CHPW Virtual Care lets you talk with a licensed doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week… even when your clinic or regular doctor’s office is closed.
What Is Virtual Care?
Welcome to CHPW Virtual Care: The doctor will see you—now!
Virtual care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, is when medical providers deliver care to you through communications technologies, such as mobile phones and live video. Instead of worrying and waiting for an appointment, you can visit with a doctor within minutes, without having to leave your home.
Plus, with a CHPW Medicare Advantage Plan, your cost for a virtual medical visit is the same as an in-person visit.
How to Access CHPW Virtual Care
- If your usual Community Health Center clinic or primary care doctor offers their own telehealth service, they will tell you how to set up your appointment.
- If your provider doesn’t offer telehealth, you can use CHPW Virtual Care in one of the following ways:
- On a computer: Register or log in at chpwvirtualcare.org.
- On an Apple device: Download the CHPW Virtual Care App, and register or log in.
- On an Android device: Download the CHPW Virtual Care App, and register or log in.
- Schedule a visit for a set time, or request an “as soon as possible” visit. Have your CHPW insurance information ready.
- A licensed doctor from CHPW Virtual Care will connect with you by phone or video.
- There is no time limit on your Virtual Care session. Length depends on the medical issue you’re dealing with.
Need technical support? Call CHPW Virtual Care at 1-855-994-6777 or email [email protected].
How CHPW Virtual Care Works
When should I use Virtual Care?
Use CHPW Virtual Care only for non-emergency illnesses. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Not sure if Virtual Care is the right choice? Call CHPW’s 24/7 Nurse Advice line at 1-866-418-2920 (TTY: Dial 711) for assistance. Our Nurse Advice Line can help you decide if you should see a Virtual Care doctor, or seek urgent care or hospital care.
What can a CHPW Virtual Care doctor help with?
CHPW Virtual Care doctors can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine for a wide range of common illnesses and non-emergency medical issues including:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Bladder Infections
- Bronchitis
- Cough/cold
- Diarrhea
- Earache
- Flu
- Headache
- Nausea
- Pink eye
- Rash
- Sinus problems
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
Prescriptions: CHPW Virtual Care doctors can prescribe medications if necessary. Prescriptions are sent electronically or by phone to the network pharmacy of your choice, and you can use delivery by mail if your pharmacy provides mail-order service for CHPW members.
Plus! You can use CHPW’s Virtual Care to see a mental health provider as well.
The CHPW Virtual Care doctor can fax notes about your visit to your primary care provider if you want to follow up. The CHPW Virtual Care doctor cannot make referrals to specialists or other providers. If you need to follow up after the virtual consult, please contact your primary care provider.
Cost
With a CHPW Medicare Advantage Plan, the cost for a virtual medical visit is the same as for an in-person visit. Please see your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for details.
Getting the most out of your Virtual Care visit
Virtual care is making it possible for doctors to provide important care outside the four walls of the doctor’s office.
Here are five tips for making your telemedicine visit a good one:
Talk to your provider about virtual care.
Connect with your doctor or provider to find out if they offer virtual care visits, and the hours offered. Many Community Health Centers, primary care doctors, specialists, and behavioral health providers in Washington offer virtual care.
Set up the right environment for your virtual care visit.
During the virtual appointment, you will talk with your health care provider like you normally would in a doctor’s office. To re-create that space as much as possible, find a private and quiet place where you have good reception. If you are using video, test your connection before the session.
Prepare for your virtual care appointment.
Write down the topics you would like to address beforehand. A list will help you not forget anything important. If you are speaking to a virtual care doctor who is not your primary doctor, prepare a list of ongoing conditions and medicines you are currently taking.
Use at-home tools to assess your health.
If you have a medical device in your home, like a thermometer, scale, or blood pressure monitor/cuff, let your doctor know. All these health tools can come in handy depending on your symptoms and help your doctor diagnose your condition. You can also use your phone to take a photo of physical symptoms, like a rash, and send it to your doctor.
Remember, emergencies are emergencies, even during COVID-19.
If you are having severe or sudden, life-threatening symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, always call 911.
Did you know that certain prescription medicines are available as a 90-day supply? Medicine that you take on a long-term basis to manage your health is called a “maintenance drug.” A 90-day supply makes it easier to keep taking the medicine you need to feel your best. You may also be eligible to receive your long-term medications through free home delivery.
