How virtual care works
Having a virtual visit is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Schedule your virtual visit
- Meet with your provider by video
- Discuss your health concerns
- Schedule any follow-up visits as needed
Virtual care is not for serious or life-threatening concerns. If you need emergency care, call 911.
Virtual care FAQ
Virtual (video) visits are a convenient option for many non‑urgent health needs when an in‑person exam is not required. A virtual visit may be a good choice for:
- Follow‑up care for chronic or long‑term conditions
- Reviewing test or lab results
- Medication management and routine prescription refills
- Minor injuries that can be visually assessed
- Some common, non‑urgent symptoms
Note: Video visits are preferred because they allow your provider to see you and perform a basic visual exam. Depending on your location, telephone‑only visits may not be available for new clinical concerns.
Virtual care can be used for many common conditions.
Infectious diseases:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- COVID-19
- Cold or Influenza (flu) like symptoms
- Mild sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Yeast infections
Chronic conditions:
- Asthma
- Diabetes (monitoring glucose, blood pressure)
- Heartburn/GERD
Minor injuries and skin conditions:
- Acne, eczema, rashes
- Head lice, sunburn, swimmer’s ear
- Minor cuts, burns and scrapes
- Sports injuries (sprains, strains)
General illnesses:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Fever, congestion, sneezing
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Ear, nose and throat:
- Earaches
- Motion sickness
- Sore throat
Other conditions:
- Joint pain
- Medication management and prescription refills
- Tick bites
- Possible urinary tract infections (UTI)*
Please note: Virtual care is not suitable for life-threatening emergencies like chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe allergic reactions.
*A virtual visit may be appropriate for a single episode of an uncomplicated UTI. Recurrent or complex UTIs typically require in person testing.
Here are a few tips to help both you and your provider get the most out of your video visit:
- Join the virtual visit from somewhere with a strong internet connection.
- Make sure your computer, tablet or smartphone is well charged ahead of time.
- Choose a quiet, private area to avoid interruptions.
- Sit in a well-lit room and try to avoid windows in the background.
- Have your health plan ID card handy.
- Have a list of all the questions you want to ask.
- Write down all your prescriptions and any over-the counter medications you take regularly.
You can use your patient portal to:
- Send a message to your doctor.
- Ask for medication refills.
- Set up or request an appointment.
- See test results and your health records.
- Create an account for a caregiver or family member to help you.
Access to patient portals may vary by state.
Check with your primary care provider and local licensed insurance agent to see if this coverage is offered on your Medicare plan.
A provider may prescribe antibiotics only when medically appropriate. During your virtual visit, your provider will review your symptoms and decide whether antibiotics are the right treatment.
Some symptoms are caused by viral illnesses (such as COVID‑19, flu or RSV), which do not respond to antibiotics. In these cases, your provider may recommend testing or an in‑person visit before prescribing medication.
A virtual visit does not guarantee an antibiotic prescription. Your provider will recommend the safest and most effective treatment based on your medical needs.
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*Virtual care may not be provided in all locations. At the time of your appointment, you must be physically located in the same state your provider is practicing in. Check with your primary care doctor to see if this option is available.
Optum arranges for or provides medical and other clinical services in accordance with laws in each state it operates. Physicians or providers referenced on this website are to those who are either part of independent practices or to those medical practices managed by or owned, where permitted, by Optum. In all circumstances, physicians and other licensed professionals have complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care. Optum does not determine or set the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by any of the practices or their physicians or other licensed professionals.