Your questions about virtual visits, asked & answered
1. What is a Virtual Visit?
A Virtual Visit is a convenient online service we offer that allows our patients to access medical care through a video call with a trusted GoHealth Urgent Care provider. Virtual Visits are part of our telemedicine or telehealth services.
During a Virtual Visit, you can discuss your health concerns and symptoms with your provider, who will then determine a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
If your provider decides you need a prescription, he or she can send it directly to your pharmacy. Your provider will also let you know if your symptoms warrant an in-person exam, or whether you can safely be treated at home.
You can quickly and conveniently save your spot for a Virtual Visit on our website. In most locations, Virtual Visits are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. But, be sure to check your local page for up-to-date information on hours and available services.
2. What conditions can I use a Virtual Visit for?
We offer Virtual Visits for many common conditions like sore throat, cough, cold, pink eye, UTI’s and more, for patients ages 12 months and up. The full list of conditions suitable for a Virtual Visit is available on our website.
Since the U.S. is entering cold and flu season, it’s important to note that we offer Virtual Visits for symptoms of upper respiratory infections, influenza and COVID-19.
The provider on your Virtual Visit call will determine If your symptoms warrant an in-person evaluation, or if any testing is necessary. If you do need a flu, strep or COVID-19 test, you will be scheduled at one of our centers and receive a rapid test, with results available in approximately 15 minutes.
3. How much does a Virtual Visit cost?
The cost of a Virtual Visit is covered by most major insurance plans in our expansive network. For patients with insurance that doesn’t cover telemedicine, or for patients without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for a Virtual Visit depends on your location.
4. What are the limitations of a Virtual Visit?
While many conditions can be diagnosed and treated in a video visit with a healthcare provider, there are a few limitations to Virtual Visits. Virtual Visits aren’t suitable for patients who need x-rays or procedures, including sutures, splinting, and abscess incision and drainage.
Also, during a Virtual Visit, the provider can’t check your vital signs or conduct a physical exam, if necessary. However, with many medical products available for purchase, patients can use a thermometer and home blood pressure machine to check their own temperature, blood pressure and pulse – although this is not expected from our patients. If some cases, your provider may recommend you come in for an in-person visit when a diagnosis cannot be confirmed via video. In this case, the cost of your Virtual Visit will be rolled over to your in-center visit (if you are seen in-person within 24 hours) so you will not be charged twice.
5. What are the benefits of a Virtual Visit?
Virtual Visits are convenient because you can access healthcare from the comfort and safety of your own home or workplace, at a time that works best for your schedule. You don’t have to worry about logistics like traffic or parking. Virtual Visits also allow you to avoid contact with other patients who may have a contagious illness.
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