What Is Virtual Primary Care?

Finding time for a visit with your healthcare provider can be challenging in today’s busy world. Whether it’s work, school or home commitments, an appointment can feel like you’re adding to an already overflowing to-do list.

The good news is that virtual primary care can be the best of both worlds. You receive the medical attention you would in an in-person primary care visit, but without travel consuming more of your precious time.

This article explains what virtual primary care is and how it can benefit you or your loved ones.

Understanding Virtual Primary Care Services

You may have heard of virtual primary care and wondered what it is. Virtual primary care leverages technology to connect you with your primary care provider or another qualified clinician from the comfort of your home, office or wherever you are.

Instead of a physical appointment, you utilize video conferencing, online questionnaires or messaging to address your health concerns. Regardless of the method you use, your communications are secure and confidential. Virtual primary care isn’t just for quick questions. It’s a service that supports ongoing, comprehensive primary care relationships.

You can use our virtual primary care services for help with various needs, including:

Checkups

These appointments are similar to regular office visits, but they’re conducted via a video connection. You schedule a time with your primary care provider or specialist through MyChart and then connect face-to-face using your smartphone, tablet or computer. These visits are ideal for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Minor Medical Issues

For new health concerns that aren’t urgent, eVisits are a convenient, questionnaire-based option for getting care. You answer a series of symptom-specific questions online, and a Baptist Health provider reviews your responses, providing a diagnosis and treatment plan, including writing prescriptions if needed. You might take advantage of this type of virtual primary care service for common, minor conditions, such as sinus congestion, headaches or pink eye.

Time-Sensitive Minor Medical Conditions

Some minor illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, require more immediate attention. We offer 24/7 on-demand urgent care video visits to address them. These sessions allow you to connect with a provider without an appointment, much like an urgent care center, but from home.

Keep in mind that virtual care has limitations. If a condition requires hands-on care (like a deep cut that needs stitches) or is more severe (a head injury, chest pain, etc.), you should seek help at an urgent care center or emergency department.

Benefits of Virtual Primary Care Services

Virtual primary care provides several benefits, addressing many of the challenges of traditional care, including:

• Exceptional convenience
• Anytime, anywhere accessibility
• Enhanced privacy
• Upgraded comfort
• Reduced exposure
• Cost-effectiveness

Whether you're managing a chronic condition, need advice regarding a new illness or simply want to get a prescription refill, Baptist Health's virtual primary care services provide a convenient, patient-centered approach to healthcare.

If you have questions about virtual primary care, your provider can answer them. Don’t have a Baptist Health provider? Please visit our online provider directory to find one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More about Virtual Care at Baptist Health
Urgent & Virtual Care
How to Prepare For A Virtual Care Visit
See a Doctor Online with Virtual Care eVisits
Can Virtual Care Diagnose Ear Infection?