ZOOM+Care

I am visiting Portland and as usual my toddler picked up a bug. She’s had a fever for a few days and I popped in here to make sure everything looked ok. Such an easy experience! No waiting, no hanging out in the lobby sharing germs. A great staff and the most efficient medical experience ever! Thanks!

I’ve been meaning to write a review about this for a long time but haven’t got around to it. I went to Zoom Care because I was about to leave the country and had a cold. I have very small nasal passages and my colds quickly turn into sinus infections. I saw M Zebroski and she gave me a nasal spray and Sudafed. After 1 Sudafed I vowed to never take another ever because I nearly had a heartattack I reacted so badly to it. Not her fault. However, after I was in Asia and my cold kept getting worse and worse. I finally google the nasal spray that I was prescribed and was horrified when it said specifically not to be used for colds but for allergies and is bad for a cold making it worse. I was pissed that I didn’t look it up earlier myself but seriously incompetent care.

While I had a reasonably good experience with Zoomcare initially when I started using them a couple years ago, they have been a nightmare of late– and a visit to Deneen Tomayko at this location was the worst experience yet. The physician wildly misdiagnosed my daughter’s issue, was completely unable to deal with her fear of needles, and as a result sent her unnecessarily to a «Super» Zoomcare facility. There we spent more than $ 300 on top of the $ 200 we had already spent, as well as a couple more hours to get a thankfully better, more compassionate doctor, who could actually diagnose the problem. The desk person at the Mississippi clinic was egregiously unhelpful when I was trying to find out why she needed to go to the Super facility, and told me the doctor had moved on to other patients, and would contact me later, but wouldn’t say when. There is a longer story to tell here, including a complete lack of followup and repeated problems with getting test results sent, but all that is appropriate to say online is that it was the worst health care experience I’ve ever had, and I will never use Zoomcare again.

The worst customer service experience I have ever had at a medical practice. I visited this same location a year ago and it went great. There are all new staff at the front desk and I dealt with one provider and she was extremely disrespectful.
I needed a form completed to verify my companion pet for a new place I will be living. The original letter dated 10/​22/​2014 was issued by this Zoomcare. I visited on 10/​17/​2015 to let them know my new management company would be mailing a form that needs to be completed and returned. I also talked to corporate headquarters. You can’t actually call a branch location of Zoomcare!!! When I visited the front desk person looked up my account and verified my information. Saw the letter and said they would mail the form to corporate if it was received at the Mississippi location. I said okay and left. The form was mailed on ¹⁰¹⁹⁄₂₀₁₅ and required a signature. It was signed for by Naomi at the Mississippi location. As of today 10/​28/​2015 no one at Zoomcare knows where the form is!!!
Oddly this isn’t why I am giving the bad review. The reason is because I returned to the Mississippi location on ¹⁰⁄₂₇ and asked about the form. I was told it wasn’t received that I could schedule an appointment. I was confused. I only needed my medical information relayed to the management company. Then the front desk person left and returned with Ashton. Ashton informed me the previous doctor that examined me and wrote my letter was no longer employed with Zoomcare and informed me she wouldn’t sign off on the letter since she didn’t exam me!!! I would need to schedule an appointment. I said no! I refused. I asked what that had to do with my medical records that show that practice issuing a companion letter and a medical diagnosis. She then said she only had a minute because she needed to go to lunch. I left with no answers. Called Zoomcare headquarters and was told maybe I needed the appointment because its an annual letter!!! Yet a different reason.
I could go on and on but I won’t. They never addressed the inconsistent answers and I’m not sure they will ever locate my letter. They did say they would be unable to complete the form I sent and could only reissue a letter I already had. The management company requires their form be completed so I will move to another provider and get what I need. Never again will I visit a Zoomcare.

I love Zoom care. I made a same day appointment for 8:00 after waking in the middle of the night with abdominal and flank pain. Easy to make an appointment, easy website to navigate. I have been to Zoom care twice and both times had the pleasure of having Laura Gerrity, PA, as my provider. She is excellent. She was efficient and professional both times. Her demeanor was very calm and she did a good job explaining what she felt was wrong with me without using medical jargon that was over my head. I love that I was able to receive the medications that I needed right on the spot. I even received a follow-​up call to see how I was doing. I am a huge fan of Zoom care and a huge fan of Laura!

I came here to see Tina Barber during the free clinic night for a follow-​up. She is so wonderful! I saw her on Sunday at the ZOOM+Care location in Beaverton. We knew that I would probably need a follow up, but I don’t have insurance, so she told me about the free clinic.
When I returned to Tina here on Wednesday night, I found that she had gone above and beyond my expectations and she had written up a full plan of action for my condition after I left on Sunday (since she knew I was coming back in). I’ve known about my condition* for a long time and I’ve researched it in-​depth myself, so to see her come up with a plan that contained all of the better options for treatment that I’ve seen in my research made me feel really confident that we can get it under control. I know that she knows her stuff (or at least cared enough to look it up on her own to make sure I was getting the best care).
*To be clear, my condition is hidradenitis suppurativa, which is a chronic skin condition that is very difficult to treat
I’m so thankful to Tina and the other staff at the ZOOM+Care clinics that I’ve gone to! I couldn’t have asked for better!

Save yourself time and money and see a primary care physician.
I went here 3 weeks ago with a severe cough that had lasted a few weeks and for the $ 140 visit was told I was all clear and it would just take a while longer for the cough to go away — that sometimes bronchitis can last a few weeks.
It only got worse…
I went back again thinking this time I’d get some actual medicine and as hard as it seems to believe I told the exact same thing except that this time these things can take up to 6 weeks to go away but they’d prescribe some cough medicine if I needed it. And they charged another $ 140 for the visit.
Finally got into my care physician at OHSU only two days after to find I have a severe throat and ear infection that they’re now treating me for.

The plus is that you can schedule a same-​day appointment. If you have something generic, like a cold, they *might* be able to help, but don’t go looking for answers to anything complicated.
I went in with abdominal pain, thinking maybe I had a bladder infection. The receptionist started talking about taking a UA while we were still in the waiting room, which embarrassed me because there was a guy in the room who hadn’t introduced himself. Turns out, he was the person diagnosing me. I was never asked my height, weight, allergies, family history, whether or not I smoke, or what medicines I was taking. He never introduced himself, even after I entered the private room, and ended too many sentences with «or whatever». After I tested negative for a UTI, he recommended a vaginal exam in which he’d insert his fingers and feel for abnormalities. I declined, already uncomfortable with his level of professionalism — and then I found out he wasn’t even a doctor — he is a PA. Whether or not PAs are allowed to conduct vaginal exams, this guy didn’t seem qualified, and I ALWAYS want my vaginal exams conducted by a doctor (wouldn’t you?). I told him I’d see an OB/​GYN instead, and so I left (after a $ 140 appt that lasted all of 20 minutes) with a diagnosis of — get this — abdominal pain. They just told me what I already knew.

I had an appointment in November and received good information about a problem I was having. PA did an email followup to see how things were going a week later. Problem was my insurance paid in December, I called in March to see when I would get a refund, called again in May since it still hadn’t showed up. Bad business practice, I’ve never had to chase down a refund. I won’t use again. Curious if this is a policy of don’t refund until client calls for it.

This is my first experience with a ZoomCare. I have insurance and a primary care physician, who was not available. I was getting an infection in my nail bed that I was not able to fix myself, and decided I needed something done quick and easily before my vacation ended and I went back to work.
Logged online and created a ZoomCare account so I could select the appointment I wanted after checking out the prices. Filled out the information regarding illnessg/​injury and insurance and went from there.
Instructions stated to arrive 5 minutes early with photo ID and insurance card. Got it.
Before confirming the appointment, you have to put in credit card information. That put me off a little and made me pause. There’s a terms agreement of some such that you have to read before submitting, so I read that before doing anything else.
I learned that if you’re late, or do not reschedule properly there’s a fee, if I remember correctly. No big deal. Then I understood that they attempt to bill insurance first and then bill your credit card directly at 60 days. I had to think about that, most of my billings seem to take 60+ because my insurance is a pain in the ass. But I needed to go, so okay. Now I know what to expect. I also couldn’t remember where I was on my deductible right at the moment. Family insurance plan.
Arrived a little early and was checked in. The compressed and small nature of the lobby surprised me. I arrived with my boyfriend and then the next appointment behind me arrived with a partner as well. Then all four chairs were taken up in the tiny lobby. That was brief, thankfully.
I saw Margaret Zebroski, PA-​C. She was definitely a breath of fresh air. She was just happy and nice and personable. She gave me some really helpful tips on how to never create this situation with the infection again and then took a look. She was compassionate and understood that it hurt and acknowledged that as she worked. She talked to me specifically about how to take care of it and deposited some nuggets of wisdom about how to correctly use hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Overall, I was very satisfied with the course of care and information that I can use in the future.
Also, she gave me the option of buying the antibiotics at the ZoomCare location or at a third party location with my insurance. She also then told me the difference between the two options. I could pay $ 12 at ZoomCare or go somewhere else. I used ZoomCare.
She escorted me out to the tiny lobby and the other gentleman in the lobby had this legs straight out, making it impossible for me to cross from the hallway to the front of the island with the computer. He seemed unwilling or unable to move them, I’m leaning towards unwilling and just not paying any attention — but I wasn’t going to trapeze over some strange man’s legs.
He was then called back and then I was able to move. Then I got my total. $ 152. $ 140 for injury visit, just like outlined online and $ 12 for the antibiotics. I did have to ask if my deductible was not met, which is why I was being charged up front right away and then I was told that yes, my deductible was still outstanding and by how much. That was useful.
So I sucked it up and paid right there and that was that.
Overall, apart from my distress over spending $ 152, everything was pretty pleasant and I enjoyed the visit.

The ZoomCare on Mississippi is excellent. Going to the doctor is never something you hope for, but when you have to, the staff at ZoomCare is top notch. They are very knowledgeable and personable. To top it off, they doesn’t over charge, have an awesome online portal, and allow for last minute scheduling.

After suffering almost a week of excruciating pain from sciatica and getting no response from my new PCP over at Legacy Emanuel, I decided to try out ZoomCare this morning.
Not only was I able to get a same-​day appt, but the PA on staff (Margaret) was kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. She offered me several options for immediate pain relief, as well as a referral to a spinal specialist and a Rx to keep the muscle spasms at bay. Less than three hours later my pain is very tolerable; I’m able to move without wincing, which is a minor miracle.
I have good insurance, but the prices are reasonable for those who may not.
If you find yourself in need, don’t hesitate to go. I’m so glad I did.

My criticisms here apply to Zoomcare’s billing policies, and are not specific to this clinic in particular.
I’ve visited Zoomcare four times over the past four three months: twice for myself, and twice for my son. We were significantly overcharged two out of four times, resulting in my spending lots of time on the phone with insurance and Zoomcare billing. Both times I got the distinct impression that I would not have been refunded the overpayment had I not pursued it. Having had this happen twice, it does not feel like it was a fluke. I feel the Zoomcare promises that patients will always know their total costs ahead of time, and that this is a more convenient alternative to other medical care are inaccurate.
Further detail:
The first time we were asked to come back 24-​hours after our appointment so the PA could monitor my son’s ear infection. She didn’t want to prescribe him antibiotics unless the infection was getting worse. She assured me we wouldn’t be charged for the follow up visit, and put it in her notes that we wouldn’t be charged. At the follow up, we were charged not only the insurance co-​pay, but then billed for the entire amount (despite having insurance) — an additional $ 90+. It took six rounds of phone tag and one month to resolve this, and I did not receive the full refund for almost 2 months.
The second time, I had already met my annual deductible (at my previous Zoomcare visit) and was charged the full deductible again, despite their being able to see that I had already paid it (to them!). Rather than calling my insurance company themselves to clear up the issue, it was up to me to call my insurance company and then call Zoomcare’s billing office to request the refund. The appointment was one month ago and I’m told I can expect a refund sometime in the next few weeks.
Ultimately, the blessing here is that I am far more motivated to find a great primary care doctor in my new neighborhood than I would be if Zoomcare had been the time– and cost-​effective business model it promised to be.
I think it provides a good service, and I’ve been happy with the quality of medical care, but patients with insurance should be vigilant about billing matters and not expect convenience or clarity around payments or refunds.

«This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private». That’s what it says on these bills I’m holding, yet ZoomCare refuses to accept cash as payment, instead requiring one to have and use a debit /​credit card. Inexcusable.

Regular urgent care is so expensive so a co-​worker mentioned ZoomCare. Being so sick, I could barely talk. I called and spoke to Sadie, whom I am sure is an Angel! She made it simple and easy, booking an appointment for me to be seen within a day!
My appt. was timely, well organized, AFFORDABLE and professional. I have never been treated so well and with the utmost compassion too! not just another body but a human being that needed help!
No to ObamaCare. YES TO ZOOMCARE!

I try to avoid urgent care clinics as a general rule, but ZoomCare definitely saved the day for me today. After missing several days of work with flu-​like symptoms, I decided enough was enough but needed a same-​day appointment to avoid missing more work. I loved being able to schedule online at 6am for an 8:30 appointment, and when I showed up 20 minutes early I was seen immediately.
PA Margaret was awesome! Very personable and seemed to really listen to me. It was quick, to be sure, and I didn’t love seeing «next patient has arrived» show up on the big computer screen, but Margaret’s care felt more thorough, informed, and personal than many doctors I have seen. Office staff was super nice as well. I would definitely come back.

I’m still loving ZoomCare, wanted to comment on the negative reviews: I cannot believe that these were written by people with any experience with any medical care in the US. ZoomCare is not the Berkeley Free Clinic. ZoomCare is not your mother. I’ve seen nothing on their website that claims omniscience.
Yeah, OK, it’s Unilocal,and it’s the internet. But… seriously. Medical care in the US is expensive if you don’t have insurance. Just in case you’ve missed any of the discussion on this topic over the past, oh, forty years or so, not to mention the debate over the Affordable Care Act that kicked off in 2009 and continues to this day.

One of the greatest things about leaving an HMO is the freedom I have to build my own medical toolbox. It’s taking a little trial & error but I’ve reached a place where I have the best tool for nearly every job.
Zoomcare is one of those tools. For me, it works best as a Urgent Care facility, and for those rare occasions I want to run my naturopath’s advice past an allopath.
The convenience and efficiency Zoomcare offers are rare and highly valuable. Take today’s example: Late last night, at another Zoomcare location, my boyfriend was diagnosed with a nasty case of strep. They recommended I be tested too.
No problem, I hopped on the website and made a next day lunch-​time appointment for a Zoomcare near my work. In, tested, negative, out. Grab a coffee, back on the bus, no work missed.
That’s simply not possible with a regular doctor’s office or typical urgent care facility.

My initial impression with ZoomCare was very favorable… clean, modern efficiency. I was sick & needed to see someone right away, so making my own appointment online was great. When I went in, however, I was struck by the fact that everyone there was very young & it appeared that it was staffed by physician assistants only. I was given my allotted 15 minute appointment and prescribed medication. When I developed alarming & debilitating symptoms a few days later, I contacted this clinic, made another appointment (at the downtown clinic due to logistics), and spoke at length to yet another PA on the phone. No one could tell me what was going on. It seemed everyone was operating from the same playbook… if it’s not problem A, it must be problem B & if not that, well, who knows?
It took my own research and a highly competent pharmacist to discover the FDA had issued a warning earlier this year that the medication they had prescribed could cause my exact side effects, side effects that could actually result in death due to heart arrhythmia. Not one person there caught it. Once I knew what was going on, I called ZoomCare and asked for an actual MD to call me back and advise me. I never received a call back from an MD, leading me to believe no actual doctors work there. In the same way I wouldn’t trust my divorce to a paralegal or my taxes to a file clerk, I would never trust my health to these gen-​Y paraprofessionals again. Medicine is serious business & I feel lucky I survived my ZoomCare experience!

I liked that I could make an appointment and be seen almost immediately. The staff was super friendly, and my PA Amy Celichowsky was very knowledgeable.
I didn’t like that they do not take cash, and did not make that clear on the website. Also, the whole ZoomCare model is sorta transactional; by which I mean it seems more like a shop than a clinic. I can see why this would be great for people who don’t like to go to the doctor, but unless you are in a hurry or can’t see your primary care practitioner for some reason I would recommend treating zoomcare like an Urgent Care office.