**Please note: Our office will be closed on Friday, July 4th. We will reopen and begin responding to portal messages on Monday, July 7th.**

Important Guidelines for Using Our Patient Portal

Dear Patient,

I hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to providing you with the best care, I would like to offer some guidance on how to effectively use our patient portal at Caring for the Body, PLLC.

Ideal Uses for Our Patient Portal:

- Requesting Appointments: Easily schedule your next visit with us.

- Medication Refills: Request refills for medications we have previously prescribed, directly through the portal.

- Health Updates: Share brief updates on your condition, celebrating positive wins or discussing new challenges you may be facing.

- Clarification Questions: The portal is perfect for quick clarification questions that require brief responses or simple yes/no answers.

- Pre-Visit Planning: Use the portal to share a list of concerns and requests that you would like to address during your upcoming scheduled appointment. This helps us prepare and ensure we focus on what matters most to you.

Please Remember:

- Brief Communication: While we value hearing about your health updates and concerns, please reserve more extensive updates and complex issues for your in-person visits. This helps us maintain an efficient and focused approach to your care.

- Complex Queries: If your communication includes multiple questions, is of a complex nature, or exceeds a short paragraph, it will require a medical visit to adequately address your needs.

- New Prescription Needs: Any request for a new prescription or a refill of a medication not previously prescribed by us must be addressed during a medical visit. You can use the portal to let us know what you need and we will reach out to schedule a visit as soon as possible.

- Dose Adjustments: Changes to your medication dosage require a scheduled visit so we can ensure the best outcomes for your health.

- Extensive Conversations: More in-depth discussions should be reserved for your appointments to ensure thorough attention to your health needs.

- Urgent Health Concerns: Please refrain from using the portal for new or urgent health issues, as these situations demand immediate and comprehensive medical attention. If you face an urgent medical need, it is crucial that you seek prompt care at your local urgent care center, hospital ER, or by contacting your primary care practitioner. Additionally, we kindly request that you inform us of any urgent conditions by calling our office line at 828-490-1545 and leaving a message. We are committed to following up with you as swiftly as possible to support your healthcare needs.

- Response Time Expectation: While we strive to address all portal messages as swiftly as possible, please expect a response within three business days. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we endeavor to provide thorough and thoughtful care to each of our patients.

Additional Guidelines:

- Ensure you have a primary care practitioner in place for routine and urgent care needs, as this is a crucial component of your overall health management.

We appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines, which help us provide efficient and effective care. Thank you for trusting us with your health. Your well-being is our top priority.

Warm regards,

Cynthia Libert, M.D., Founder & Medical Director

Caring for the Body, PLLC - Center for Functional Medicine