Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions, and the answers to them.
I’m an existing patient. How do I log in and/or communicate with you?
Please log in to your Patient Portal served by Whidbey Nurse’s HIPAA-compliant partner, Practice Better. From within the portal, you can quickly send me a secure message, view your records, see upcoming appointments, and so much more! Mobile apps for iOS and Android are available for your convenience.
You may also log in at the following URL: https://client.practicebetter.io
If you are encountering difficulties, please send an email to barb@whidbeynurse.com or call me directly at (360) 815-2064. You may also wish to visit the Practice Better Help Center.
Do you charge an initial consultation fee?
No! Your initial phone call is free! There is no charge to discuss your needs! I just want you to be able to reach out to see if I can be of help.
I aim to be your ally; I have your best interest in mind!
Can Whidbey Nurse communicate over SMS, iMessage, or text message?
Yes, however these messages are comparatively insecure, and this type of communication has inherent risks. You will need to sign a document acknowledging this. Please consider calling me directly or sending an email to barb@whidbeynurse.com (which is facilitated by a HIPAA-compliant partner).
If you are an existing patient, a message sent through the Patient Portal is strongly preferred for your security.
Does Whidbey Nurse only offer care options to Whidbey Island residents?
Generally, yes. However, I am willing to explore travel options and evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
How long are appointments?
There is a minimum appointment length of one hour, extendable in 15-minute increments.
What can I expect to pay on average?
Generally speaking, most services are offered at $100 per hour. However, I am open to discussing package pricing options. Please refer to the Services page or contact me directly for specific pricing information.
Can Whidbey Nurse write prescriptions?
No. Registered Nurses do not have prescription writing authority. However, I CAN administer prescribed medications, and help with tasks such as medication organization, etc.
Can Whidbey Nurse change a physician’s treatment plans?
No. I am here to support your physician’s treatment plan. However, I CAN help interpret, translate, and implement your provider’s healthcare plan of action within my scope of practice.
Can Whidbey Nurse instigate therapy that is under the domain of a physical or occupational therapist?
No. However, I CAN happily assist with current OT/PT regiments and instructions.
Does Whidbey Nurse provide specific dietary or nutritional consultation?
No. As an RN, I CAN provide general nutrition guidance, though in-depth dietary or nutritional needs fall within the scope of a dietician or nutritionist. Registered Nurses are not Registered Dieticians or Nutritionists.
Does Whidbey Nurse accept insurance?
No. I have not pursued any partnerships with any insurances, or contract with Medicare.
However, if you or your loved one is a long-term care insurance holder specifically, I may have useful information for you regarding reimbursements! Please contact me for additional information!
Why doesn’t Whidbey Nurse accept insurance?
I remain independent in order to stay aligned with my values for patient care. Not only can it take months or longer for my service to get through the approval process, but it has to be done with each individual insurance.
This means:
Your care is not dictated, limited or interrupted by the insurance visit authorization process.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept cash, checks, or cards (debit or credit), due at time of service. FSA and HSA cards are accepted as well!
What’s the deal with signing up/signing in to the Patient Portal with a Google account?
This feature exists simply for convenience, and is not required under any circumstances. This capability is offered and implemented independently by Practice Better, the entity who operates my HIPAA-compliant Patient Portal.
Signing up, signing in, or otherwise linking your Patient Portal account with a Google account is entirely optional. No patient/client data or Practice Better account information is shared with Google.
Additionally, it should be noted that no two Practice Better users can share the same Google account sign in.
More information about the use of a Google Account on Practice Better–including any security and privacy aspects–can be found on this page in their support portal.