5 benefits of virtual care

Virtual health care — also known as telemedicine, telehealth or virtual visits — is when you talk to a provider through video chat on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Some benefits of virtual health care include convenience, efficiency, privacy and easier access to care. Learn what virtual health options are available and why virtual medicine may be the right choice for your care needs.

1. Convenience: connect with a virtual doctor anytime, anywhere

With virtual visits, it is now easier than ever to get medical care — from home, work or just about anywhere. You can talk to providers online for urgent needs, regular health check-ups, mental health support or quick questions.

Virtual care may include:

Private video sessions for 1-on-1 support — at a time that’s best for you
A diagnosis, treatment and medication if needed
Care from the same provider each time — to help you build a relationship

2. Efficiency: avoid waiting rooms for faster relief

Virtual care can be a great option if you don’t need in-person, hands-on care. Virtual visits may make it easier to stay at home instead of going to the doctor's office and waiting in the lobby. This could also stop germs from spreading more. Plus, an urgent care virtual visit may save you time and money compared to a visit to the emergency room (ER).

In an urgent care virtual visit, providers can diagnose and prescribe treatment for things like asthma flare-ups, flu, headaches, joint pain and more. An in-person urgent care clinic may be a better choice when you have an illness or injury you’d normally see your primary care provider (PCP) for, but you can’t get an appointment or it can’t wait. In a life-threatening situation, call 911 or go to a hospital ER.

3. Comfort: talk to a virtual doctor or therapist in the privacy of your home

With virtual visits, you can build a relationship with a PCP or therapist from the comfort of home. During a virtual primary care visit, you can talk to your PCP about any non-urgent medical care that’s covered by your health plan.

With virtual therapy, you can get support from a therapist from your home. Virtual therapy may help people feel more comfortable discussing things that seem highly personal. This may include behavioral or mental health challenges or substance use disorders. A virtual visit with a therapist can also complement traditional therapy for additional support. Check your health plan benefits to learn more about the cost for virtual therapy.

4. Easier access: get follow-up care from a virtual provider

For those with busy schedules, it may be easier to book a virtual visit for follow-up care. You can make an appointment with a virtual doctor or provider to follow-up on care recommendations, such as:

Personalized referrals to specialists and labs
Prescriptions and refills of medications
Check-ins for chronic health conditions (like diabetes, heart disease and more)

By eliminating travel time and waiting in the lobby, a follow-up visit may only take a few minutes. With virtual care, you can manage your health without having to disrupt your day.

5. More care options: see providers who are far away with virtual care

If you live in a rural area, you may not have the same access to physicians that you would have if you lived in a big city.

Virtual care can also be a great solution for people who travel often, or for students who spend months at a college out of state and then return home in the summer.

Virtual medicine vs. in-person care: why we need both

Virtual health care is not the best choice for all health problems, like ones that need a doctor to look at, test or do an X-ray. It is also not the best choice for emergencies. But for many coughs, rashes and pains — even urinary tract infections or diarrhea — you can get access to care online.

Watch a video on choosing where to go for care

How to find your virtual care benefits

Depending on your benefit coverage, you may be able to schedule a virtual visit with a local provider for primary care, virtual therapy or specialty care. For urgent health needs, or when your PCP isn’t available, you may have access to 24-hour virtual urgent care with a national provider.

Virtual visits may be covered by your health insurance in a similar way to an office visit with your doctor. If you’re a UnitedHealthcare member, you can sign in to your account or call the number on your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage.

Preparing for your virtual health care appointment

If you need assistive technology like a screen reader or closed captioning, or if you need a translator, let your provider know. You can also tell them any concerns you have about privacy ahead of time or when your appointment starts. Truthful answers about things like drinking, drug use, domestic violence, medication, supplements, etc., are all important in making sure you get the right treatment.

To prepare:

Watch your email for appointment details
Make a list of your medications and symptoms
Find a quiet space to avoid distractions
Close other open apps you’re not using to help your internet connection during your visit

Take notes about what your provider says during the appointment, too.

By understanding your health plan's virtual care options and preparing for your virtual appointments, you can take full advantage of telehealth’s benefits. Whether you're seeking mental health support, follow-up care or need to address a non-urgent medical issue, virtual visits can help you stay on top of your health without disrupting your daily life.