The questions are answered by Oregon Health Authority experts, other state agencies or community partners. The questions and answers are republished with permission.
Q: I am a 70 year old man. I have been at Oregon Medical Group in La County of Lane for decades, but last year, I lost my primary care doctor. Now, I cannot get my annual wellness check and my laboratory tests. They say that I will see a new one, but it simply does not happen. I understand that there are a lot of people in our community who encounter the same problem due to a shortage of doctors. Do you have any suggestions? I have a medication with a United Healthcare Supplement (Medigap) plan. – Rich, Eugene
A: Rich, you are certainly not alone with regard to recent changes to Oregon Medical Group. In the county of Lane, despite a limited number of primary care providers leading new patients with Medicare, we found some options that you could consider.
For immediate needs, the Zoomcare Clinic in Springfield We said you could get an appointment within 24 to 48 hours, because it is the zoom care model, whether for primary or urgent care needs. Call 844-966-6777.
We have also called the county, and there are several community health centers of the county of Lane which serve the members of Medicare, the waiting times for your first appointment being about a month or two. THE Clinics are listed hereAnd those who accept new patients for primary care are the Delta Oaks, Brookside and Carnelton clinics in Eugene and the Riverstone clinic in Springfield.
THE Permanent Kaiser Chase Gardens Installation In Eugene is another option (541-225-3410) long -term. You should abandon your Medigap policy and go to a Senior Advantage Kaiser plan, which you cannot do before the Annual registration period which begins on October 15, for coverage starting on January 1, 2026. You would also be linked to the network of suppliers and pharmacies in Kaiser. For specialized services not provided in the center of Chase Gardens, such as colonoscopies or other specialized care, Kaiser contracts with Peacehealth and other local groups, you would not have to travel outside the county for the most part of your medical needs. Note: If you go from Medigap to an advantage plan, you will have a 12 -month trial period during which you can return to the same Medigap plan. After 12 months, however, you cannot go back. To find out more about this option, we first recommend you that the health insurance team for health insurance (SHIBA) of Oregon at 800-722-4134, and they can provide objective advice and not biased.
Anyone on Medicare can call 800-Medicare (800-633-4227) to find suppliers nearby, or enter a postal code in This research tool For PCPs. Discover Oregon 2025 Maladie Insurance Guide.
Q: I see that my pharmacy now sells a test kit for the A&B flu. Are the influenza strains circulate now? – Kathy, Roseburg
A: Flu A and B are the two strains that circulate each season of flu in humans, with flu has representing approximately 97% of cases in the United States so far this year. Flu B spreads faster and puts more frequently than influenza B and is much more likely to cause a pandemic. There are other influenza strains that do not affect the human population, which you can read here.
Whatever the influenza strain, someone can be tested positive for using home tests, symptoms and recommended treatment are the same. Take care of yourself – Rest, Hydrate, stay at home – and a health care provider can prescribe a course in antiviral drugs Ooseltamivir (AKA Tamiflu). This item Cleveland Clinic sums up flu A and B.
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