Get Care Now

COVID-19 update

Our virtual care options have been recently updated by our medical team to include COVID-19 screening. Learn more about getting care during the pandemic.

Virtual care

Connect online with a Scripps provider. Our telemedicine options are easy ways to get the care you need for new symptoms, prescription refills and more.

In-person care

Sometimes, a health problem needs to be seen in person. With extra precautions in place, our clinics, urgent care and emergency rooms are safe and open when you need us.

Tutorial

Your Scripps doctor is available online. This video tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for having a Scripps Video Visit for Primary and Specialty Care.

FAQs

If you’re new to virtual care, you’ll find our services easy to use in MyScripps, our secure patient portal. In case you have common questions, you can find answers below.

MyScripps app

Waiting for lab results? Need to schedule an appointment? Want to use virtual care? Download the MyScripps app, available now with expanded services.

Looking for online care? Try one of these virtual options.

Symptom Checker | Free

Assess your symptoms for free and find out where to go for Scripps care. Learn how Symptom Checker works and how to get started.

E-Visit | Up to $30*

Submit a brief questionnaire for diagnosis and treatment from Scripps in 30 minutes. Learn how E-Visit works and how to get started.

Video Visit | Up to $69*

Talk with a Scripps provider over video now, or schedule a visit for another time. Learn how Video Visit works and how to get started.

* Prices for most people, depending on insurance. Log in to MyScripps to see your price.

Prefer to see us in person? Here’s how to find us.

Walk-in clinics

Consider HealthExpress for minor illnesses and injuries. Find a location near you and join the waitlist.

Primary care

Choose an office visit or Video Visit with a provider. Discover the difference of Scripps primary care.

Urgent care

Go to urgent care for serious health needs that can’t wait. Find hours and directions for Scripps urgent care.

Emergency room

For life-threatening concerns, go immediately to the nearest ER or call 9-1-1.

FAQs about Scripps virtual care

If you’re new to virtual care (also called telemedicine), you’ll find our services easy to use in MyScripps, our secure and private patient portal. See below for answers to common questions.

General virtual care questions

What type of Scripps virtual care should I use?

Scripps offers three ways to Get Care Now virtually to meet your needs and preferences:

Scripps Symptom Checker is available 24/7 to help you assess your symptoms. Based on the symptoms you report, it may suggest self-care, an E-Visit, a Video Visit, an in-person visit at Scripps HealthExpress walk-in clinic, an in-person visit with your physician, a trip to urgent care, a trip to your nearest emergency room or 9-1-1. Always call 9-1-1 for life-threatening concerns.
Scripps E-Visit is an online health questionnaire. You answer some questions about your symptoms and how you’re feeling. You can also attach photos to show things like eye redness or other problems. Then, a Scripps nurse practitioner or physician assistant reviews your information and sends back a diagnosis and care plan, usually within 30 minutes. If needed, a prescription will be sent to your pharmacy.
Scripps Video Visit lets you talk with a provider in real time, face-to-face. Video Visits can be used for minor illness and injury with HealthExpress, and you can request a Video Visit with your primary care doctor or specialist for more routine appointments.

Can anyone use virtual care with Scripps providers?

To use Scripps virtual care services, you must be:

At least 5 years old
Enrolled in the MyScripps health portal (sign up now)
Located in California at the time of your Video Visit (due to legal requirements)

Can I use a video visit to see a new primary care doctor or specialist?

Yes, California law allows doctors to see a new patient over video. The doctor’s office will decide whether it’s best for you to come in for your first office visit, or if your care can be delivered by a Video Visit. Call the doctor’s office to ask about a new patient Video Visit.

How much do virtual visits cost?

E-Visits cost up to $30, depending on your insurance
Video Visits for HealthExpress cost up to $49, depending on your insurance
Video Visits with a primary care doctor or specialist cost up to $69, depending on your insurance
Symptom Checker is free

You can pay with a credit or debit card. As you initiate your visit, your card will be authorized. Your payment is not processed until your visit is complete.

If your E-Visit cannot be completed for any reason, you will not be charged.

What happens if my doctor decides I need to be seen in person?

Sometimes, your doctor or provider may decide that your health problem needs to be seen in person for a thorough examination and treatment. If that happens, your doctor will give you clear instructions on when to come into the office, or where else to go to be seen in person.

Can I use virtual care while I’m traveling?

You can use Symptom Checker anytime, anywhere. You can also request an E-Visit while you’re traveling.

Due to legal requirements, a Video Visit with a Scripps provider is available only while you’re physically located in California.

Do I need MyScripps to use Scripps virtual care?

Yes, all of our virtual care offerings require you to log in to your MyScripps account.

How do I register for MyScripps?

You must have a MyScripps account to use any of our virtual care options. If you’re not enrolled, sign up for MyScripps now. Through this online signup, we will verify your identity using the information you provide. Once verified, you will be able to create your MyScripps account. Providing as much information as possible will help us process your request more quickly.

Also, patients age 12 and above will be able to sign up for a MyScripps account during their clinic visit, or be issued a MyScripps activation code at the end of their clinic visit. This code will enable you to log in and create your own username and password. Create a MyScripps account using an activation code.

If you have any questions, please contact the MyScripps support line at 888-668-8338.

Scheduling questions

When are online visits available?

Symptom Checker is available online 24/7.

For E-Visits, Scripps providers participate seven days a week. If you submit your questionnaire for an E-Visit after business hours, you’ll receive a response promptly the next business day.

Mon - Fri, 7 am - 8:30 pm
Sat - Sun, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Holidays, 8 am - 4:30 pm

For Video Visits, you have two options with different hours.

Scripps HealthExpress providers are available seven days a week for minor conditions and injuries. You can initiate an “On Demand” Video Visit with a HealthExpress provider, or you can schedule a Video Visit for a time that is convenient for you today or tomorrow.

Mon - Fri, 7:30 am - 8:30 pm
Sat - Sun, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Holidays, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

You can also schedule a Video Visit with your primary care provider or specialist. To schedule a video visit with your provider, please call their office directly and discuss this option (cannot be scheduled online at this time).

How long are virtual visits?

Depending on your symptoms and the type of visit you request, you can expect the following time commitments:

During an E-Visit, it may take you 5-15 minutes to answer the required questions. A Scripps physician or provider will review your information and respond with your personalized care plan, usually within 30 minutes. Please note that E-Visits submitted after hours will be addressed the following day.
Video Visits take about 5 minutes to set up. If you schedule your visit for a specific time, it will begin promptly at that time. If you choose to join the “On Demand” queue for a HealthExpress visit, your wait time will depend on the number of patients ahead of you. HealthExpress Video Visits last approximately 10-15 minutes, while video visits with your primary care doctor or specialist may last up to 30 minutes, depending on the type of visit scheduled.

Do I need to schedule virtual care ahead of time?

Most virtual visits are designed to fit your schedule, no appointment needed.

You can:

Start an E-Visit anytime during our business hours and receive a response, usually within 30 minutes.
Select On-Demand Video Visit to see the next available HealthExpress provider by video.
Use Symptom Checker anytime, day or night, because it does not require a response from our medical providers.

Or, if you would prefer having a specific appointment time, you can:

Schedule an appointment online for HealthExpress by selecting “Video” and choosing a date and time that work for you.
Schedule a Video Visit with your primary care provider or specialist doctor. Call your doctor’s office directly to request a Video Visit appointment.

How do I schedule a video with a primary care doctor or specialist?

Video Visits with your primary care physician or any specialist must be scheduled through your doctor’s office at Scripps Clinic or Scripps Coastal Medical Center.

If you have a minor health issue that you would like checked by a HealthExpress provider, you can schedule a Video Visit online for HealthExpress.

Technical questions

Why can’t I connect to my Video Visit?

Watch our Video Visit Tutorial or learn more about Video Visits.

If you’re having trouble connecting, try the following ideas.

Using the MyScripps mobile app*:

Move to a location that has a strong WiFi or cell signal
Turn your microphone off and then back on using the microphone button in your video session
Turn your camera off and then back on using the video button in your video session
Make sure your audio isn’t unexpectedly connected to Bluetooth speakers or headphones that you aren’t using
Close out of the app and relaunch it
Confirm you are using MyScripps mobile app version 9.2 or above
Confirm you are using Android OS 5.0 or higher, or iOS 6 or higher

Using the MyScripps website on a computer with a webcam:

Move to a location that has a strong WiFi signal
Turn your microphone off and then back on using the microphone button in your video session
Turn your camera off and then back on or make sure it is all the way plugged in if you’re using a webcam
Make sure your audio isn’t unexpectedly connected to Bluetooth speakers or headphones that you aren’t using
Log out of MyScripps and then log back in to your account
Confirm you are using an up- to- date browser. Minimum: IE11, Edge 44, Chrome 78, Firefox 70, Safari 9

VidyoConnect requirements

Make sure your device meets the VidyoConnect system requirements for Desktop or Mobile.
If you’re not able to connect to your visit, call your provider’s office to let them know or reschedule your appointment.

*You may also use the MyChart mobile app. All of the above still applies.

Do I need special equipment to use virtual care?

You can access Scripps Get Care Now virtual options from any web-enabled device, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

You must have a MyScripps account to use any of our virtual care options. If you’re not enrolled, sign up for MyScripps now.

The first time you start a Video Visit, you will be asked to install VidyoConnect. VidyoConnect provides the platform for both you and your doctor to communicate by video. If you are starting the Video Visit on a mobile phone or tablet, please download the free VidyoConnect app from the iPhone App Store or Android Google Play Store. If you are starting the Video Visit on your computer, your internet browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) will show you a message prompting you to install this within the browser.

Watch the overview and instructional videos.

How do I use virtual care for my child?

Parents and guardians who want to use virtual care for a child under the age of 18 first need access to their child’s MyScripps account. This is called proxy access.

If you have proxy access, log in to MyScripps as yourself (parent) and click over to view the child’s account.

For children 0-11, parents with proxy access may complete a virtual care visit using their own MyScripps account.
For children 12-17, virtual care visits must be completed using the teen’s MyScripps account (teens may also schedule their own visit).

If you don’t have proxy access, you can submit an online request for proxy access.

Medical questions

What type of health care providers offer virtual care at Scripps?

Our virtual medical team includes doctors (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

Can Medicare Wellness exams be done by video?

Yes, Medicare Wellness Visits (Initial and Subsequent) can be completed via a Video Visit Appointment, scheduled through your doctor’s office.

Can I get a new prescription online or renew an existing one?

Yes. Scripps virtual care providers can prescribe medications as part of your treatment plan. We’ll electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

Please note that most of our virtual care providers cannot prescribe pain medications or controlled substances.

Is my health information kept private?

Yes. Scripps makes every effort to keep your medical information safe and secure. You can feel confident knowing:

Virtual visits take place through the MyScripps health portal, which complies with federal privacy laws and uses the latest encryption technology.
Your Video Visit is not recorded.
If you choose to attach photos for your E-Visit, or if a photo is taken during your Video Visit, the photos will be added to your electronic health record and are accessible only by you and the providers who treat you.