Virtual Primary Care
What is virtual primary care?
At Main Line HealthCare, we offer a variety of virtual primary care programs designed to provide our patients with the care they need, both during and outside of regular office hours. As a valued Main Line HealthCare patient, you have exclusive access to these programs, ensuring quality healthcare is always within reach.
Virtual primary care lets you connect with an advanced practice provider online through a secure telemedicine visit. You can join from any convenient device — smartphone, tablet or computer — as long as it has audio and video capabilities. This innovative approach complements your regular in-person visits with a Main Line HealthCare primary care provider. When your primary care office is closed, or your provider is unavailable, virtual primary care is here to serve you. With early morning, evening and weekend appointments available, you can get the care you need at a time that fits your busy schedule.
Benefits of virtual primary care
By leveraging technology, virtual primary care offers:
- Accessibility: Overcome barriers like transportation issues, mobility limitations or busy schedules. Easily connect with an advanced practice provider from anywhere in Pennsylvania using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Continuity of care: Virtual primary care extends the services of your primary care office. Our virtual providers collaborate with your primary care provider to ensure your unique healthcare needs are met and any necessary follow-up is seamlessly coordinated. Through MyChart, patients can access their virtual visit information and communicate with their care team, fostering continuous and coordinated care.
- Cost-effective: Save time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room. virtual primary care reduces potential higher out-of-pocket costs and can save money on transportation and potential childcare expenses.
- Timely care: When your primary care office is closed or your provider is unavailable, receive prompt medical attention for non-emergency issues, reducing the risk of delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- Quick access: Virtual primary care offers same-day or next-day appointments, reducing wait times and allowing for earlier detection and treatment of health issues.
What virtual primary care programs are offered at Main Line Health?
We offer three virtual primary care programs to our patients:
- Virtual telemedicine visits: When your primary care office is closed or your provider is not available, opt for a virtual visit with our dedicated advanced practice providers. We offer early morning, evening and weekend appointments.
- Advanced call coverage: Our team of registered nurses and advanced practice providers will assess your concerns and provide expert guidance when your primary care office is closed. Available on weekends starting Friday evenings.
- Telephonic nurse triage: During regular office hours, connect with a registered nurse for immediate assessment and guidance on high-risk symptoms. They will help determine if you can manage your symptoms at home, if an in-person visit is needed or if a higher level of care, such as an emergency room visit, is necessary.
Can I see the same provider for all my virtual primary care visits?
While we cannot guarantee the same provider for all virtual visits, our dedicated team of advanced practice providers is ready to assist when your primary care provider is unavailable. You will always maintain a consistent relationship with your primary care provider, who oversees your healthcare needs and ensures continuity of care.
Is virtual primary care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans now cover virtual primary care services. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage eligibility.
How do I schedule a virtual telemedicine appointment?
Simply call your primary care office. A scheduling specialist will help determine if a virtual telemedicine visit is right for you.
What types of conditions can be treated through virtual primary care?
Virtual primary care can address a wide range of non-emergency medical conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, minor injuries, skin rashes, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and more. However, certain conditions may require an in-person evaluation.
How can virtual primary care benefit me?
Virtual primary care offers accessibility, continuity of care, and timely, cost-effective access to care. It allows you to receive prompt medical attention for minor illnesses and injuries without the need for unnecessary trips to urgent care or the emergency room, saving time and potential costs.
How secure are virtual telemedicine visits?
We prioritize patient privacy and use secure, encrypted platforms for virtual telemedicine visits to ensure your personal health information remains confidential.
What technology do I need for a virtual telemedicine visit?
You can participate in a virtual telemedicine visit using a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone. The steps to connect are simple and can be found here.
Do I need a MyChart account to join a virtual telemedicine visit?
No, a MyChart account is not required to join a telemedicine visit. Although we recommend having a MyChart account for convenient access to medical records and visit summaries, you will receive a link via your mobile number and/or email associated with your electronic medical record to join your telemedicine visit.
Do I need to be located in Pennsylvania during my virtual telemedicine visit?
Yes, to receive care through a telemedicine visit, patients must be physically located within the state of Pennsylvania, where our providers are licensed to practice medicine. This ensures compliance with state regulations and allows us to deliver high-quality virtual healthcare services.
Can I get prescriptions through virtual primary care?
Yes, our advanced practice providers can prescribe medications as needed during your virtual visit, ensuring continuity of care without the need for an in-person visit.
Can tests or lab work be ordered through virtual primary care visits?
Yes, our advanced practice providers can order necessary tests or lab work during your virtual visit. Depending on the type of test, you may be directed to visit a lab covered by your insurance, outpatient radiology facility or your primary care office on the next business day for point-of-care testing. This ensures you receive timely diagnostic testing and appropriate follow-up care as needed.
How do I access my medical records after a virtual visit?
Your virtual visit information will be securely stored and accessible through your MyChart account. You can view visit summaries, prescriptions and communicate with your care team as needed.