How to Use the Virtual Clinic
If you don't have Internet access (wi-fi or phone data), a mobile device, or a computer with a web-cam, please visit an Ideal Option clinic to use the onsite telemedicine kiosk.
Schedule Your Appointment
Click here to request a virtual appointment. If you have an appointment already scheduled, connect to the virtual clinic here.
Our Virtual Clinic is open Monday-Friday between 8am - 5pm local time for eligible patients located in Alaska, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington.
Prepare Your Phone or Tablet
Make sure you have a smartphone or tablet with an Internet connection and web-cam. Be sure your device is fully charged or that you will be close to a power source for your appointment.
Prepare Your Computer
If you don't have a mobile device, you will need a computer that supports video conferencing and has a web camera installed. You must also have a high-speed Internet connection. For best results, we recommend Google Chrome as your Internet browser.
What if I don't have a mobile device or computer that will support video conferencing?
Please call 1-877-522-1275 to let our patient care team know. If you are a new patient or your provider deems it necessary to see you before issuing your refill, we will arrange for you to come to a nearby clinic for a telemedicine appointment. Rest assured that our clinics are santized regularly and we enforce social distancing guidelines in the waiting rooms.
Check In for Your Appointment
At the time of your appointment, make sure you are in a quiet, private place, and then click here to check in. You will be directed to a new page where you will be greeted by a medical assistant over live chat who will collect some information from you. You will then be placed into a virtual waiting room where you will be connected to your provider.
Pick Up Your Medication
After your virtual appointment, your provider will submit your prescription electronically to a local pharmacy. We have a 24-hour prescription policy. Typically, your medication will be available for same or next day pick up.
Can I get longer prescriptions during COVID-19?
For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, our providers will be following the latest recommendations from SAMHSA and ASAM to extend prescriptions for buprenorphine (Suboxone), thereby decreasing the need for frequent appointments and visits to the clinic for urine tests.
While each patient's treatment plan is unique and dependent on several stability and safety indicators determined individually by our providers, our new guidelines are as follows:
- Most new patients will be prescribed a full week of Suboxone and required to meet with a provider weekly for up to 6 weeks.
- New patients who present with a medical or substance use history that puts their safety at risk may be issued shorter prescriptions and required to meet with a provider more than once per week.
- Existing patients (or new patients who have switched from another provider) who have been stable for more than 6 weeks on Suboxone may be issued longer prescriptions and required to meet with a provider less frequently; once every 2, 3 or even 4 weeks.
Drop Off a Urine Sample
After your first virtual appointment as a new patient, you will be required to stop by the clinic within 48 hours to provide a urine sample and pick up a new home test kit.
For follow up appointments, you will be required to come by the clinic 2 days in advance to drop off a urine sample and pick up a new home test kit. We will also process your co-payment or self-pay amount while you are in the clinic.
Why do you test my urine?
We do urine drug testing at every visit to help us tailor and adjust your treatment plan. It's important for our providers to know what substances are in your system to ensure your safety and offer you the most appropriate medical and behavioral treatment.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
At the end of your visit, your provider will schedule your next appointment either in a clinic or virtually depending on your unique circumstances. Be sure to note down the date and time. If you need to reschedule, please click here.
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Virtual Clinic
Can I do my appointment over video chat at home?
Stable patients or those who have temporary special circumstances preventing them from coming to the clinic can be scheduled for a virtual appointment.
If you'd like to request or reschedule an appointment, please click here.
If I do a virtual appointment at home, will I still have to provide a urine sample?
Yes, in most cases you will be asked to come to the clinic to provide a urine sample within 48 hours of your appointment.
Home urine test kits are available at the clinic. If you are unable to come to the clinic to provide a urine sample and/or pick up a home test kit, please let your provider know at the time of your appointment.
What if I don't have internet access or a mobile device / computer that will work for video chat?
We will arrange for you to come to the clinic for a telemedicine appointment. Rest assured that our clinics are sanitized regularly, and we enforce social distancing guidelines in the waiting rooms.
I need help connecting to the virtual clinic.
If you are having technical difficulties, please call us at 1-877-522-1275. Our patient care team can help troubleshoot and if necessary, get you set up with an appointment to use the telemedicine kiosk in one of our clinics.
Can existing patients use the virtual clinic for appointments?
If you are a stable, long-term patient with Ideal Option, talk to your provider about virtual appointments. If you are still early in recovery but have a temporary situation that prevents you from coming to the clinic, we may be able to see you in the virtual clinic. If you need to request a virtual appointment because of a special circumstance, please use this form.
Can new patients start treatment in the virtual clinic?
If you are a new patient, we require you to start treatment in one of our outpatient clinics unless special circumstances temporarily prevent you from leaving home. If you cannot come to a clinic for any reason, please call 1-877-522-1275. If you do start treatment virtually, please note that follow up and urine collection will need to be scheduled at a clinic as soon as possible after your first appointment. Please be aware that some state regulations require all new patients to be seen in person for their first appointment.