Telehealth Patient Visits

Scheduling Your Appointment with Southwest General Medical Group

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, our communities and our health system are faced with unprecedented challenges. At Southwest General, the health and safety of our patients and caregivers remains a top priority, and we are working hard each day to continue providing the quality care you deserve with the compassion that has been our hallmark since our founding 100 years ago.

One way our Southwest General Medical Group (SGMG) providers are meeting patient needs during the COVID-19 pandemic is by offering telehealth patient visits – both by video (online) and by telephone. When you call an SGMG office, you will now be offered one of three appointment types based on your need:

1. In-Person. An office visit is still available for patients who need an in-person assessment, treatment or procedure. For the health and safety of our patients, staff and community, office visits for non-essential care are limited at this time and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
2. Telehealth – By Video. A telehealth video visit with your SGMG provider requires an internet connection and use of a publicly available app called Cisco WebEx (https://www.webex.com/downloads.html/). This visit format gives the provider a visual look at the patient so he/she can gain a better evaluation of the patient’s status. This visit type is preferred for new illnesses and consultations that may not require an in-person office visit.
   For Cisco WebEx instructions (cheat sheets):
   • Apple iPhone or iPad >>>
   • Android Smart Phone or Tablet >>>
   • Windows Laptop Computer >>>
3. Telehealth - By Phone. A telephone-only visit is an option when you want to speak with your provider but may not have a phone with virtual capabilities and/or an internet connection. This visit type may be best for management of some chronic conditions and some types of illnesses.

If you need to speak with your provider and would prefer to do so from the safety and convenience of your home, please request either a telehealth video appointment (requires internet connection and use of Webex) or a telehealth telephone appointment (no internet connection or app required). In-person office visits are still available for those patients for whom a telehealth video or telephone visit is not appropriate. The staff at your provider’s office will help to determine which visit type is best for you.

Southwest General Medical Group follows all current federal and state regulations associated with telehealth practices to ensure both patient safety and privacy. For all three visit types above, a charge will be submitted to your insurance company per usual business practices.

We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, professional care to all patients – whether in person or through a virtual office visit. If you have any questions about an office visit, or any of the information shared here, please call your provider’s office for more information.