New Online Self-Scheduling for Primary Care Appointments

Date: 09/29/2022

On September 21, 2022, all Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital Primary Care practices introduced patient self-scheduling, a new appointment scheduling option that has been rolling out statewide since June when the self-scheduling option went live for screening mammograms.

“Online scheduling makes it easier for our busy patients and families who want to look at the calendar and plan for their appointments when it’s most convenient for them,” said Stacy Hubel, director of primary care practice for Sebasticook Valley Hospital. “Calling for an appointment isn’t always convenient for people, so we’re pleased to be offering this new online process.” The Hospital’s Northern Light Primary Care practices are located in Pittsfield, Newport, and Clinton.

Community members are still encouraged to call any practice to make an appointment if they prefer, not all appointment types can be scheduled online. Currently, primary care and pediatrics self-scheduling options include: new patient, sick/urgent care for established patients, annual wellness/Medicare Wellness, and nurse visits (including blood pressure checks and vaccinations).

The new scheduling tool can be found in the MyNorthernLightHealth patient portal or at NorthernLightHealth.org using the Schedule Now buttons on the home page. Mammogram schedules can also be found at NorthernLightHealth.org/ScheduleAMammogram – patients do not need a provider’s order to schedule a screening mammogram.

Online scheduling is one of many new online tools added to Northern Light Health’s offerings in 2022. A new, virtual walk-in care service, paperless registration and appointment check-in, patient education, and care management tools having come online throughout the summer and will continue into fall. Hospital leaders say patients and community members have been asking for more ways to access care, stay connected with their providers, and keep their health on track. Online scheduling is the next step to improving the patient experience and increasing access to care.