Based on feedback from clients and increased ability to serve clients during the COVDI19 Pandemic flexibility period, I believe that making a provision for Medicaid to extend Reimbursement for Telephonic Outpatient services would allow us to service more clients that had the barrier of transportation removed by the ability to receive therapy/medication management services Telephonically. It is concerning that those clients whom do not have access to smartphones with reliable cellular networks would not longer have access to treatment remotely (since effective Zoom Telemedicine sessions require a capable smartphone and good cellular data services to be effective).  My concern is that No Show and Cancellation rates may fall to levels worst than they were Pre-Pandemic due to many factors some pre-existing and some COVID related (specifically, the inability of clients to rely on public transportation due to the amount of time it takes to get to and from sessions is a barrier to treatment i.e. a client expressed that it would take him 1.5 hours to get to a visit and the same time back thus 4 hours out of this person's day had to be dedicated for a one hour session which provoked No Shows and Cancellations in the past, Medicaid cab inconsistency has been an issue that has contributed to cancellations and No Shows previously, fear of exposure to COVID is a still current concern for some clients).Overall, extending Telephonic Outpatient Services would broader our reach Long Term and make access to Mental Health services more Equitable.

Julius Smith, LPC

Adult Outpatient Clinical Services Manager

Hampton Newport News Community Services Board