New Patient Information
Basic New Patient Information
Our assistant will return calls within several business days. Email her at staff@opas.us, which will expedite her response. The following information might be helpful before you contact us. You might also email staff@opas.us with your questions.
Dr. Rotchford is available for both in-office and telemedicine consultations.
New patient consultations begin at $160.
New patient consultations are being scheduled, with priority given to those with formal consultation requests. If you have Washington State insurance or a subsidized plan as your primary insurance, such as Medicaid or L&I, we are unable to see you because we do not have agreements in place. Only standard Medicare works because the Advantage plans are also state-sanctioned and are unduly incentivized to limit and delay indicated care. We have no agreements with any Medicare Advantage plans. We bill other commercial insurers, but patients will be responsible for paying us for the services provided, and their accounts will be credited if and when a third party might reimburse a patient or us.
The one-time-charge consultation, whether in person or online with a letter of consultation sent to one’s primary care provider (PCP), is as low as $250.00. For the standard 60-75 minute consultation, the fee is $390.
Given our current regulatory environment and Dr. Rotchford’s intentions to retire in 2028 or before, he has informed current patients that he will not be prescribing Schedule II opioids as of December 2026. Consequently, he will not be prescribing these opioids aside from acute issues. He plans, however, to continue until his retirement to prescribe Schedule III opioids such as tramadol or buprenorphine when indicated.
Regarding Your First Visit
After Dr. Rotchford listens to your medical history, provides a pertinent physical exam, and reviews your records, he will advise you of suitable options. We expect new patients to feel well-listened to. Our initial therapeutic plans are intended to be practical and workable. For your first visit, expect to be at the office for at least an hour. While Dr. Rotchford makes exceptions, please do not expect to have prescriptions for controlled substances filled during your first consultation.
After Hours Care
Dr. Rotchford is available by phone, generally within 24 hours, for established patients encountering concerns regarding their treatment plan. Please call the office number (360) 385-4843 for instructions on contacting our physician after hours. If it is an acute or new medical issue, please call your PCP first. Dr. Rotchford is primarily available to address concerns about his prescriptions and the associated chronic conditions.
Some Potentially Helpful Forms & Handouts — For New and some established patients:
Release of Healthcare Information (useful for records to be sent from one provider to another)
Memo Regarding patients who seek specialized medical care for chronic pain and SUDS
This is for patients who want ongoing care by Dr. Rotchford for Chronic pain issues or substance use disorders. It is particularly pertinent for patients who might benefit from controlled substance prescriptions.
Memo about Washington State plans and Medicare Advantage Plans
This memo is directed to potential patients with state-administered insurance, including Medicaid, Apple Health, Basic Health, L&I, etc.
As a courtesy we have medical billers who bill third parties. Medicare has us bill them directly. For patients other than Medicare we expect down payments at time of service. Balances remain the responsibility of patients and after 60 days all balances are transferred to the patient. Prompt pay discounts are limited to 60 days. Out of network coverage for our services is often available but needs to be pre-arranged. We do not have agreements with any Washington State sponsored programs including Medicaid and L&I.