Connecting Your Well-Being with Telehealth

At NWPC, we’ve developed a telehealth system that allows our patients to connect virtually with our doctors from home using smartphones, tablets, and computers simply through Zoom. These online visits make it easier for you to get the health care you need with more convenience while getting to interact with your doctor directly.

However, we know telehealth isn’t always for everyone, and it may not be right for the health care service you need. If you haven’t made a telehealth visit yet, your practitioner will work with you to decide if a virtual appointment fits your needs.

The Benefits of Telehealth

Virtual visits enable you to see your doctor when and where you want. Online doctor appointments save you time by eliminating commutes and down time in the waiting room. General conveniences aside, here are a few other advantages to making a Telehealth appointment: 

• Improves the quality of care: Telemedicine connects patients with their doctors when they need it which helps patients achieve better healthcare outcomes.
• Greater access to care: Remote visits allow patients to see their doctors wherever they are.
• Improves doctor-patient relationships: Physicians see an increase in patient communication due to the flexibility of online care services.

When To Make A Telehealth Appointment

Telehealth visits are great for patient care when a physical examination isn’t required. Our physicians also find them useful for individuals with mobility concerns and those needing to see a doctor for general wellness visits, among other medical reasons. Virtual visits are also great for travelers who need to see their local doctor when away from home. 

How do you know if the care you’ll need is appropriate for a Telehealth visit? Again, we recommend talking to your doctor to see if an online appointment suits the care you’ll need. However, here are a few of the main reasons patients use Telehealth services:  

1. Minor urgent care appointments 
2. Medication refills
3. Sharing test results
4. Follow up visits
5. Parenting needs / pediatric advice 
6. Mental health visits
7. COVID19 related symptoms

When To Make An In-Person Medical Appointment

Live video technology is undoubtedly useful and convenient for many minor conditions, but it has its limits. In most cases, we encourage in-person medical visits because they allow us to deliver the best care with state-of-the-art clinical equipment, the ability to examine your needs physically, run the proper tests and more. In-person visits are also more likely to be covered by your insurance company. 

Meeting your primary care physician in person is still essential to your well-being. If you need a physical, vaccines, or have health concerns that can’t be taken care of virtually, we recommend making an appointment with a doctor at their office as soon as you can. 

NWPC Online Medical Services 

NWPC is currently accepting telehealth and in-person appointments that can accommodate most of your medical needs in Portland. To schedule your next visit with our team you can book your appointment online through My Health Record or call 503.444.9488 to speak with a member of our team directly. If you need to make a payment you can now use our online payment portal to easily pay your bills online.