Office Hours

We have a 72 hour refill policy. Please call your pharmacy when you need a refill and they will send us a refill request.

Helpful COVID-19 Links

Prior to May 1, 2020, call:
Evans Medical Consultants 360.588.8457

After May 1, 2020, call:
The Everett Clinic 425.258.3900

Island Internal Medicine

Phone: 360.293.4343 | Fax: 360.588.1587

Physical & Mailing Address:

912 32nd Street, Suite A
Anacortes, WA 98221

La Conner Medical Center
Phone: 360.466.3136 | Fax: 360.466.0107

Physical Address:

528 Myrtle Street, La Conner, WA 98257

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1620, La Conner, WA 98257

Virtual Care Options

See a Doctor from the comfort of home.

Contact Us

Healow App: iPhones

Island Internal Medicine &
La Conner Medical Group join
The Everett Clinic, part of Optum®

Access Patient Portal

Medication Refills

*How It Works: Telemedicine*

Learn More

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Billing Questions?

Learn More about our
exciting new program for

Chronic Care Management Program

Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

Appointments: 8:00am - 4:40pm

Some providers may offer early appointments once a week

Phones Closed for Lunch:
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

We're closed some holidays, you can find that list of observed holidays here.

What to do is you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease. (PDF)

What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (PDF)

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)

Medicare & COVID-19(PDF)

Reporter Nicole Ellis speaks with a mental health expert about ways to cope with anxiety, stress, and adjusting to how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing our everyday lives.
(Click Here)

To Our Dear Island Internal Medicine and La Conner Medical Center Patients, Your Families, and Friends,

We have been amazed at the incredible response by our patients and the community in limiting the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 virus. We have seen a flattening of the curve locally and in Washington state as a whole while other parts of the country are seeing increases. Keep up the great work, but realize that our work is not over yet! We recommend continuing and doubling down on your current measures to stay at home and maintain physical distancing to limit the spread of this deadly virus. Some of us have just been lucky not to catch it, as we all know how hard it is to be very strict with the necessary precautions. We know this will go on for at least several more weeks. Through this remember that we are here for you. Our clinics have continued to provide care to you and our community through TeleMedicine (“TeleVisits”) using your smartphone or computer, with select office visits offered for issues that require an in-person evaluation. We have had to make these changes for your safety given the infectiousness of this virus. We hope to answer some of your most common questions below:

FAQ:

Why should I continue with routine visits when there is a pandemic going on?

We at Island Internal Medicine know that all the other medical problems have not gone away with the arrival of COVID-19. Many patients are putting off managing chronic medical conditions or are putting off new problems out of concern of over-burdening their healthcare providers. We assure you that we are ready for you and have plenty of capacity to handle your needs. We are fully capable to meet your needs without coming in to the office through a TeleMedicine visit. If you have any problems accessing us with this method we can help you. One way or the other we will take care of whatever problems you have! We also emphasize the need to prevent problems from coming up with routine preventative care visits. Many preventable problems will come up in our patients while the COVID-19 crisis continues if we don't continue routine care. We want to keep you healthy at home and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and problems that could put you at further risk of exposure.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

In general avoiding contact with others prevents infections. If you do have symptoms, then isolation at home is advised for at least 7 days following symptom onset OR until 72 hours after fever is gone and symptoms get better, whichever is longer. If you do not have symptoms but were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should quarantine by staying at home, avoiding public places, and monitor your health for 14 days following the last day you were exposed to the ill person. If you do develop symptoms, they are usually mild symptoms in which case you should stay home and away from other people. If you develop symptoms that cannot be managed at home or you are at high-risk for complications (age 60 years or over, are pregnant or have other medical conditions), call us and we can advise you. Isolation and quarantine are the same things in practice, and just refer to whether you already have the infection or not. We do not want any of you to become infected, and you don't have to be. If you already have become infected you don't have to spread it to the community and those you love.

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus?

Symptoms include fever, cough, low energy, and shortness of breath. Loss of smell, nausea, and vomiting also can occur in many. These overlap with typical cold and flu symptoms. You should stay at home during recovery unless you are experiencing more severe symptoms. Rest, fluids, and Tylenol are the first-line recommended treatment. Call if you have symptoms and we can arrange a TeleVisit to evaluate your risk.

Can I be tested for the Coronavirus?

Testing is limited and needs to be reserved for those at the highest risk. Over-testing can also distract health care providers from taking care of the most ill patients, and waste essential personal protective equipment that will be needed later.

How can I protect myself?

The virus enters your body through your nose or mouth after touching contaminated surfaces, then touching your face, or from airborne droplets from someone coughing or sneezing within 6 feet of you. It’s that simple - it gets in through your mouth and nose, or even innocently rubbing your eyes with your hands. People who are infected but have not yet developed symptoms can also spread the virus, so you can get it from someone who feels perfectly well today. But it has to enter your body, and that is where you are in control: Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Why should I self-isolate if I feel fine?

Many people are carriers without knowing or showing symptoms. Avoiding physical contact with others will help slow the spread and prevent a sudden increase in cases needing medical attention at the same time. This will keep the hospital from being too busy if you need or loved ones who need to go there. This may be hard to do, so...

Set boundaries! Don't go to parties, gatherings, or meetings, don't roam stores, and don't invite people to your home. There are services that can shop for you and deliver to your home - use them (you may be supporting people who have been laid off due to the crisis) - or call ahead with your order and use a curbside pickup. It is OK to say no to all social gatherings - no one should take offense at this point - it is not personal. It is just what we have to do to keep from getting or spreading the virus. It is the new normal for at least the next few months. And although we may do just fine with an infection, those to whom we pass the illness may not.

What can I do at home?

It's time to work that list of things you’ve put off - learn a musical instrument, plant that garden, write that book, build that craft project! What have you put off because you were too busy doing other things?! Sit down now and make a list, hang it on your fridge, and let it percolate. You’ll come out richer and more fulfilled if you put your mind to it.

How else can I help?

If you have non-latex gloves, masks, or other medical equipment at home, please consider donating to Island Hospital. See their website for a complete list. Consider donating blood if you are healthy. Consider donating financially to Island Hospital crisis relief services if you are able.

What about my regular appointments?

Schedule a TeleVisit! Click the link to learn more. You need to continue to take care of your health to keep you from having other medical problems come up. Call our office and our team of staff will patiently walk you through each step until you see your provider’s smiling face. One way or the other, we can stay in touch to meet your needs!

We will get through this - together.

Yours truly,

Dr. Charles Kotal

Dr. Helen Young

Dr. Kelly Reed

Dr. Bryan Murray

Caitlin Desch, PA-C

Heather Gutierrez, PA-C