Medford, Ore. — Imagine seeing a doctor and getting everything you need without physically meeting with them in person.
On Monday, Providence Medford Medical Center launched a program allowing just that.
It’s all part of a new wave of people interested in what’s being called telemedicine.
It all starts with the patient sitting down in front of a computer screen in a room at Providence Medford Medical Center. Then a doctor appears on the screen to talk about health concerns.
The doctors, who are located in Portland, can see patients for things like a cold, rash, sore throat, or flu.
There’s even a special camera that can be used to show the doctor specifically what the patient is concerned about.
“This is both on demand and scheduled. You can come in off the street, walk in and see a provider at usually no longer than 20 minutes,” said Michael Zwick with Providence Health eXpress.
The doctor can write prescriptions and even schedule lab work.
The service is free for members of Jackson Care Connect and AllCare Health Plan. Both are Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), which serve people on the Oregon Health Plan, Medicaid and Medicare.
For people who are uninsured, it’s a $49 visit. Currently Providence Health eXpress does not bill insurance, but Zwick said they are working to change that.
Providence Health eXpress is available at Providence Medford Medical Center. They’re open from 8am-8pm Monday through Friday and 9-5pm on weekends.
Zwick said there’s also a mobile platform available, where patients can directly connect with doctors via their smartphones or tablets. However, he said it’s less comprehensive than going to Providence Medford Medical Center and electronically connecting with a doctor there.
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