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

Digital Help: Resource Library 

Learn more and get the digital and/or tech help you need to connect and thrive. From applying for a free smartphone to learning how to do a video appointment with your doctor, you’ll find it by clicking Digital Help Resources below.  

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.

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.

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.

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 coverage1-866-907-1904 (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-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.

Copyright ©2024 - Link to Care WA & Community Health Network of Washington