Big Changes Are Coming March 2022!
Some of you may have noticed less communications from our office on social media/blog/newsletter and other outlets in the new year. This is in part due to some big changes that have been in the works. After many weeks of considerations, logistics and the like, we’re in the final parts of this process and are ready to make the big announcement! Please know that this whole process, (like many hard things that we all do in life!), is bittersweet, will come with some goodbyes to a beautiful space but other wonderful things for all of us!
As of March 1, 2022, Dr. Ohlinger will be transitioning to seeing all patients at Whole Systems Healthcare in downtown SW Portland.
What Prompted this?
Dr. Ohlinger has been working for Whole Systems Healthcare part-time for the last 3 years. This has meant her time was split between two practices, one of which (Cadence Natural Health) she was wearing many hats for! If you ever noticed or felt as if her communication in-between visits was not as prompt as you would like, this was very likely the cause!
When Whole Systems offered Dr. Ohlinger a full-time position, it was an opportunity for her to merge both practices into a cohesive clinic where now she can focus on her favorite thing- taking care of you, her patients!!
Our hope with this change is that it will allow her to continue to offer the great care she has been, with additional benefits of more administrative support that will keep communications streamlined and simplified!
What is Whole Systems Healthcare?
Whole Systems Healthcare is a nationwide non-profit started by friends and colleagues of Dr. Ohlinger. Their vision includes reinventing an integrative healthcare system that includes opportunities for integrative research, clinics and education opportunities for a variety of clinician types.
Their Portland clinic location has been growing steadily over the last 3 years, with new openings for provider types and an upcoming expansion to a new space where we can offer more therapy types- including IV therapy, nutrient therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, occupational therapy and much more.
The team there has been a joy to work with, they put incredible care and passion into their work and we hope you enjoy working with them just as much as Dr. Ohlinger has!
**At this practice and in addition to her ongoing naturopathic primary care work, Dr. Ohlinger has also been offering specialized and unique therapies for chronic depression and related mental health diagnoses that have not responded to typical antidepressants. Please ask about this on scheduling your next visit if you’re interested in learning more! **
Can I continue to see Dr. Ohlinger?!?!
Absolutely! We look forward to continuing care with minimal changes/hiccups.
Changes you’ll notice:
In the next few weeks- or on scheduling your next visit- you’ll receive a text message from a service called Klara. This will be the new way to access scheduling, forms, documents and communications with Dr. Ohlinger. This will look new but, in the long-run should be easier to use!
Keep an eye out for messages in Klara for new consent forms to sign, which will allow Whole Systems to bill your insurance and give consent for you to receive care from Dr. Ohlinger at Whole Systems.
Virtual visits will also be through Klara, which can be accessed on your phone or computer. Telemedicine links are sent automatically the day before your appointment.
In-person visits will be at the new location starting March 1!
The new location is:
Whole Systems Healthcare Portland
1020 SW Taylor Street, Suite 340
Portland OR 97205
Website: https://wshcare.org/departments/portland-oregon/
Phone: 503-714-8924
Some additional details/FAQ:
What about uninsured/cash-pay patients?
Cash-pay patients will be able to continue at the current Tiered Rate they are at, however there may be a maximum 7% increase in rates over the next few months to keep up with inflation in the last year.
Whole Systems Healthcare does offer a monthly membership for cash-pay patients that includes a number of visits each month that could be with Dr. Ohlinger or with other provider types (including acupuncture!). If you’re interested in the rates or switching to this plan, please call or text the office for more details.
Will you take my Insurance?
If we have been billing your insurance previously- YES!
Dr. Ohlinger is in-network with the same insurances at the new location. WSHC Clinic and providers are also in-network with the following Moda plans Connexus, Synergy, and OHSU Tuality Healthcare & Associates (OTHA), and Community Care Network (CCN).
**If you have CIGNA insurance, please talk with Whole Systems staff on scheduling. Due to low reimbursement rates from Cigna, we are coordinating to be out-of-network with Cigna in the future but are working on a reasonable cash-rate for Cigna patients**
How will this affect California Patients?
You’ll notice some changes such as needing to be registered in the Klara messaging system as noted above.
Your rates per visit will stay the same, with exceptions for inflation as noted above and Dr. Ohlinger will continue to offer the same great care!
New patients will be offered the monthly membership option only.
Will Dr. Ohlinger still use the CharmEHR Portal?
We will continue to check the CharmEHR Portal on weekdays throughout March and April for any messages or appointment requests that happen to go through that system. But we will continue to encourage you to transition to the Klara messaging system over that time period.
Do you have any questions or concerns about this change?
Please reach out to us!
You can still reach Dr. Ohlinger in the CharmEHR portal until April 30th, 2022 or call the office at 971-238-3122.
We encourage you to call Whole Systems Healthcare to schedule any appointments on or after March 1st!
You can contact us there at: 503-714-8924 to get started anytime.
Big breaths and hugs! Change is never easy, but we can do hard things!
We look forward to sharing this new space, clinic and amazing team with you all!
Take care,
Constance Ohlinger, ND
Alaina Han, Clinic Director at Whole Systems Healthcare
Bridget Bugla, administrative staff at Cadence Natural Health, LLC