When to Choose Virtual Care and How to Prepare
Non-emergency care made easy and convenient
Non-emergency care made easy and convenient
Key Takeaways
- Virtual care is best for non-emergency medical needs.
- Telehealth treats minor illnesses like colds, UTIs and headaches.
- Prepare by testing your tech, gathering health info and verifying insurance.
Virtual care visits are more common than ever, offering a convenient way to connect with your health care provider from home.
If you’re new to virtual care, you may have questions about when to use it and how to prepare for a video visit.
Also known as telehealth and telemedicine, virtual care allows patients to receive medical advice, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions and follow-up care remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer — without traveling to a clinic.
“Telehealth has expanded how patients can receive optimal care,” says David Wetherhold, MD, Scripps chief medical information officer for ambulatory care. “Providers see a patient in real time, face-to-face, so we can read visual cues and ask the appropriate questions.”
When to choose virtual care vs in-person care
Virtual care is intended for non-emergency medical needs. This includes illnesses that doctors can diagnose based on what the patient tells or shows them.
“Telemedicine can treat a whole range of issues,” says Dr. Wetherhold. “It’s a positive option for keeping you and your family healthy — safely and conveniently.”
Common conditions treated through virtual care
Virtual visits may be appropriate for:
- Urinary symptoms
- Cold/flu, cough or sore throat
- Diarrhea or mild stomach issues
- Headaches or migraines
- Joint pain or muscle pain
- Medication follow-ups and test result discussions
Your provider will decide if virtual care is right for your situation.
Scripps virtual care options
Scripps offers multiple virtual care services, all accessible through MyScripps patient portal:
Video visits
Video Visits let you connect with a Scripps primary or specialty care provider from home, using your smartphone, table or computer.
On-demand video visits
For same-day care, log in to your MyScripps account and choose HealthExpress or primary care to connect with the next available provider. No appointment is needed.
Scheduled Video Visits
Schedule a video visit in advance through MyScripps, by calling your doctor’s office or by visiting scripps.org.
E-Visits
E-Visits allow you to complete an online health questionnaire for certain minor conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or a cold. Your symptoms determine if an E-visit is right for your situation.
Symptom checker
Symptom Checker is a free 24/7 digital tool that helps patients decide the level of care they need. This may include self-care, a video visit or an in-person visit.
Virtual care for chronic and specialty conditions
Scripps specialty care providers also use virtual care to:
- Help manage chronic conditions, such as hypertension and high cholesterol
- Order tests, review test results, adjust medications
- Provide follow-up care for new patients referred to specialty care
When virtual care is not appropriate
If you are severely ill or injured, seek immediate medical care.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for:
- Signs of stroke or heart attack
- Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Muscle and joint injuries
How do video visits work?
Patients and health care providers typically conduct virtual appointments via video calls, which allows them to interact in real time using both video and audio.
A provider can use a video visit to observe various aspects of a patient’s physical appearance and behavior, including their facial appearance, the way they walk, their breathing rate and their speech clarity.
Your doctor may ask you to move your joints. They may also check for pain in certain spots. In addition, they may adjust the camera to see your eyes, throat or skin rashes. If needed, your doctor can send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.
How to prepare for a virtual visit
Get the most out of your video visit with advance preparation. Follow these five tips:
1. Check your technology
You will need a device with a camera and microphone. Test your video and audio before the virtual visit.
Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in during the visit. Secure a strong, stable internet connection. A weak connection can cause miscommunication.
2. Choose a private, well-lit space
Find a quiet, private location with good lighting to ensure privacy and avoid interruptions.
Position yourself so that the light is coming from in front of you, not behind you. This will help your provider see you clearly.
3. Make a list of questions
Make a list of questions for your virtual visit, just like you would for a physical visit.
4. Have your health information ready
Be ready to share this with your health care provider, including current medications, symptoms and when they started and relevant medical history.
5. Check your insurance coverage
Some insurance companies may have different policies for telehealth appointments, so verify your coverage before the visit.