patient forms and resources hero image

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 your network.

Why do I need an office visit for my medication refill?

Follow-up visits allow your provider to assess your response to treatment, evaluate for side effects, and determine whether your medication or dosage needs to be adjusted - especially for conditions that may change or improve over time.

This approach ensures you receive safe, effective, and up-to-date care tailored to your current health needs. At each visit, your provider will prescribe an appropriate supply of medication to last until your next required appointment.

What information will I Need 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?

We accept cash, checks, and credit / debit card payments. You can pay in the office or online through our patient portal. If you wish to pay cash for a service, we accept personal payments (not billed to insurance).

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 emergency, please dial 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. If it is not an emergency, please call the office to ask assistance 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 simple question for your provider, use your patient portal to send a direct message. If your question is sent Monday through Thursday, from 9am-5pm, you can expect an answer within 24 hours. If your question is sent during the weekend, the response may take up to 72 hours.

If your question is more than a sentence or two, you may be asked to make an appointment to provide you the best answer and personalized care with our providers.

Do I have to come into the office for my appointment?

Some concerns can be treated without an in-person visit. If your visit does not involve controlled substances, fevers, infections, open wounds, or require a provider to assess your heart, lungs, eyes or ears, telemedicine may be a great option.

Telemedicine visits are conducted by video and are ideal for counseling and behavioral health appointments. You must be an established patient with access to email, the patient portal, reliable internet, and a credit or debit card on file with the clinic - your card will only be charged with your co-pay if applicable.

What happens if I have a medical issue outside of SW Family Physicians business hours?

If you have a medical emergency, please go to the ER or call 911.

If you have a medical issue, that is not an emergency, outside of clinic hours, you can call our office number and our on-call provider will get back to you as soon as possible.