General Questions
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare using secure electronic communication technologies that allow you to meet with a licensed healthcare provider remotely. Most telemedicine visits include both video and audio communication. Although some states permit certain services without video, APNS requires both video and audio for all real-time telemedicine visits as a matter of patient safety, quality of care, and consistency across all states.
What is a nurse practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is board certified and licensed to assess, diagnose, treat illnesses, order laboratory tests and imaging, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing medical care. Nurse Practitioners receive advanced graduate-level education and extensive clinical training and practice independently in most states. They provide many of the same healthcare services traditionally provided by physicians.
Can I see a physician instead of a nurse practitioner?
Yes. APNS employs both Nurse Practitioners and Physicians. Depending on your medical needs, provider availability, and the services requested, you may choose a physician or a nurse practitioner when scheduling your appointment.
Does APNS provide primary care?
Yes. APNS offers telemedicine urgent care for many common illnesses and minor medical conditions. However, not every condition can be safely evaluated or treated remotely. If your provider determines that you require an in-person examination, urgent care center, emergency department, or specialist evaluation, you will be referred to the appropriate level of care.
Can I use APNS for urgent care?
Yes. APNS offers telemedicine urgent care for many common illnesses and minor medical conditions. However, not every condition can be safely evaluated or treated remotely. If your provider determines that you require an in-person examination, urgent care center, emergency department, or specialist evaluation, you will be referred to the appropriate level of care.
Does APNS provide long-term medical care?
Yes. APNS can provide ongoing care for many uncomplicated, stable, and manageable medical conditions. Patients who actively participate in their treatment plan, complete recommended follow-up visits, and remain compliant with medications and recommended care are often excellent candidates for long-term management through APNS.
Can I schedule a one-time visit?
Absolutely. Many patients use APNS for a single urgent medical concern, while others choose APNS as their ongoing healthcare provider. You are welcome to schedule care as needed.
Can APNS prescribe medications?
Yes. When medically appropriate, APNS providers can prescribe many non-controlled prescription medications. Every prescription is based on an individualized medical evaluation and the independent professional judgment of your provider. Prescriptions are never guaranteed and are issued only when medically appropriate and legally permissible.
Does APNS prescribe controlled substances?
No. As a matter of practice policy, APNS does not prescribe or refill controlled substances, including opioids, stimulant medications (such as Adderall®), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax®), sleep medications classified as controlled substances, or other medications regulated under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Can I request medication refills?
Yes. APNS can refill many maintenance medications when medically appropriate. Your provider may require a follow-up visit, updated laboratory testing, blood pressure readings, or additional medical records before approving a refill to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Can I get a full year supply of my medications?
What if my provider decides I need to be seen in person?
Telemedicine is not appropriate for every condition. If your provider determines that your symptoms require an in-person examination, additional testing, specialist consultation, urgent care, or emergency treatment, they will advise you accordingly. The provider’s medical evaluation and recommendation are the professional services provided during your visit. Referral to a higher level of care does not qualify for a refund.
Do you treat children?
Yes. Our Family Practice providers are board certified to care for pediatric patients. However, as a matter of APNS policy, we do not provide telemedicine services for children younger than six (6) years of age.
Do you treat transgender patients?
For nonsexual related conditions, yes, we are happy to treat anyone who needs care. However, for sexually related issues, such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, low libido, or other related sexual medical issues, APNS does not manage these conditions for those patients who have transitioned. Those who are trans-male or trans-female with a sexually related issue, including possible sexually transmitted diseases, will need to seek in person care with their transition specialist.
Additionally, if you have transitioned, genital infections such as vaginal yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTI or other urinary tract related conditions, you will need to seek in person care with your transition specialist. APNS will not treat urinary conditions for those who have transitioned.
Lastly, APNS does not treat or refill medications for those wishing to transition. Gender transition is a complex and complicated process requiring close and frequent in person monitoring by a specialist. It, therefore, falls outside of the scope of the Telehealth services APNS can provide. If you wish to transition or require refills for transition medications, you will need to seek in person care with a specialist.
Will I need to provide my medical records?
Possibly. Depending on your medical condition, treatment history, or the complexity of your care, your provider may request previous medical records, laboratory results, imaging reports, consultation notes, or operative reports. Medical records may be uploaded securely through your patient portal to assist your provider in making informed medical decisions.
Will I need laboratory testing or imaging?
Not every patient requires additional testing. However, if your provider believes laboratory testing, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI studies, or other diagnostic testing are medically necessary, appropriate orders can be provided. Patients are responsible for scheduling and paying for services performed by outside laboratories or imaging facilities.
Does APNS accept insurance?
No. APNS is a cash-pay, fee-for-service medical practice. Payment is due at the time of your visit. Upon request, APNS may provide an itemized receipt or superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is determined solely by your insurance carrier and is not guaranteed.
Does APNS complete insurance prior authorizations?
No. APNS does not obtain or manage insurance prior authorizations for medications, treatments, laboratory testing, imaging studies, durable medical equipment, or medical supplies. Patients who require prior authorization services should work directly with their insurance company or an in-network healthcare provider.
How quickly will I hear back from my provider?
Response times vary depending on the type of appointment you schedule.
- Asynchronous (Async) Visits: Typically reviewed within 24 hours.
- Sync On-Demand Visits: Usually completed within 24 hours based on provider availability.
- Scheduled Video Visits: Occur at your scheduled appointment time.
While APNS strives to provide timely care, response times may occasionally vary due to patient volume, provider availability, weekends, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
What should I do before my telemedicine visit?
To help ensure a smooth appointment, we recommend that you:
- Complete all required intake forms before your appointment.
- Join your visit a few minutes early.
- Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
- Choose a quiet, private location with good lighting.
- Have your medication bottles, pharmacy information, and any recent medical records available.
Is my medical information secure?
Yes. APNS uses secure electronic health record systems and telehealth technology designed to protect your privacy. We are committed to safeguarding your personal and medical information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable federal and state privacy laws. Please review our Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices for additional information.
Can I discuss multiple medical concerns during one appointment?
Generally, each visit is intended to address one new or uncomplicated medical concern. Patients with multiple stable, established conditions that require only medication refills, laboratory review, or minor treatment adjustments may discuss up to three uncomplicated established conditions during a Scheduled Synchronous Visit. Specialty consultations are limited to the specialty condition for which the appointment was scheduled.
What if I am experiencing a medical emergency?
CALL 911
APNS does not provide emergency medical services. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, including (but not limited to) chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any other potentially life-threatening condition, you are instructed to call 911 immediately or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.
Why should I choose APNS?
At APNS, we believe exceptional healthcare involves more than treating symptoms or writing prescriptions. Our providers strive to identify underlying causes whenever possible, educate patients about their health, and develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that support both immediate improvement and long-term wellness. Whether you need urgent care, primary care, specialty consultation, preventive care, or ongoing management of a chronic condition, our goal is to provide compassionate, convenient, and comprehensive healthcare that empowers you to achieve your healthiest life.