Virtual Visits FAQs
What is a virtual visit?
A virtual visit is an option for you to access medical care by meeting with your physician using your smartphone, tablet or computer. It’s an easy to use, internet-based video conversation that sometimes can take the place of an in-person office visit.
What types of appointments are appropriate for a virtual visit?
While not all types of medical appointments qualify, virtual visits can be used to manage a wide variety of needs including chronic illnesses. In some instances, even acutely ill patients may be seen virtually to determine if they should be seen in-person.
For Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Patients such visits may include:
- COVID-19 screening visits
- Medication recheck
- Stable recheck visits for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol
- Stable recheck visits for asthma (if currently ill, please contact office before scheduling)
- ADHD, behavioral, or sleep recheck
- Depression/anxiety recheck
- Chronic pain management
- Cough/congestion/runny nose: Upper respiratory infection, allergies, or sinusitis
- Ear pain (less than 3 days, no significant fever) Pediatrics Only
- Red or pink eyes with or without drainage
- Bladder infection without fever in adults
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/constipation
- Rash (without fever)
- Sprains/strains
- Back pain
For OB/GYN Patients:
- Vaginal symptoms: discharge, odor, itching
- Prescription refills; birth control, hormone replacement, antidepressants, etc.
- Test results
- Birth control (including Nexplanon) consult or follow up. IUD may need an in-person appointment
- PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- Menopause symptoms
- Postpartum depression
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: too much bleeding or not enough, first time discussing this problem
- Postoperative appointments: laparoscopic surgeries unless having complaints. D&C. (No surgeries that required an incision)
- Infertility: first visit
Is the quality of care the same as an in-person visit?
Virtual visits used effectively along with in-office visits, Lab and Imaging visits can enhance the overall quality of health care for you and our community. Virtual visits are ideal for certain circumstances, but cannot be the only way your physician interacts with you. You and your physician together can tailor a unique plan of care incorporating in-person and virtual visits.
Is the internet-based conversation with my doctor secure?
Yes. We use secure, established virtual visit technology. The only people who can hear your conversation are the people physically around you and the medical staff from our office participating in your care. You may also use earbuds with a microphone for more privacy on your end.
How do I schedule a virtual visit?
Call 931-245-7000 to schedule a virtual visit or request that an existing in-office visit be converted to virtual. Your physician may even ask that you switch an existing office visit to virtual visit.
How do I prepare for a virtual visit?
Ensure that we have a valid email and/or mobile phone texting number for you. You will need good internet access and a device with a built-in camera. Before your scheduled appointment, we will send you a link to click for the video virtual visit.
Before your virtual visit, we will send you two important links:
- A pre-visit registration: This is how we verify all of our normal “paperwork,” including contact information and insurance. It must be completed before your virtual visit begins.
- The actual link to your provider’s virtual waiting room: Click it to enter as early as 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
What information should I have ready before my virtual visit?
- Name and address of your preferred pharmacy
- Current weight and height if possible
- Current body temperature if possible
- Current blood pressure if possible
- List of your current medications
- Any information your physician or provider needs for you to share (example, blood pressure or blood sugar log). Also, any essential questions you would like to discuss.
Is this for both new patients and established patients?
Currently, we offer this service only to established patients, as some insurance companies limit visits to them.
What is the cost, and will my insurance pay for virtual visits?
Virtual Visits cost the same as traditional, in-office visits. The extent to which insurance covers the cost varies by company. While some will cover fully if COVID-19 related, others may require copayments and/or deductibles. Patients should contact their insurance company for more information.
Need more help?
• If you have a family member in your home who is good with computers, asking them for assistance may be the fastest way to get help with the use of the technology required.
• Call our Virtual Visit Hotline: 931-245-8555. Our staff will help you get started. And we may do a practice virtual visit with you before the real one.