Connect with real people
Learn how technology can support your health.
Get Connected, Stay Healthy
Use this website
Scroll down for tips on managing your health care online or by phone. Come back to this page anytime you need it!
Call us
Call 866-757-1832 (TTY: 711) to talk to a real person. One-on-one coaching available
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
What can Link to Care WA do for you?
Provide a low-cost phone, and walk you through learning to use it
Connect you to discounted internet
Help you feel confident using online resources to stay healthy
Set you up to visit your doctor by phone or video call
Phone
Smartphones give you the option to contact providers by voice or video call, plus lots more.
How do I get a phone?
Many people qualify for a low-cost phone. A federal program called Lifeline provides phones, data, and minutes to households that qualify.
Already have Lifeline? You can sign up for discounted internet service.
Is my phone "smart"?
We call phones “smart” based on what they can do. Here are some ways to tell different kinds of phones apart.
A SMARTPHONE:
- Large screen that reacts to touch
- Few (or no) buttons
- Voice and video calls, text messages
- Can browse the internet and run programs (apps) like a computer can
A CELLPHONE:
Physical buttons
Voice calls and text messages
May have programs (apps) that don’t use the internet, like games and a contact list
A LANDLINE PHONE:
- Sits on a base
- Needs to be plugged in
- Voice calls only
Internet
You can use the internet to do things like refill prescriptions or have a video call with your doctor.
I need reliable internet access.
New federal programs may help you get a discount on your internet service.
Get support from hotline staff at 866-757-1832 (TTY:711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website to search and apply for discount offers available near you
Access health care
You can take charge of your health care right from your phone.
How can I manage my care online?
Most clinics have a secure website (patient portals) where you can view your health information and do things like:
- Refill prescriptions
- Message your care team
- Track appointments
- View your records
Many doctors also offer appointments by phone or video. These visits may also be called “virtual” or “telehealth.”
This type of care is not appropriate for emergencies, but it is commonly used for topics like:
- Test results
- Medications
- Counseling
- Colds or stomach aches
Ask your clinic if a phone or video appointment is right for your health needs.
To get started, you’ll need:
- Email address
- Internet connection
- Website provided by your clinic
Get support from hotline staff at 866-757-1832 (TTY:711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
Getting ready for your phone or video appointment
Follow this checklist to make sure your virtual (telehealth) doctor visit is easy and stress-free.
Phone, tablet, or computer with a microphone (and a camera for video calls). Don’t forget to charge or plug in.
Internet or phone service. You’ll need a reliable connection.
A quiet, private place. Or somewhere you feel comfortable discussing your health.
Pen and paper. For taking notes!
Access to your clinic’s secure system. This could be a phone call, an app you already use to talk to friends and family, or a new app. Ask your clinic for details.
And here’s what to expect on the day of your visit:
- Log on or sign in a few minutes early. Contact your clinic if you have trouble.
- You’ll talk with a provider. Just like an in-person visit. They’ll give their recommendations and let you know what to do next.
- Technical problems may happen—it’s okay. Let your provider know if you can’t see or hear them.
Get support from hotline staff at 866-757-1832 (TTY:711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
More resources
Looking for something else? Click Find Resources below for additional recommended resources about virtual care, getting an email address, and more.
Who we are
Powered by
Link to Care WA is powered by the Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW) –an affiliation of 21 community health centers across Washington that operate more than 140 clinics. CHNW’s goal is to get more people connected to health care by providing them with the tools and support they need to access and manage care online and by phone.
Do you need a no- or low-cost health plan? We can help with that, too!
CHNW also owns Community Health Plan of Washington, a health plan that offers affordable individual and family health insurance for people in Washington State.
Give us a call so we can see if you qualify for free health coverage: 1-866-907-1904 (TTY:711), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
With grant funding from
Hotline
1-866-757-1832
(TTY Relay: Dial 711)
HOURS
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
Last Update Date: April 18, 2022
Link to Care WA is powered by the Community Health Network of Washington (CHNW) – an affiliation of 21 community health centers that operate more than 140 clinics across Washington. CHNW’s goal is to get more people connected to health care by providing the tools and support they need to access and manage care online and by phone.
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