Policies and Procedures

THE TECHNOLOGY

We will be conversing (audio and video) via a secure video conferencing system, which can be done via your computer, tablet or smartphone. 

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You will be given access to your appointment via a link that is shared after scheduling your appointment. Prior to your appointment, please try this link out before the actual appointment so you can become familiar with the system and troubleshoot any connection issues beforehand. 

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Dr. Sewell will need to be able to see and hear you clearly. Make sure you have video capability on your computer or smartphone or tablet. You can get the best sound quality by using the videoconferencing system on your computer, or headphones/earbuds that have a built-in microphone, or you can use your computer's built-in mic with or without a regular set of headphones. Make sure you have a strong wi-fi signal or connect via ethernet directly to your Internet source. No recording may be made of the consult.

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REMOTE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION DISCLAIMER 

(for clients outside Oregon)

The information discussed in the setting of a remote educational consultation is not medical advice, and should not be treated as such. The information discussed is in no way intended to replace the information provided by one's doctor(s). I understand that no portion of any consultation is to be interpreted as diagnosis or treatment of anyone or anything.

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This consultation is not intended to:

* diagnose or treat any disease or condition

* manage your health care

* provide medical services

* initiate a doctor-patient relationship

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Your primary care physician and/or other doctors should always be regarded as a primary source of information about diagnosis, treatment, prescription drugs, and medical conditions.

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Remote consultations are not a substitute for in-person care. In-person appointments are likewise not a substitute for seeing a primary care physician regularly, and seeing medical specialists when needed. You are required to work with a primary care physician local to you. Delaying medical evaluation or treatment could be detrimental to your health and wellbeing.

It is entirely your own responsibility to consider the advice and recommendations offered by Dr. Sewell and to educate yourself as to the possible risks and benefits of such recommendations.

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CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT 

Treat this appointment as if it were an in-office appointment. You may not be driving nor multi-tasking during the appointment. Your face needs to be clear and directed toward the camera so that you can be seen. You need to be in a private space. No other person may be in the room, even if out of view. You may have a spouse or family member attend if it is approved ahead of time. 

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If you feel that your safety or privacy has been compromised or for any other reason you need to stop the appointment.

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As of March, 2020 naturopathic telehealth is covered by some insurance plans for those residing in Oregon, both for new patients and existing patients. It is your responsibility to call your insurance provider ahead of the appointment time to check your benefit coverage. Dr. Sewell is not acting as your physician if you reside outside of Oregon. In these cases your primary care physician and/or other doctors should always be regarded as a primary source of information about diagnosis, treatment, prescription drugs, and medical conditions. 

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If you reside outside the state of Oregon, your telemedicine appointment with Dr. Sewell will be an educational consult and will not be covered by health insurance; you are in this case considered a client, not a patient. Outside of special circumstances, telemedicine is not a substitute for in-person care. All persons are required to work with a primary care physician locally. Delaying medical evaluation or treatment could be detrimental to your health and wellbeing. As a client/patient of Dr. Sewell, you must agree that the physician determines whether or not the condition being diagnosed and/or treated is appropriate for a telemedicine encounter.

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If you reside outside of Oregon, by scheduling an educational consultation with Dr. Sewell without first establishing care in-person, you agree that Dr. Sewell is not your doctor, but your consultant. Likewise, you are not a patient, but a client. Dr. Sewell is not responsible for any side effects, negative reactions, injuries, or death that result from recommendations made during consultation sessions. You are always expected to check with your doctor before implementing any changes to your healthcare plan. 

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Telemedicine involves electronic communication of your personal medical information to a practitioner who may be located in another state or country. We take precautions to ensure your privacy and cannot make any guarantees regarding the HIPAA compliance of the technology used. In the event of a technical failure, the provider is not responsible for information loss. Likewise, we expect you to respect confidentiality: recording of sessions is strictly prohibited. Recording somebody without their permission is illegal in most states.

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PAYMENTS, FEES & INSURANCE 

For those outside of Oregon, we cannot bill your insurance. Our clinic bills some health insurances in Oregon. We can determine if your coverage is active prior to the visit. We will collect any copays that your plan requires at the time of service. You will be responsible for any uncovered benefits and unmet deductibles. It is your responsibility to know if your policy covers Naturopathic Medicine and if the Doctor you want to see is in or out of network with your plan. For those without eligible insurance benefits, we will provide you with a good faith estimate of the cost of services. These costs can vary depending on time spent with the doctor. Any recommended supplements are not covered by insurance and will be the responsibility of the patient. If we are out of network with your plan, we can provide you a Superbill that you may directly submit to your insurance. 

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 We reserve the right to send unpaid balances over 60 days old to collections if we do not hear from you. Balances are due within 30 days of you receiving an invoice. Invoices for non-insurance or time of service billing are due immediately upon receipt.

 

TIME ZONE AND CANCELLATIONS 

Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Failing to do so may result in a fee charged to your card on file. Late cancellations and no-shows will incur a $80 fee. Note that scheduling is in Eastern Time. 

 

CONTACT + COMMUNICATION

Dr. Sewell is NOT available for new problem questions, phone calls, or e-mails outside of scheduled visits. If you need simple clarification of an item already discussed, such as part of the treatment plan, you may send a short 1-3 line, brief and succinct inquiry to the provider via our portal. Your message will be answered within 48-72 business hours. For all logistical, scheduling, and billing questions, please contact the front office manager by leaving a voicemail or by sending a message via the portal.  For urgent healthcare matters, please call 911 or visit your local ER or Urgent Care. 

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PCP DISCLAIMER 

I understand that Dr. Sewell is not a primary health care provider (PCP), but a specialist of Naturopathic medicine.  Dr. Sewell cannot be placed on any insurance card as a PCP and is not credentialed as a PCP through any insurance companies.  I understand that if I have an urgent health matter I should call 911 or seek immediate care from the nearest urgent care clinic or hospital.

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Dr. Sewell retains the right to refuse treatment to anyone, and will gladly refer you to another provider or specialist if she feels unable to help you reach your goals.