Welcome to CHPW Virtual Care: The doctor will see you now, really!
It’s not always easy to get to see a doctor when you want to. Community Health Plan of Washington is here to help.
CHPW plan members have access to CHPW Virtual Care that lets you talk with a licensed doctor by phone or video 24 hours a day, seven days a week … even when your clinic or regular doctor’s office is closed.
CHPW Virtual Care
Virtual Care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, is the use of communications technologies (like mobile phones and live video) by medical providers to deliver care to you.
That means instead of waiting and worrying, you can visit with a doctor within minutes, without having to leave your home.
How it works
- Check to see if the Community Health Center clinic or primary care doctor you usually go to offers Virtual Care. If they do, they will tell you how to set up your virtual care appointment.
- If your provider doesn’t offer telehealth and you can’t make it to the clinic or doctor’s office, then you can use CHPW Virtual Care by choosing one of the following options:
- On a computer go to: chpwvirtualcare.org and register or login as instructed.
- If you are using an Apple mobile phone:
- Tap the App Store app on your Home screen.
- Browse or search for the “CHPW Virtual Care” app and download it. Open the app and register or login as instructed to schedule an appointment.
- If you are using an Android mobile phone:
- Open Google Play.
- Browse or search for the “CHPW Virtual Care” app and download it. Open the app and register or login as instructed to schedule an appointment.
- You can either schedule a visit for a set time or you can 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 Help? If you are unsure if CHPW Virtual Care is the right route, you can always call CHPW’s 24/7 Nurse Advice line at 1-866-418-2920 (TTY: Dial 711) for assistance. For Virtual Care technical support, please call 1-855-994-6777 or e-mail [email protected].
What does it cost?
The CHPW Nurse Advice Line and Virtual Care service are part of your Individual & Family Plan benefits. The Nurse Advice Line is always free to use. Regular copays may apply for Virtual Care visits if your plan has a copay. Check your plan’s coverage benefits for details.
When should I use CHPW Virtual Care?
You should see a CHPW Virtual Care doctor only for non-emergency illnesses. Our 24-hour Nurse Advice Line can help you decide if you should go to urgent care or the hospital. And always, if you have a medical emergency, call 911.
What can a CHPW Virtual Care doctor help with?
They 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
CHPW Virtual Care doctors cannot make referrals to specialists or other providers. If you need to follow up, contact your primary care provider.
CHPW Virtual Care visits and prescriptions
Virtual Care doctors can prescribe medications if they think it’s necessary. If your plan has a prescription drug benefit, check plan details to see your level of coverage and any copays. Prescriptions are sent electronically or by phone to the pharmacy of your choice, including some mail-order services for CHPW Individual & Family Plan members.
Getting the most out of your CHPW Virtual Care
CHPW 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 virtual care 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.
2. During the virtual care 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.
