LopezRocks - News and Views

There’s no denying that technology has changed much about the way we receive nearly all services today. Those changes extend to health care, including the care provided at UW Medicine Lopez Island Clinic.

Virtual primary care (also called telemedicine or telehealth) is an innovation Lopez resident John Trench has embraced, and he encourages others to try this valuable service.

John and his wife, Anne, have seen plenty of changes on Lopez since they bought a small vacation place here in 2000. “In 2018,” John says, “we bought a bigger house for retirement and to host our family of thirteen counting kids, spouses, and grandchildren.” As is true for many people who retire on Lopez, John shares his professional experience with organizations including the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District board and Lopez Center for Community and the Arts finance committee. “I want to support services on Lopez because I want them to survive,” John says.

For John, the move to living on Lopez full-time meant registering for primary care at the UW Medicine Lopez Clinic. “I can get everything I need done at the clinic,” John says. Recently, when he needed follow up from an illness, John discovered how well virtual medicine works. “I can accomplish a lot on the phone without going in and can often get an appointment quicker that way.”

If you’re seeking a telehealth appointment during weekday clinic hours, that “care on the phone” is likely provided by nurse practitioner Preicy (pronounced Pressy) Frianeza-Garin. John describes his 20-25-minute appointments like this. “Preicy provided immediate care, set up referrals, and my issues were resolved.” He explains he never felt rushed, and he liked that he and Preicy could see each other on the screen. “It was great for follow up questions and planning.”

Preicy, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) offers the same comprehensive care that Kim Dougan, MD and Sam Rich, PA provide. “As the third Lopez Clinic provider, Preicy mostly offers care via telemedicine,” says Clinic Manager Crystal Rovente. “She has access to patients’ full medical records and works closely with their primary care provider and care team to assure the best results.” Many issues can be handled quite well virtually with an advanced practice provider like Preicy. Crystal explains, “She can check patients’ medical records, discuss their concerns, order medications and tests, and make referrals, without patients having to come to the Clinic.”

John has seen all three of the Lopez providers virtually over the past six months, all with “very positive outcomes.” Sometimes John made his telemedicine appointment online, and he’s also scheduled by calling the Clinic. He likes receiving an email or text to remind him to sign on 15 minutes before the appointment. “That gives me time to get my list of questions ready,” he says.

If you can’t be seen by Preicy (or any other Lopez provider) because it’s after hours, on-demand video visits with primary care providers are available 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm. UW telemedicine visits are covered by most insurance plans (check with your health insurer), and UW Medicine interpreter services are also available for telemedicine. Much more information about virtual care is available online at https://www.uwmedicine.org/virtual-care.

After John’s positive experiences with virtual primary care, he’s sold. “I wouldn’t hesitate to do virtual care again.”

It's important to know that currently UW Medicine has a system-wide planning effort for the impending expiration of Medicare coverage for telehealth on 3/31/25 (unless Congress acts). LIHD is working with the UW to stay updated on any changes, which we'll share with the community as soon as we hear from UW. At this time, UW Medicine strongly suggests that members of the Lopez community contact their Representatives and Senators for Congressional action to preserve this coverage.

John Trench, Lopez Island Resident

Preicy V. Frianeza-Garin, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC