Virtual Appointments

A virtual appointment is done through use of texts and photos.

The purpose is to reduce patients' time in the office, help avoid missing extra days of work or school, and add flexibility for those with busy schedules. We are extremely proud to offer virtual appointments and provide you with the same level of  care as office visits, but from the comfort of  home.


Steps for a Virtual Appointment:

1.  Schedule your virtual appointment date.

2.  You will receive an email 4 DAYS prior to your appointment, reminding you to send us photos of your teeth. This reminder will include a link to this website page, with the instructions and sample photos to help guide you.

3.  Take current progress photos of your teeth as shown in our samples below. ** Note - It is very important that your BACK TEETH ARE TOUCHING in the photos!

4.  Text the progress photos to 724-494-2933 along with the patient's name.  

Once you have sent your photos, the doctors will carefully examine your teeth, bite, hygiene, and all other concerns pertaining to your treatment plan.  Everything about the virtual appointment will be included in your personal records just like a regular office visit.

The office will contact you ASAP with the doctors' feedback and instructions from the virtual appointment.

You will also be notified if your next appointment will be virtual or in the office and scheduled accordingly.


Photo Instructions:

It is best to have someone take the photos for you, but if that is not an option, don't worry! The doctor will let you know if any additional photos are needed. 

Make sure your back teeth are touching and take photos just like these 6 below. 

If you do not have lip retractors, follow the photo gallery here: No Lip Retractors

If you do not have lip retractors, follow the photo gallery here: No Lip Retractors

Text photos to 724-494-2933 and remember to include the patient's name along with any questions or concerns you might have.

After texting the photos, you can expect to hear from the doctor within one week of your scheduled appointment date.


VERY IMPORTANT!!    Must Read Statement Below:

When corresponding via texts, emails, photos, and videos, the information being shared is not encrypted. That means a third party may be able to access the information and read it since it is transmitted over the Internet.

HIPAA COMPLIANCE


* HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

* HIPAA was passed by the U.S. government in 1996 in order to establish privacy and security protections for health information

* The personal health information stored on our computers is encrypted but communications via text and email is not.

* Popular email services (ex. Hotmail®, Gmail®, Yahoo®) do not utilize encrypted email nor do cell phone providers.

* Technology provides a convenient way to communicate for most people.  To accommodate this, the federal government included a modification to the HIPAA act.

* The guidelines state that if a patient has been made aware of the risks of unencrypted communication, and that same patient provides consent to receive health information, then a health entity may communicate with that patient and may include personal medical information.

By sending a request for virtual appointment, you are accepting the terms and conditions of utilizing non-encrypted communication to discuss personal health information.

David Spokane and Melissa Karski

Karski & Spokane Orthodontics

David Spokane and Melissa Karski are committed to providing the very best orthodontic and dental care to valued patients throughout the state of Pennsylvania. We are affiliated we several prestigious organizations, including the:

  • American Board of Orthodontics
  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association

You can schedule an appointment at one of our six convenient office locations today by calling (724) 591-5758 or sending us a message. We will get back to you shortly. 

Contact Us Today

"Highly satisfied with my child's ortho procedure. The entire process has been seamless even with the pandemic. The website and patient portal is user friendly, but should you need to call the office for any reason, a staff member always answers in a friendly manner.  The Ambridge office is stunning, it's like waking into a super hero museum.  Everybody's favorite super hero can be found.  Dr. Spokane has a great chair side manner, upbeat and friendly.  My child was nervous at first but his fear quickly went away with the super comfortable atmosphere.  I recommend Dr. Spokane to all my friends and family." Cymone Bronaugh

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