Telemedicine or In Person in Auburn: Choosing the Visit That Suits You

Relief Clinic gives Maine patients two ways to get certified: by telemedicine from wherever you are, or in person at the Auburn office. Neither is the better one in every case. They suit different people on different days. This post lays out what each involves so you can choose without second-guessing.

The in-person visit in Auburn

The Auburn office is at 216 Center Street, Auburn, ME 04210. The clinic describes the visit simply: you will see and consult a Relief Clinic provider directly. Office hours for in-person visits are Wednesdays from 12:00pm - 3:30pm and Fridays from 10:00am - 2:30pm.

The in-person visit costs $39.99, which is the lower of the two Maine prices. You bring your Maine driver's license or State ID, which Maine requires the provider to see. Medical records are not required in Maine.

Who it tends to suit:

• People who like talking face to face and asking questions across a table.
• People who are not comfortable with video calls or do not have a reliable phone or signal.
• People who live near Auburn and can fit a Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning into their week.
• Anyone who wants the plainest possible lower price, at $39.99.

The telemedicine visit

Telemedicine happens on your phone or computer. The clinic says it runs best on an iPhone or Android phone, though computers and tablets work too. Visits are available seven days a week, 10:00am - 8:00pm, so the window is much wider than the in-person schedule. The visit costs $43.99, and the clinic says electronic copies are uploaded the same day.

You still show your Maine driver's license or State ID, and you still do not need medical records. Telemedicine visits are not recorded, according to the clinic's consent information.

Who it tends to suit:

• People who work on Wednesday and Friday and cannot get to Auburn in those hours.
• People who live far from Auburn, because the clinic serves Maine statewide by telemedicine.
• People who would rather be at home, with a cup of tea and a quiet room.
• Anyone who wants an evening or weekend slot.

A side-by-side look

• Price: $39.99 in person, $43.99 by telemedicine.
• When: Wednesdays 12:00pm - 3:30pm and Fridays 10:00am - 2:30pm in person; every day 10:00am - 8:00pm by telemedicine.
• Where: 216 Center Street in Auburn, or wherever you have a quiet spot and a signal.
• Bring: Maine driver's license or State ID either way. No medical records in Maine.
• Extra step for mental health patients: the HIPAA form and the PCL-5, either way.

What stays the same

The route you pick changes how you meet the provider, not what the clinic cares about. In both cases the clinic describes in-depth consultations focused on understanding you. In both cases you are free to use any dispensary, because the clinic and its providers have no financial interest in the one you choose. And in both cases, you start by texting (207) 241-2815.

Payment works the same too. The clinic accepts cash and all major credit cards.

Questions to ask yourself

• Which days and times can I actually keep free?
• Am I relaxed on a video call, or do I think better in a room with someone?
• How far is it from my home to Auburn, and what does that cost me in time and gas?
• Do I have a quiet place to talk at home without interruptions?
• Is the $4 price difference important to me, or is convenience?

Answer those honestly and most people know which way to go within a minute.

If you still cannot decide

Relief Clinic offers free consultations. The clinic words it this way: if you are confused about which process you should go with, it can help. There is no penalty for asking, and you do not have to commit to anything by texting.

A note on hours: the in-person office is open two days a week, so confirm the current hours when you text before making the drive. A quick message costs you nothing and can save a wasted trip.

Can you switch next time?

Nothing about your first choice locks you in. You might do your first visit in person to meet the team, then renew by telemedicine when life gets busy. Or you might start from home and decide later that you would rather sit down in the Auburn office. The clinic offers both for new certifications and for recertification, so you can pick whichever fits the season you are in.

Patients often describe the experience as quick and friendly either way. Jessica Bourgoin wrote that the staff were so nice and that the clinic made the process easy and affordable, which is the tone to expect whichever door you walk through.

Whatever you choose, the first step is the same. Text Relief Clinic at (207) 241-2815 and say which visit you prefer, or ask them to help you decide.