Spring greetings and updates

Tracy McDaniel • Mar 04, 2021

Hello dear Ones, and happy almost-spring. What a glorious thing it will be to see the arrival of this new season, as we begin to see our COVID numbers fall and vaccinations rise. We're feeling such gratitude at the possibility that we may be able to gather together soon with loved ones, begin to unwind the tension, grieve losses, and look toward the waning of this pandemic with an eye toward rebuilding our lives and routines in ways that are ever more aligned with our values. We continue to be so honored to walk with you as you navigate all that has happened this past year. 


Topics in our update...

  • COVID vaccine update
  • online group visits with Dr. Blackham
  • Telemedicine platform choice is made!
  • evening and weekend hours
  • phone system, texting and a secure app
  • pre-travel COVID testing
  • Welcome back Dr. Whitaker!


OSFM now has a functional system for delivering COVID-19 vaccine and we've given over 200 doses. Currently we are not receiving any vaccine as the DOH supplies the larger centers, but we hope and expect to have vaccine to offer again fairly soon. We keep our COVID-19 Vaccine page updated with the latest information, so make sure to check there for appointment availability, a link to the phase finder tool and links to other locations that have vaccine when we don't.


We've had so many meaningful conversations recently with people who are committing to their health in a new and deeper way. If this resonates with you, consider joining Dr. Lauren Blackham in her new online group-visit program "Establish the Foundations of Health"  Dr. Blackham is offering a 6-week group course focused on establishing the foundations of health to foster joy, movement, community, healthy eating, and mindfulness. The group will meet virtually at 6:30-8 pm on Mondays April 5-May 10. The visits will be billed as medical visits – covered by insurance the way your visits are normally covered. This course will support you in making dietary and lifestyle changes that are challenging to make but have long-lasting and deep health benefits. We will cook together, practice mindful movement, and share and learn about beneficial lifestyle changes. During each visit you will have a brief individual check-in with the doctor to discuss your individual health goals. This group course is a great complement to your existing treatment plan. Please call the front desk during business hours to sign up: 206-363-5555. 


We'd like to thank you all for your patience with us as we tried out several different telehealth options over the past couple of months. This felt like an important decision to get right, as we know that telemedicine is here to stay and we want the process to be smooth and reliable. We have chosen a platform that is integrated right into your Athena medical record, is accessible from the portal, allows access from your phone or computer, allows screen sharing and that allows us to have multiple people join the call. We've upgraded our internet speed, and think our new system will meet our needs and yours. You'll now be able to test your connection before entering the online "waiting room", please let us know if you need any help getting set up for your visit.


We're increasing our same day telehealth availability, so if you call with an acute concern we hope to be able to have someone available most days to do a visit right away. In addition Dr. Blackham is offering evening hours 3 days a week and seeing patients on the 2nd Saturday of each month. 


Our phone system transition is pretty much complete as well. If you haven't already texted us, know that that is now an option. We'll send out a practice-wide invitation soon, but in the meantime you can call the clinic to set up texting or download our secure app. If you use the app then our messages will show up there. If you sign up for SMS, then they'll show up in your regular text feed but are accessible to anyone who can get to your text feed. Either way, it's quite secure on our end. You can also send us documents and photos this way, though we still prefer the Athena portal for medical images or sensitive documentation.


We've had several requests for COVID PCR testing for people who are going to fly on an airline that requires it. We do have the ability to do that in house in about an hour. The cost is $375 at the time of service and it will not be covered by insurance.  For more information see this recent article from the Seattle TimesWA COVID Travel recommendations and CDC guidance. 


In case you haven't heard, Dr. Whitaker is back from her parental leave and is in clinic Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can call to schedule or book online. We're sorry to say that baby Jack won't be attending your visits, but please trust us that he's just as fabulous as you'd expect. Welcome back Dr. Mama Whitaker!

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