Frequently Asked Questions
Will SW Family Physicians accept my insurance?
We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Care Oregon, Cigna, First Choice Health, Medicare, Moda Health, Pacific Source, Providence Health Plans, Providence Medicare, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. Please call your insurance provider before calling to register to ensure that we are in their network.
What information will I have to provide to be registered as a patient at SW Family Physicians?
We will need your insurance information and your personal information, including birth date, address, phone number and social security number. When you come in for your first appointment, we will ask to see your insurance card and your personal ID if you are over 18 years old.
How long will my appointment be?
Medical appointments last between 15-30 minutes. Behavioral health consults last between 30-90 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes early for establishing New Patient appointments and Wellness Examinations to allow time for paperwork. There is only a 5 minute grace period if you arrive late for your appointment so try to be timely.
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
We request that you call to cancel or reschedule your appointment as soon as you know you will not be able to make it. You can do this by calling our office at 503-620-5556.
Which payment methods does SW Family Physicians accept?
If you have a co-pay or wish to pay cash for a service, we do accept personal payments (not billed to insurance). We accept cash, checks, and credit and debit cards. You can pay in the office or online through our patient portal.
Does SW Family Physicians offer care for Medicare patients?
We accept Medicare Advantage Plans in network for Providence Medicare Advantage, and we accept other Medicare Advantage Plans that have out-of-network benefits. Please verify your insurance coverage and benefits with your insurance company before your visit.
If I have a question for my doctor or nurse, how can I contact them and how soon can I expect a response?
If you have an urgent issue, check our open hours for a time you can call the office and get help from a staff member. If you have a refill request, it may be time for a follow up visit! Please contact the front desk to make an appointment. If you have a very simple and question for your provider, use our online patient portal to message them directly. If you send your question Monday through Thursday, from 9am-5pm, you can expect an answer within 24 hours. If you send a question over the weekend, the response may take up to 48 hours. If your question is more than a sentence or two, making an appointment will help you get the best answer and personalized care with our providers.
Do I have to come into the office for my appointment?
In some cases, you may not require direct physician contact in order to diagnose a problem or prescribe a solution or medication. If your medical needs don’t include controlled substances, fevers, infections, or open wounds, you can take advantage of our Telemedicine option. Telemedicine is a video visit with your doctor. They are an excellent option for counseling appointments with our behavioral and mental health providers. You must be an established patient, with an email address, credit or debit card (you will only be charged if you have a co-pay but you will need to fill in your card information), access to our patient portal, and reliable internet.
Why do I need an office visit for my medication refill?
If your medication is for a non-chronic issue that should have improved since your last visit, if a new provider is going to prescribe your medication, or if your medication is a controlled substance, your prescribing provider will need to see you and take your vitals before refilling your prescription. You may also need a lab appointment to verify your levels.
What happens if I have a medical issue outside of SW Family Physicians business hours?
If you have a medical issue outside of clinic hours, you can call our office number and our on-call provider will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have a medical emergency, please go to the ER or call 911.