FAQs
Appointments
After payment for service via Square, you may request an to schedule an appointment online on any device (computer, phone, iPad). Click through the options to schedule an appointment.
Are labs included?
Laboratory testing is often a separate cost unless otherwise specified (as with initial visits). We use both conventional and specialty testing depending on clinical needs. Specialty functional testing is typically out-of-pocket. You will be informed of costs before proceeding.
Contact
Contact us at 509-639-3394 via phone or text. Phone service via RingRx is HIPAA complaint and you may text us here. You may contact us through our secure Charm EHR patient portal once you are a patient of Metta Wellness NW. You may email us at, support@mettawellnessnw.com; this is an encrypted HIPAA-compliant service. By texting Metta Wellness NW PLLC, you agree to receive text messages. In establishing care with Metta Wellness NW PLLC (signing documents through the Charm EHR portal), you agree to receive text messages.
Direct Care
The direct care primary care model allows us to offer services at low cost without billing insurance. We are able to focus our time on our patients and build relationships with you instead of an insurance company. You may be able to send your service costs to insurance for reimbursement. We offer an integrative approach, merging conventional medicine with holistic, naturopathic therapies, functional medicine, and peptide therapy.
Documents
All documents are electronically signed. In our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, you will sign a consent to treatment. We will have our policies detailed there for review. Health record request forms will be located there along with a health history intake form, and other forms. You can have documents securely faxed from other providers for review. Please do not send personal health information via our gmail account as it is not HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant nor encrypted beyond what Google LLC services provide.
How often do I follow-up?
Follow-up frequency varies depending on your condition, treatment plan, and response to therapy. Most patients are seen every 8–12 weeks during the adjustment phase and less frequently once stable. Some patients may require closer monitoring initially. Your clinician will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your needs.
Patient Portal
Send a message to your clinician at any time through our Charm EHR patient health portal. Upload or download important documents. View your chart notes, health data, and lab values.
Payments
We accept HSA, credit, debit through our payment servicer. Payment is made prior to services rendered. No-show appointments and cancellations made within 24 hours will not be refunded. Subscriptions are paid quarterly and not refundable. Given prescriptions and supplements are ordered directly, we are unable to refund for the costs of prescriptions or labs once ordered. Your appointment is dedicated to you and your concerns. We respect that you are making an investment and dedicating your time to change your health. We take our time together seriously and we will be prepared and be mindfully present of our visits. Please review the following: • Subscriptions require an intake visit $200, 30 minutes. Subscription programs are billed quarterly at $125-$500 per month. Billing will continue quarterly until canceled verbally or by written communication • Genetic consultations are $150 for a 30-minute appointment with a 15-minute follow-up after results; genetic testing is a separate cost that may or may not be covered by insurance. • 60-minute functional medicine appointments require extensive research, lab interpretation and planning by the providers. Cancellation requests MUST be made at least 48 hours in advance. 60 minute visits are $200-300. • 30 minute problem-focused visits, telephone consultations, and telemedicine visits are $95. • Payment is due upon appointment scheduling for the visit to reserve the visit. And prior to ordering of medications, peptides, supplements. • We reserve the right to charge a $75 plus associated transaction fees 3% per transaction. missed appointment fee for no-show visits. • No-show appointments or cancellations without 48-hour advanced notice will not be refunded. • Late arrivals to appointments: You will be seen for the remaining scheduled time and will be responsible for the entire appointment fee. • Subscriptions are further outlined in the Pricing list. I understand that Metta Wellness NW does not bill medical insurance and that recommended diagnostic and treatment measures may fall outside the conventional standard of care and may not be approved or covered by my insurance if I choose to seek reimbursement on my own.I understands that Metta Wellness NW does not bill medical insurance and that recommended diagnostic and treatment measures may fall outside the conventional standard of care and may not be approved or covered by the my insurance if I chose to seek reimbursement on my own. I accept full responsibility for all associated costs and fees.If your questions and/or concerns are more complex, a follow-up appointment may be requested, and you will be responsible for the standard visit/follow-up fees. I authorize this to be charged to the credit card on file.I understand that payment for all services, treatments, products and other fees will be required at each visit and after each other service related matter and authorize Metta Wellness NW to charge all outstanding balances to my credit card indicated below. I authorize this credit card (and all substituted credit cards) to be used to guarantee and pay for late cancellations, missed appointment, and unpaid balances including those related to office visits, telephone/e-mail consultations, charges for products and supplements and miscellaneous costs. I agree that if the credit card used does not accept the charge, I will immediately make payment to Metta Wellness NW for the amount due and will provide an alternative credit card account number upon request if my current credit card account is over limit, canceled or expired.I understand that fees may periodically change based on costs relevant to the medical practice and Metta Wellness NW will notify clients in a timely manner. Signed documentation will automatically update and I agree to these changes unless I notify Metta Wellness NW that I do not agree.
Service Area
Our providers are licensed in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho; they can provide care in these states. Currently Metta Wellness Northwest is only available online for telemedicine or telehealth. We are working to expand our services and service area as the need/opportunity arises.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine or telehealth allows us to bring care directly to you on your schedule. No driving to appointments, no waiting rooms. You can visit with your provider via a telephone call, a video call, or secure messaging. We utilize telemedicine platforms through CharmEHR, Doximity, doctor.com, and doxy.me.
What We Do?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (men) Gut Health Peptide therapy Advanced Lab Interpretation Alternative medicine Functional medicine Hypothyroidism Metabolic optimization Laboratory/Imaging Orders Supplements *Some medications/conditions require repeat monitoring and may necessitate follow-up visits. **We do not send controlled medications at this time (opioids/benzodiazepines), except testosterone. These medications require an in-person visit, per the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), before being prescribed.
What We Don't Do?
For your safety, there are some conditions that cannot be effectively treated through telemedicine: Acute conditions Chest pain Abdominal pain Shortness of breath Cold and Flu (we cannot listen to your lungs, which is important to rule out other conditions). Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma (we cannot listen to your lungs, which is important to rule out other conditions). We cannot act as your primary care provider
What is Metta?
Metta refers to the Buddhist idea of loving-kindness. It means benevolence, goodwill, and love. Five stages comprise the metta bhavana practice: sending metta to yourself, then thinking of a friend, followed by thinking of someone 'neutral,' then thinking of someone you dislike and sending them metta, and finally thinking of all four along with the entire world and sending metta outward.
What program is right for me?
It is completely normal to unsure which to choose. Many patients start with the initial consultation, and we will guide you toward the most appropriate next steps based on your health concerns and goals.
Arbitration Agreement
Our goal is to provide you with exceptional healthcare. We may not always agree and that is OK. We ask that any issues be communicated immediately so we can find a resolution. We ask that you agree to arbitration with Metta Wellness NW and its employees should the need arise. COMPLAINTS, COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS Metta Wellness NW is committed to providing quality care and resolving favorably any complaint, problem, question or unsatisfactory experience that might occur in connection with medical or nutritional services. It the policy of Metta Wellness NW that (i) if any person has a complaint or problem or unsatisfactory or negative experience related to our business, services or products, such person must bring the matter to our attention privately, by email, phone or in person; and (ii) he/she/they will investigate any such matter and attempt in good faith, without any retaliation, to reasonably resolve the matter. By signing this Agreement, I agree to comply fully with this policy. This is my sole and exclusive remedy in connection with any complaint or problem or unsatisfactory or negative experience that I may have with Metta Wellness NW, services or products (other than remedies available in a court of law or pursuant to arbitration). I further agree not to publish, post, transmit, disclose or distribute (directly or indirectly), in or on any publicly available or accessible forum, newspaper, magazine, electronic publication, blog, web site, on-line users group or similar device, document or medium, any negative, false or disparaging comment, belief, opinion, experience or information (or that could reasonably be so construed), without prior written consent. I acknowledge and agree that these terms are reasonable and that any breach or violation of this paragraph will cause significant damage and expense that would be impossible or highly impractical to quantify and establish. Consequently, I agree that upon each breach or violation of this paragraph, I will be obligated, jointly or severally, to pay liquidated damages in the amount of $200.00 per day per violation until the breach or violation has been cured to satisfaction. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT THIS SECTION ASKS YOU TO AGREE TO USE A NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR TO RESOLVE DISPUTES BETWEEN US AND TO RELEASE YOUR RIGHTS TO USE A COURT OF LAW Article 1 Agreement to Arbitrate: It is understood that any dispute as to medical malpractice, that is as to whether any medical services rendered under this contract were unnecessary or unauthorized or were improperly, negligently, or incompetently rendered, will be determined by submission to arbitration as provided by Washington, Idaho, or Oregon state law, and not by a lawsuit or resort to court process except as Washington, Idaho, or Oregon law provides for judicial review or arbitration proceedings. Both parties to this contract, by entering into it, are giving up their constitutional rights to have any such dispute decided on a court of law before a jury, and instead are accepting the use of arbitration. Article 2 All Claims Must be Arbitrated: It is the intention of the parties that this agreement bind all parties whose claims may arise out of or related to treatment or service provided by the nurse practitioner/physician including any spouse or heirs of the patient and any children, whether born or unborn, at the time of the occurrence giving rise to any claim. In the case of any pregnant mother, the term “patient” herein shall mean the mother and the mother’s expected child or children. All claims for monetary damages exceeding the jurisdictional limit of the small claims court against the nurse/practitioner/physician, and the physician’s partners, associates, association, corporation or partnership, and the employees, agents and estates of any of them, must be arbitrated including, without limitation, claims for loss of consortium, wrongful death, emotional distress or punitive damages. Filing of any court by the physician to collect any fee from the patient shall not waive the right to compel arbitration of any malpractice claim. Article 3 Procedures and Applicable Law: A demand for arbitration must communicate in writing to all parties. Each party shall select an arbitrator (party arbitrator) within thirty days and a third arbitrator (neutral arbitrator) shall be selected by the arbitrators appointed by the parties within thirty days of a demand for a neutral arbitrator by either party. Each party to the arbitration shall pay such party’s pro rata share of the expenses and fees of the neutral arbitrator, together with other expenses of the arbitration incurred or approved by the neutral arbitrator, not including counsel fees or witness fees, or other expenses incurred by a party for such party’s own benefit. The parties agree that the arbitrators have the immunity of a judicial officer from civil liability when acting in the capacity of arbitrator under this contract. This immunity shall supplement, not supplant, any other applicable statutory or common law. Either party shall have the absolute right to arbitrate separately the issues of liability and damages upon written request to the neutral arbitrator. The parties consent to the intervention and joinder in this arbitration of any person or entity which would otherwise be a proper additional party in a court action, and upon such intervention and joinder any existing court action against such additional person or entity shall be stayed pending arbitration. The parties agree that provisions of Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon state law applicable to health care providers shall apply to disputes within this arbitration agreement, including, but not limited to, Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.5 and 667.7 and Civil Code Sections 3333.1 and 3333.2. Any party may bring before the arbitrations a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure. Discovery shall be conducted pursuant to Code of Civil be taken without prior approval of the neutral arbitrator. Article 4 General Provisions: All claims based upon the same incident, transaction or related circumstances shall be arbitrated in one proceeding. A claim shall be waived and forever barred if (1) on the date notice thereof is received, the claim, if asserted in a civil action, would be barred by the applicable Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon states' statutes of limitations, or (2) the claimant fails to pursue the arbitration claim in accordance with the procedures prescribed herein with reasonable diligence. With respect to any matter not herein expressly provided for, the arbitrators shall be governed by the Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon States' Codes of Civil Procedure provisions relating to arbitration. Article 5 Revocation: This agreement may be revoked by written notice delivered to the nurse practitioner/physician within 30 days, or signature. It is the intent of this agreement to apply to all medical services rendered any time for any condition arbitrated in once proceeding. A claim shall be waived and forever barred if (1) on the date notice thereof is received, the claim, if asserted in a civil action, would be barred by the applicable Washington, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon States' statutes of limitations, or (2) the claimant fails to pursue the arbitration claim in accordance with the procedures prescribed herein with reasonable diligence. With respect to any matter not herein expressly provided for, the arbitrators shall be governed by the Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon States' Codes of Civil Procedure provisions relating to arbitration.
HIPAA Policy
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices This Notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you may access this information. Please review it carefully. Metta Wellness NW PLLC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your health information. We follow the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA, and applicable federal and state privacy laws. Protected health information includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future health, health care services, or payment for health care services. This may include information in your medical record, laboratory results, medication list, treatment plan, billing records, communications with the practice, and other health-related information maintained by Metta Wellness NW. How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information Metta Wellness NW may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, health care operations, and other purposes permitted or required by law. Treatment: We may use or share your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. For example, we may communicate with laboratories, pharmacies, other health care providers, consultants, or members of your care team when needed for your treatment. Payment: We may use or share your health information to bill and collect payment for services. This may include invoices, receipts, payment processing, account balances, superbills, laboratory-related charges, program fees, or communication about payment responsibilities. Health Care Operations: We may use or share your health information for administrative and operational purposes. This may include quality review, compliance, recordkeeping, care coordination, credentialing, business management, staff training, technology support, and other activities necessary to operate the practice. We may also use or disclose your health information when required or permitted by law, including for public health activities, health oversight activities, legal proceedings, law enforcement purposes, reporting abuse or neglect when legally required, preventing serious threats to health or safety, workers’ compensation, and other legally authorized purposes. Metta Wellness NW may use third-party service providers to support care delivery, documentation, scheduling, billing, payment processing, communication, telehealth, laboratory ordering, pharmacy coordination, supplement recommendations, and administrative operations. When required by HIPAA, Metta Wellness NW seeks to use service providers that maintain appropriate privacy and security protections, including Business Associate Agreements when applicable. Uses and disclosures not described in this Notice will generally be made only with your written authorization, unless otherwise permitted or required by law. You may revoke a written authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent Metta Wellness NW has already relied on that authorization. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information You have rights regarding your protected health information. These rights may include the right to: Request access to your medical records. Request a copy of your medical records. Request that your medical record be corrected or amended. Request confidential communication by a specific method or at a specific location. Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information. Request an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information. Receive a paper or electronic copy of this Notice. File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Metta Wellness NW will review requests in accordance with applicable law. Some requests may be denied or limited when permitted by law. Our Responsibilities Metta Wellness NW is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information, provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices, follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect, and notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your protected health information. We reserve the right to update or modify this Notice at any time. Any revised Notice will apply to health information we already maintain as well as information we receive in the future. The current version will be made available upon request. Questions or Complaints If you have questions about this Notice, would like to exercise your privacy rights, or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact Metta Wellness NW directly through the secure patient portal or by email at: admin@mettawellnessnw.com You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Metta Wellness NW will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.