FAQ's

How do I reach my Healthcare Provider in an emergency?

If it is a serious medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Remember your health plan may require approval from your primary care provider before an emergency room visit. If you need to talk to your provider during Office Hours, call the clinic at 503-581-1198 and describe your problem or need. Leave the phone number where you can be reached and we will respond to your call as soon as possible.

Patients needing urgent medical care when the Clinic is closed may reach the on-call provider by dialing 503-689-8460 to reach our Answering Service, who will contact the provider on call. The On-Call Provider will offer Advice Only regarding your Symptoms. The On-Call Provider Does Not Prescribe or Refill Medications. The On-Call Provider Does Not have access to your Chart or any Messages left for you by our Staff. When calling after hours, have your pharmacist's telephone number available and remove any incoming call blocks from your phone line so that phone calls can be received. All after-hour calls are logged by the answering service and are accessible upon request. These records are kept according to State and Federal regulations.

What happens when my medical provider is not available?

If your questions or concerns can wait, your own provider will return your call upon his or her return. If this cannot wait, please tell the receptionist and the on-call provider or triage nurse will respond to your needs.

Office Visits

What happens on my first visit?

During this visit, our providers will talk with you to understand your medical and family history, with specific emphasis on the current health conditions or concerns to begin developing an individualized treatment plan for you. A complete physical examination is done as well.

Ask your previous provider to send us your medical records prior to your new patient visit. These records will provide background and will help avoid redundant testing.

Why do I need to show my insurance card at each visit?

A patient's insurance plan may change sometimes so to be sure we have current information, we ask to see your card if it has been over a month since your last visit. Inaccurate insurance information can delay payment and may lead to increased medical costs for all patients.

Why do I need to bring photo ID on my first visit?

On June 1st, 2009 the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flag Rule took affect which requires all healthcare organizations to ask for proof of identity for all patients. Providing this proof and having your picture taken to display in your medical file helps protect you from medical identity theft which is a growing problem nationwide.

How do I find out more about my condition and treatment?

During your examination and treatment, information on your condition will be provided by the healthcare provider involved in your care. Patients are encouraged to ask their provider questions to be sure they understand their condition/treatment. We also have health education pamphlets, videos and books available in the clinic. You may also be referred to educational classes at various locations throughout the community as appropriate. Referrals to community resources may be made as well. You may also utilize the Health Information page to find general information regarding your condition and treatment.

Test results/Medical records

How can I find out the results of my tests?

Your provider will notify you of the results of your lab work, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests once they are received by the clinic and reviewed. In the event of an abnormal result requiring intervention, the provider or their designated staff person will notify the patient for follow-up or further testing. You may also request your lab results be part of your Patient Portal record, allowing you to access from home. 

Can I see my medical record?

The information in your medical record is available to you by contacting your provider, some information is available to view in the Patient Portal. No information will be released by Armstrong Wellness to insurance companies, attorneys, or other parties without your written permission.

Can I see my medical record online?

Yes, certain components of your Medical Record are available online through our Patient Portal. You can sign up for this and receive access code in the Clinic. Please let our staff know if you are interested in this option.

Insurance/Billing

What if I have a question on my bill?

You may call the clinic Business Office at 503-581-1198 during regular business hours. After hours, you can leave a voice mail message and your call will be returned within 2 business days.

Can I pay my bill online?

This feature will be available in the near future. We will notify all patients when this is ready for use.

Where do I send my payment?

All payments should be sent to our Clinic Address.

Armstrong Wellness
1655 State St
Salem, OR 97301-

It is the policy of Armstrong Wellness to post all patient payments within 1-3 business days of receipt. We will apply the payment towards the oldest outstanding visit unless otherwise specified. If you need to make payment arrangements, please contact our Business Office at 503-581-1198.

What insurances does Armstrong Wellness accept?

Armstrong Wellness accepts most insurance and will bill both primary and secondary insurance plans as a courtesy for our patients.

Some insurance plans have restrictions or a specific provider panel that patients must access. Please check with your insurance carrier for specific eligibility, benefits, provider panel and/or referral requirements as they apply to you.

Why did it take so long for my insurance to pay?

Insurance billing requires many steps and can take many weeks to complete. We are available for questions that you may have about our bill. We work with the insurance company to ensure correct claims processing. However, questions about how your insurance processed a specific claim should be directed to your insurance company. They can answer questions regarding how your policy and coverage apply to your care.

What if I can’t pay my bill in full?

We request that all balances be paid upon receipt, or broken into three equal monthly payments. If you are unable to do either of these options, a payment plan may be offered. Please contact our Business Office at 503-581-1198.

Do you offer charity discounts?

If a patient is experiencing a financial hardship and provides us with income verification, we may be able to offer a charity discount. Our decision is based on the poverty guidelines by family size as defined by the federal government. Please contact our Business Office at 503-581-1198 for details.

Other

How can I get my prescription refilled?

To request a refill, contact your pharmacy. The pharmacist will contact the Clinic for you and can obtain authorization for prescription refills from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Make sure you Request Refills at Least 4 Days Prior to running out - This allows time in case your Provider is not in the office that day or for the weekend. The clinic does not provide prescription refills after hours. If you need a change to your dosage or quantity of medication, please contact the clinic and leave a detailed message with the Medical Assistant for your provider.

Can I request a prescription refill online?

This feature will be available in the near future. We will notify all patients when this is ready for use.

What is a nurse practitioner?

Nurse Practitioners are Board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and are licensed to practice in each state. Nurse Practitioners are governed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing which holds them to high standards of professional care and requires continuing education for as long as they practice. In Oregon, Nurse Practitioners hold the NP or Nurse Practitioner license as well as Registered Nurse license. These licenses allow them to practice independently and provide a full spectrum of healthcare services including diagnosis, lab tests, ordering prescriptions, and referrals to other healthcare providers. Nurse Practitioners can also perform many procedures such as wound closure, stitching, casting, mole removal, toenail removals and other minor surgeries.

The Nurse Practitioner's nursing training and experience puts emphasis on building a relationship with their patients, spending time with them to understanding their needs, and providing education so the patient can make their own good choices for long term health. You can find more information about nurse practitioners on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner's website.

Do I need a referral from my primary care provider to see a specialist?

Some insurance plans require that your primary care provider provide you a referral for specialist care. Please check to determine what coverage your plan will provide so necessary documentation can be in place before your appointment.

How do I make a complaint?

If you have concerns, we encourage you to let us know so we may improve our service and care. You can contact us by calling the clinic or by sending a written complaint to:

Armstrong Wellness
1655 State St
Salem, OR 97301-