What is Virtual Primary Care? Can it be my regular provider?
Virtual Primary Care is a Cone Health primary care practice, delivered virtually, and yes, you can use it as your regular primary care practice. You have a dedicated care team who get to know you, learn your health history, and work with you on your health over time.
We handle what any primary care office handles: annual checkups, ongoing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, prescriptions and refills, preventive screenings, everyday illnesses, and referrals to specialists when you need them. Your visits and results are part of your Cone Health medical record, so your care team sees the full picture. And through our connection to other health systems, your care team can often see records from providers outside Cone Health too.
Most visits happen from wherever you are, using a phone, tablet, or computer. When you need care in person, your care team arranges it at one of our Virtual Primary Care community access points or another location convenient to you.
We're accepting new patients, and you can schedule your first visit here. If you're switching from another practice, we'll help transfer your records.
What should I expect during a virtual appointment?
After scheduling your appointment, you'll receive a secure link to join your visit from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
During the appointment, you'll meet directly with your provider by video, similar to an in-office visit. Your provider will review your medical history, medications, and the reason for your visit, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and work with you to develop a care plan.
Depending on your needs, your provider may order labs, prescribe or refill medications, recommend follow-up care, or provide referrals to specialists. Our goal is to make getting quality primary care convenient, personalized, and accessible—wherever you are.
What if I need lab work, vital signs, or an in-person exam?
Virtual Primary Care includes in-person care when you need it. If your provider needs lab work, blood pressure or other vital signs, imaging, or an exam done in person, your care team arranges it at one of our Virtual Primary Care community access points or another location convenient to you.
This is a normal part of care, especially if you're managing something like high blood pressure or diabetes. Your results go straight to your Virtual Primary Care team, who will go over them with you and take it from there.
What do I need for a virtual visit?
Most visits can be done from home using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, a microphone, and an internet connection. We'll send you a link to join. Choose a quiet, private place where you feel comfortable talking with your provider.
Your virtual visit is private and secure. All Cone Health virtual visits use a HIPAA-compliant platform, and your visit and records are protected the same way they would be at any Cone Health office.
If you don't have access to a device, reliable internet, or would simply like assistance connecting to your visit, we can help. Our Virtual Primary Care community access points provide a private space, computer equipment, and support from a care team member who will assist you before and during your connection with the provider.
Will my virtual visit be covered by insurance?
If you have insurance, your virtual visit is covered the same way an in-office visit would be.
If you do not have insurance, please do not delay getting the care you need. Our team can help connect you with resources to explore health coverage options, determine whether you may qualify for programs such as Medicaid, and learn about financial assistance programs that may help reduce the cost of care.
What if I need care after hours or right away?
For urgent needs, Cone Health Virtual Urgent Care is available every day of the year for things like fever, cough, sore throat, minor injuries, and dental pain. You can connect from your phone, tablet, or computer. If you need to be seen in person, you can also visit a Cone Health urgent care location.
Your Virtual Primary Care team can see the notes from your Cone Health urgent care visits, so your care stays connected.
If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I use Virtual Primary Care if I already have a primary care provider?
Yes. If you can't get in with your regular provider and have a primary care need that can't wait, like a prescription refill or a health concern between appointments, we can help. Your visit becomes part of your Cone Health medical record, so your care stays coordinated.
