing a chance to spend time with family and friends. For many, the holiday season is a time to look forward to, a time to spend with friends and family. This time of year can also cause added stress though, especially for patients already living with […]

The use of telehealth is rapidly growing. In just four years, claims related to telehealth grew 624% for all medical claims. In 2018 alone, non-hospital-based provider-to-patient telehealth visits made up 84% of all telehealth claims, compared with 52% in 2014. This astounding growth is the result of increased patient satisfaction and corresponding changes to reimbursement for virtual care. 98% […]

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a real and serious problem for veterans returning from service. It is estimated that 11-20% of veterans experience PTSD, and many do not have access to care when returning to civilian life. Long-distance travel, as well as the stigmas that so often accompany mental health issues, can be major barriers […]

Katrina, Harvey, Dorian: record-breaking storms that left destruction and devastation in their wake. The aftermath of these natural disasters is not just monetary and physical though, they cause mental and emotional trauma as well. The loss of homes, family members, and stability takes its toll on survivors. One of the most significant challenges after hurricanes, tornadoes, […]

414% That’s the percentage increase in suicidal patients presenting to United States emergency department (ED) over the last decade.1  Yes, you read that right. 414%.    Total ED visits with a presenting problem of suicidal ideation increased by 414% from 2006 to 2014.2   Additionally, total ED visits related to behavioral health disorders and/or substance abuse disorders (excluding suicidal ideation) increased by 44%3 in the last decade.   About 1.5 million ED visits a year in […]

There has been a lot of news coverage lately on detainees and asylum seekers and their overall well-being during their time in detention. Increasingly, many healthcare workers must face unfamiliar territory when treating patients brought in by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Detainees often present with a variety of psychiatric conditions including PTSD, anxiety and […]

In our series, we have covered many of the challenges that hospitals and physicians face from a behavioral health perspective, from burnout to boarding, and how telepsychiatry provides innovative solutions. Here, we continue our exploration into the psychiatric world and how telepsychiatry is helping to advance inpatient care in mental health hospitals.  The Shortages Affecting Inpatient Care  The United States has an alarming shortage of psychiatrists. With the wide-ranging mental health […]

Wellbeing, burnout, work-life balance. These are all terms that mental health providers are familiar with. Often patients are counseled to take more time for themselves and spend less time at work. But for many providers, it is a case of “Do as I say, not as I do.” Mental health providers have a rewarding and […]

In many US communities, emergency departments are one of the last remaining safety nets for mental health patients. One in eight visits to the emergency room (ER) today is related to mental health or substance abuse issues. Starting in the 1980s continuing through the 90s, mental health was de-institutionalized around the country in an effort to modernize mental health […]