Virtual Visits: Affordable, Effective and Convenient Healthcare

Since the pandemic, virtual healthcare use and satisfaction have soared. In addition to being affordable and improving access to non-emergency care, about nine out of 10 patients report virtual visits are more convenient and just as reliable as going to brick and mortar urgent care or primary care offices, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

“Accessing acute care when and where people need it is especially important for busy employees and their families,” shares Kate Steele, Cone Health program manager. “For people who work onsite, travel or have limited flexibility, virtual urgent care and e-visits are great options that can be done from home, a breakroom or office using a computer or smart phone.”

“Delaying care, especially for the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions, can lead to more serious complications,” adds Julie Montpellier, Cone Health clinical informaticist. “In fact, research shows timely acute care reduces unnecessary emergency and hospital visits and medication misuse associated with do-it-yourself care.”

At Cone Health, which offers virtual urgent care options to meet a variety of needs, about 60% of survey respondents indicate they would have had to leave work for a traditional visit and about one in five would have done nothing at all without online options. As NIH research supports, while more than a third of patients fail to show for in-person appointments, over 90% follow through on virtual visits, ensuring timely, appropriate treatment.

By visiting conehealth.com/virtual, patients or their caregivers can be seen by a board-certified provider within a short time for acute needs, like seasonal allergies, sunburn, cold sores or urinary tract infections. While virtual visits are conducted via video with a provider in real-time, with MyChart e-Visits, adults complete a brief questionnaire and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within hours. In all cases, providers can prescribe non-controlled medications when clinically appropriate, which can be filled at patients’ preferred pharmacies, including ones with delivery options.  

To learn more about the full range of employee and occupational health services offered through Cone Health Employee Health & Wellness, contact Jacqueline Heyward at (336) 586-3972.