Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southwest Medical Group work?

Southwest Medical Group brings patients closer to their healthcare providers by providing a secure network of communication across multiple methods of health services. We have provided a step by step explanation of our services located on the How to Use page of this Web site.

How do you keep my personal health information safe?

Southwest Medical Group has developed a state-of-the art internal network with safety and security first priority. Your information is protected by 128 bit strong encryption and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. Our network operation center is located in biometric secured, disaster proof data centers strategically located in areas of the country not prone to natural disasters. Patient data is backed up across an array of redundant network servers that are connected directly to the Internet backbone through carrier-level or above redundant connections. We guarantee 100% uptime and accessibility to all entities involved in your healthcare.

Does Southwest Medical Group accept health insurance payments?

Southwest Medical Group does not accept health insurance for services provided through our network. Patients are required to pay for their services by credit card or money order at the time service is rendered.

How much does it cost to join Southwest Medical Group?

Southwest Medical Group is free to join. You will only be billed for services you request. Network healthcare providers set the price for their services and you will be notified of these fees and any other charges prior to scheduling a consultation with one of these providers. Southwest Medical Group provides a secure payment and billing solution for many of the healthcare providers in our network.

I have not been examined for my current medical complaint. Can I still use Southwest Medical Group network of healthcare providers?

Southwest Medical Group is for patients with non-urgent medical complaints. If you present a medical condition that has not been previously evaluated by a medical professional you will be required to schedule an in-person physical examination in order to establish a bona-fide physician-patient relationship as required by current regulations. Once an in-person examination has been completed many patients may be eligible for secure email or telephonic follow-up consultations.

How often must I consult with my Southwest Medical Group network physician or healthcare provider?

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 states federal law now requires that you must have an in-person medical evaluation with your prescribing/treating physician. There are no exceptions to this rule. All patients who choose to use Southwest Medical Group will be required to comply with this new law prior to January 1st, 2009. This federal law goes into effect March 1, 2009, however it is Southwest Medical Group's policy to comply with this new law 90 days prior to it's effective date.

Current regulations require you be seen by your prescribing physician annually or as necessary to treat you within the normal course of practice. All treatment plans are determined by your healthcare provider. Your network provider will notify Southwest Medical Group when it is necessary for you to schedule additional office or telephone visits.

Can other members of my family use my Southwest Medical Group account?

Southwest Medical Group requires each patient to have their own account. Because your account is tied to your personal health record, each member of your family will need to create a separate account and complete their own personal health record before a consultation may be scheduled.

I would like to tell my primary care physician about Southwest Medical Group. Can I use this service with him or her?

Yes. If you cannot locate your primary care provider (PCP) within our network we encourage to invite them to join our network. Please use the link located on your patient home page to send your physician an invitation to join Southwest Medical Group’s secure healthcare network.

How do I add my medical history to my personal health record?

Once you have complete your patient registration you will be asked to complete your personal health record using HealthRecordExpress™. This online tool developed by Southwest Medical Group allows all entities involved in your healthcare access to instant and actionable patient heath information. To begin simply start the HealthRecordExpress™ Wizard located on your patient home page. Upon completion, you will be able to upload documents to your personal health record from your Internet Web browser. You may also fax or mail Southwest Medical Group your medical files and we will quickly add them to your personal health record.

How do I control who has access to my personal health record?

Once you have completed your personal health record you may control and monitor who has access to your records. By default, your physician, any labs you select and any pharmacies you select are allowed to view your personal health record. At any time you may elect to change or restrict access to your PHR, however it is recommended that you allow all healthcare providers access to your records. If you disable any provider they may choose not to provide services until access to your PHR has been restored.