Post-COVID-19 pandemic, virtual primary care or telemedicine has become an integral part of healthcare services. This form of healthcare is cheaper and quicker. However, since it has gained popularity, waiting times are also increasing.
This is where virtual urgent care comes into play. The ideal solution for instant virtual checkups for non-life-threatening conditions.
If you’re unsure about it and need more information, we’ll go over how it works, its benefits, and when to seek an online urgent care appointment.
What Exactly is Virtual Urgent Care?
As the name suggests, virtual urgent care refers to medical services delivered via a video or phone call without any wait time.
It is designed to address emergency yet non-life-threatening medical conditions.
Who is Virtual Urgent Care For?
This form of virtual care is ideal for individuals who are unable to visit a clinic or urgent care center due to timing or mobility issues.
How Does Virtual Urgent Care Work?
If you’ve ever consulted a doctor virtually, this works in a similar manner; however, the only difference is that you do not need to wait or book an appointment within specific timeslots.
- Schedule an Appointment: Much like any doctor consultation, you need to schedule an urgent care appointment online. Most providers offer 24-hour virtual urgent care, so pick a timeslot that works for you.
- Describe Your Symptoms: Most healthcare providers ask you to fill out a form describing your symptoms and condition before consulting a physician. This helps the provider understand your condition better and assign a relevant doctor to you.
- Consultation: After you describe your symptoms, depending on the urgent care provider, you’ll be directed to a portal or receive a link for a video call. Here, you’ll be able to talk to a licensed doctor or nurse. This step is similar to a traditional check-up but just online.
| NOTE: At this stage, you’ll get a treatment plan or prescription depending on your condition. |
. Follow-up Care: Some virtual urgent care providers also offer follow-up appointments to check on your recovery. It can also be an email with a fill-out form or a phone call.
Benefits of Virtual Urgent Care
The following are the benefits of why virtual urgent care is so popular:
- Convenience: This is perhaps one of the most significant advantages of virtual healthcare. It eliminates the need for patients to drive to a clinic, especially for patients with mobility issues.
- 24-Hour Availability: A majority of healthcare providers offer 24-hour virtual care, adding to its convenience and accessibility. With that said, you do need to pay a little extra for this novelty.
- Cost-effective: Despite virtual urgent care being more expensive than regular virtual primary care, it is still significantly cheaper than in-person visits.
- Access to Providers: Thanks to this service being exclusively online, you can connect with a physician sitting even three states away from you. This feature is particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or for the ones who don’t have easy access to urgent care centers.
When to Use Virtual Urgent Care
While you can use virtual urgent care for a wide range of conditions, it is always a good idea to be aware of what conditions are addressed by such services.
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Allergies
- Minor cuts, burns, or rashes
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin conditions
- Prescription refills
- Sports injuries
| NOTE: If you have sustained a serious injury or are experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, the best approach is to call an ambulance (911) or visit your nearest ER facility. |
What Isn’t Covered in Virtual Urgent Care
Any condition that requires immediate medical intervention or the presence of a practitioner isn’t covered in virtual urgent care. For example:
- Physical Examination: Certain physical exams like reflex tests or treating a wound require patients to visit a clinic or hospital.
- Diagnostic Tests: Tests that require a laboratory like X-ray or blood work, cannot be performed over a virtual consultation.
- Serious Condition: If one is involved in an accident or sustained a serious injury, calling 911 is the best plan of action.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you need quick advice for a rash or need a consultation without waiting for a physician, virtual urgent care is a great option that combines medical expertise with convenience.