During these uncertain times with the COVID – 19 outbreak , Wholehearted Functional Medicine is now able to offer private and secure telemedicine video visits to our clients to make sure that your healthcare remains uninterrupted. Please call the office to schedule a telemedicine appointment.
FAQ:
Telemedicine refers to the practice of caring for clients remotely when the provider and client are not physically present with each other. Modern technology has enabled providers to consult with clients using HIPAA-compliant video conferencing tools.
Simple and convenient to use
See your provider from anywhere, just click their personalized room link to join them for a video call.
No downloads or accounts
No need to download software or create an account. Just use Chrome, Firefox or Safari browser on a computer or device with a camera and microphone.
Private and secure
All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored. We adhere to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a visit via telehealth be as effective as an in-person visit?
We believe that it is important to let you know that not every situation is right for telemedicine. Be assured that we will only schedule remote visits for the right kinds of cases. If during the visit, we feel that we cannot treat you adequately via video, an in-person visit will be arranged. Remote visits have proven to be as effective as in-person ones. In fact, telehealth actually improves outcomes by making it easier for people to comply with follow-up recommendations and aftercare.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes. We’ve carefully chosen a telehealth system that safeguards your personal information and meets the tough HIPAA regulations for data transmission and storage.
Can medications be prescribed during a telehealth visit?
Yes
Where do I need to go for my telehealth visit?
Most people prefer to have their visit at home or in a private office, but you can be in any location that you feel affords sufficient privacy and isn’t too noisy.
How much will it cost?
These appointments are fee for service at the time of visit. You can request an invoice for services rendered to submit to your insurance; however, there is no guarantee of reimbursement.
How do I schedule a visit?
Just contact our office exactly like you would for an in-person visit. Please give us a call at (360)457-5139.
Do I need to sign up for an account?
No, as a client you do not need to create an account with us to see your provider. An email will be sent to you with a link to the appointment. You will check in and your provider will start the call when they are ready.
What hardware and software do I need?
You will need a personal computer, an iPhone, iPad, or Android mobile device with a camera and a microphone. Chrome, Firefox or Safari browser will work. Other browsers are not supported.
How do I get rid of an echo?
The following steps should be followed by you and your provider:
Use headphones
Reduce the volume of speakers
Move the microphone away from the speakers
How can I improve video quality?
Restart your computer: restart your computer before your first call.
Wi-Fi: be close to your Wi-Fi router, make sure no other parties on the network are using up the bandwidth, and you don’t have a lot of browser windows open.
CPU/GPU usage: ensure no high intensity programs are running on the computer
Guidelines from the CDC as of 4.03.2020
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website, CDC website, WA – Department of Health website. This situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call the urgent care or ER in advance.
Why? Calling in advance will allow the urgent care or ER to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever and slight runny nose, until you recover.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.