Providence offering telehealth visits with primary care providers and specialists

WALLA WALLA—Providence Medical Group patients now can have their medical appointments with many providers via a smartphone, tablet or computer for the same price as a standard office visit co-pay. These appointments include primary care and some specialists.

Providence is offering the telehealth visits as an option to allow patients to remain safely in the comfort of their homes and still see their providers. When patients call for appointments, if their provider is participating, they will be given the choice of an in-person visit, telehealth visit or phone visit.

Once the telehealth appointment is confirmed, the patient receives a MyChart (the patient portal) message with instructions on how to join the video call. The patient is able to test the connection before the visit to ensure everything is working properly.

On the day of the appointment, the patient will receive a link shortly before the scheduled time and click on it to begin the visit. Just like during a traditional appointment, the provider will discuss the patient’s health concerns, work on a care plan, and if needed order tests or provide a prescription order.

Providence has a dedicated, secure portal for patient visits. Enhanced security measures include encryption, meeting identification and visit “verification” to ensure the telehealth visit is private and secure. Providers are assigned unique passwords and waiting rooms. This ensures that only the provider and the patient are admitted to the visit.

To schedule an appointment, please contact your provider.

Providence St. Mary Medical Center, a 142-bed regional hospital located in Walla Walla, Wash., is among the largest employers in Walla Walla County. The Providence Medical Group is the largest group of primary care providers and specialists in the Walla Walla area.