Virtual health, also called telehealth, helps patients manage their health and stay connected with their care providers while reducing the need to visit the clinic. You can have a visit over the phone or by video with your health care providers and use the patient portal to stay in touch and get information about your health. Patients of any age can use virtual health for care.
A virtual visit is either a video or a telephone call with your provider. It allows you to connect with your provider without coming into the hospital. You don't have to take as much time off work, find child care, travel to the clinic or pay for parking with a virtual visit.
You should prepare for a virtual visit as you would for an in-person visit. Consider writing down reminders of things you would like to discuss during your visit.
A lot of medical care can still be delivered over the phone or video. Your provider can listen to what is bothering you, ask you to show them a rash on the video or send a picture through MyChart, and have you do some of the physical exam yourself and tell them what happens. Your providers can also refill your medications, order blood work or other tests, and figure out when they should see you next.
You should prepare for a virtual visit as you would for an in-person visit. Consider writing down reminders of things you would like to discuss during your visit.
Whether or not you can have a virtual visit instead of an office visit depends on your medical history and health needs. You should talk to your provider to see if virtual visits are right for you.
Examples of what can be done through a virtual visit include:
Some of these require video, while others can be done over the phone. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do a video visit.
MyChart is the best way to receive care over the phone or your computer, including virtual visits and messaging your provider.
See your provider without coming into the clinic.
Get answers to your medical questions from the comfort of your own home.
Request medication refills.
You can also take advantage of these services with MyChart
The best way to set up a virtual visit is to call your provider's office. You can also request a visit through MyChart or ZocDoc. Your provider will let you know whether the visit will be a phone call or a video visit, based on your needs.
If you will be having a video visit through MyChart, download the Zoom app, then follow these instructions for setting up and using MyChart for a visit:
Go to our Video Visits: Troubleshooting page for help.
How do I schedule a virtual visit with my provider?
Either call your provider's office or log onto MyChart to request a telemedicine visit. Make sure to specify if you want a telephone or video visit. In some cases, your provider may require a video visit so they can do a limited physical exam.
What do I need to have to do a video visit?
You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone and a way to access the internet. Your phone may need to accept text messages and you may need to download an app called Zoom. The scheduler will make sure you have everything you need. If you have a MyChart account, your video visit can be done there. If you don't have an account, your visit can be done directly through Zoom.
What if I don't have what I need for a video visit?
Please call your provider's office to let them know that you don't have the ability to have a video visit. They will arrange for you to switch to a phone or in-person visit instead.
What happens if I already had an in-office appointment scheduled? Will someone contact me to see if I want a virtual visit?
If you would like to switch to a virtual visit, please call your provider's office or send your provider a MyChart message to see if this would be possible. During this time, your provider may also call you to see if you want to switch to a virtual visit.
How do I access MyChart?
You can sign up for a MyChart account here. If you already have an account, you can log in here.
What do I do if I can't remember my log in information for MyChart?
If you are having trouble logging in to your MyChart account please call 844-635-1390 for help.
How do I access my virtual visit?
To do a virtual visit through MyChart, follow the instructions here:
To have a virtual visit through Zoom without MyChart, follow the instructions here:
What if my video isn't working during my visit?
Your provider will ask you if you would like to switch to using the phone, confirm your phone number, and call you back.
What do I do if I need an interpreter for a virtual visit?
When you are setting up your visit, please tell the scheduler that you will need an interpreter. Your provider will have an interpreter join your video or phone call during your scheduled appointment.
What will I be charged for a virtual visit?
Currently, most insurance companies cover telehealth visits with the same co-pay you would have for an in-person visit. If you have questions, please contact your insurance provider.
What happens if I still want to come to the office?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are only having patients come into the office for urgent care or when their provider says it's necessary. If you think you might need an in-office visit, please call your provider's office.
Why would I ever need to come to the clinic if I can have a visit by phone or video?
You may not need to come to the clinic as many times as you did before. Talk to your provider about when to have a virtual visit or an in-office visit.
