Is Virtual Care More Expensive?

Many people assume that a video visit from the comfort of home might cost more than a traditional office visit, but that’s not necessarily the case. When considering the complete picture, virtual care can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your health.

While the out-of-pocket cost for a Baptist Health virtual appointment is generally the same as an in-person visit, the true savings come from eliminating the indirect costs associated with traveling to a doctor’s office.

The Cost of Virtual Care at Baptist Health

At Baptist Health, the fee for a scheduled video visit or an urgent care video visit is billed to your insurance just as it would be for a standard in-office appointment. Your co-pay is collected, and any remaining balance is billed to you later. This transparent approach ensures that your decision to use virtual care can be based on your medical needs and convenience, rather than on a price difference.

For minor health concerns, we also offer eVisits, which involve completing an online questionnaire about your symptoms. These visits have a low, flat fee and are not billed to insurance, providing a highly affordable option for quick consultations on issues such as sinus congestion or pink eye.

The Hidden Savings of Virtual Care

The primary financial benefit of virtual care comes from the expenses and time you save by not having to travel for an appointment. When you see a provider from your home, office or other location, you avoid many of the hidden costs of an in-person visit.

It’s important to consider these factors when assessing your care costs:

• No travel expenses
• Less time off work
• No childcare costs

You don’t have to spend money on gas, parking or public transportation. More importantly, you don’t have to use paid time off or lose wages for the hours it takes to travel to the doctor’s office, wait to be seen and return to work.

For parents or caregivers, virtual visits also remove the potential need to pay for childcare. These savings can add up quickly, making virtual care a smart financial choice for many families.

Additionally, if you need a friend or family member to drive you to an appointment, virtual care eliminates that requirement, saving them time and effort.

Convenient, High-Quality Care

Beyond the financial advantages, the convenience of virtual care is a significant benefit, particularly for addressing urgent concerns. We offer 24/7 access for urgent care needs, enabling you to connect with a provider at any time.

All virtual visits are documented in your MyChart medical record, creating a seamless and continuous health history that you and your providers can access. Whether it's for an urgent issue, an appointment with your primary care provider (you can find one in our provider directory) or a consultation with a specialist, you receive care from the same highly qualified Baptist Health professionals you would see in person.

Ultimately, although the price on your bill may appear the same, the overall value of virtual care is often far greater. By eliminating travel time and related expenses, virtual care provides an efficient, affordable and accessible way to receive the quality care you need.

If you don't have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one using our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

What Is Virtual Primary Care?
Are Virtual Care Visits Worth It?
How to Prepare For A Virtual Care Visit
Can Virtual Care Diagnose Ear Infection?