Telepsychiatry is Available and Strongly Encouraged
​during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

Patient Eligibility for Telepsychiatry

This option is available to patients who are physically located in the state of Missouri at the time of the Telepsychiatry appointment.

As of this writing (3/18/2020) all initial (intake) appointments will be in person only, at Dr. Schroeder's office on South Grand in St. Louis.

Dr. Schroeder estimates at least 80% of her patient population can be seen for continuing care via Telepsychiatry.  Some patients with complex issues will not be appropriate for management via Telepsychiatry.  This decision will be made by Dr. Schroeder.

For those who typically submit your visits to insurance for reimbursement, please be aware that insurance companies have highly differing policies in their definition of a reimbursable telepsychiatry appointment and/or whether they reimburse for these visits at all.  Please be prepared for the possibility they will not reimburse you, even if they usually do otherwise.

VSee Telepsychiatry Platform

Telepsychiatry appointments will be available using the "VSee" platform, which employs HIPAA-Compliant Security.

​VSee is accessible via web browser or phone app.

Contact the office and we will provide you with a link that allows you to connect with Dr. Schroeder on VSee.  We will let you know if your case is not appropriate for management via Telepsychiatry.  Create an account and try a "test call" in advance of your appointment. 

​Log-On to VSee 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.  When it is time for your appointment, Dr. Schroeder will initiate the call.  (Do not call her as she may still be finishing up the previous appointment.)

Coronavirus Disease Policies

Some people Should Not be seen at the South Grand Office:
  • If you are experiencing Coronavirus Symptoms such as Fever, Cough, and/or Sore Throat.
  • If you have travelled within the last 14 days to an area where there is a current Coronavirus outbreak.
  • If you have a household member or other close contact who has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus / Covid-10 Disease.
​In these cases, please call the office to arrange for a Telepsychiatry Appointment, and/or to reschedule for after you are feeling well.  (If you arrive at the office under these conditions you will be asked to leave and call to reschedule.)
Those who are at high risk for severe Coronavirus illness (such as those with chronic medical conditions and/or those over 60) are especially encouraged to utilize the Telepsychiatry option.
​
All others are also strongly encouraged to utilize Telepsychiatry, if eligible.  The most important thing we can do to mimimize the impact of Coronavirus in our area is to limit in-person contact with others.  Even if you are not from a high-risk group, you might transmit the virus to someone who is from such a group.
Please continue to give as much notice as possible if you will be unable to attend your appointment (whether in-person or via Telelpsychiatry).  Ideally, the usual 24 hour notice is still appreciated, however we recognize in this quickly-changing situation this may not always be possible.  We will continue to charge the $125 No-Show fee (for both Telepsychiatry and in-person appointments) if you have not contacted the office at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment start time.

Be aware that Dr. Schroeder has seasonal allergies, and spring allergy season is nearly here.  Even if she suspects it is allergies, if Dr. Schroeder is having symptoms (even relatively mild ones) that are consistent with the Coronavirus illness you will be rescheduled for a telepsychiatry appointment or for an in-person appointment at a later date.  This is out of an abundance of caution, so as to not spread the Coronavirus.
​Check back often for updates.  This is a constantly-evolving situation and policies may change to reflect response to local coronavirus disease conditions.  Everyone's patience is greatly appreciated during this chaotic and uncertain time.