5 Myths and Facts About Virtual Care
What is virtual care and how does it work?
Virtual care is a growing field in the healthcare industry that increases access to healthcare. It’s an affordable and accessible solution for the growing number of people who want or need to manage their health from home.
Bronson offers three virtual care options:
One of the major benefits and reasons for its popularity is the convenience of virtual care. Not having to travel to your appointment saves time and resources. This is mostly true for those who need help with transportation when traveling to and from appointments.
Despite its growing popularity, there are still aspects of virtual care that make some patients feel uneasy.
Here are five common concerns about virtual care:
1) I need to have a physical exam in order to receive proper care.
Some patients feel their provider can’t help them without a physical exam. Although some conditions require a physical exam, many don’t. Common conditions that can be treated through virtual care include:
- cough
- pink eye
- sore throat
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea and constipation
- medication checks
- and more
*Some of these conditions may not be available for pediatric patients.
For minor urgent conditions, simply knowing your medical history and symptoms is enough for your provider to diagnose your condition without a physical exam.
Virtual care is also a simple and effective way to provide follow-up appointments, which usually don’t require any physical exams.
2) My health information won’t be secure.
Unlike Skype, ZOOM and other common video conferencing products, virtual care platforms are designed with enhanced security in order to be HIPAA-compliant. Enhanced security measures include encryption and meeting IDs to ensure your video visit is private and secure. All Bronson providers are required to use Bronson-issued equipment during the virtual visit to stay HIPAA compliant.
3) It’s more expensive.
Virtual care has never been more affordable than it is today. The cost is similar to an office visit. For exact coverage details and costs, check with your health insurance provider. Many insurance plans cover the cost of video and E-Visits, including Medicare and Medicaid. If your insurance does not cover virtual visits, the cost to you is $49 for an On Demand Video Visit and up to $35 for an E-Visit. Scheduled Video Visits with your primary care provider will have a different range of costs based on the type of visit.
4) It’s only for urgent needs.
Although virtual care is very helpful when it comes to immediate care needs, it can be beneficial in many other ways. Virtual care can help you manage chronic conditions, medications, and aid in overall preventative care. Imagine getting health and wellness education from your provider without an office visit.
Without the barrier of traveling to see your provider, you may even find that you are communicating with your provider more often. This can lead to more personalized and connected care while also saving you time and money.
5) I didn’t know it was an option.
Current Bronson patients can access primary care and most specialty care providers through a Scheduled Video Visit. Established patients can also take advantage of E-Visits, which allow you to send messages to your provider via Bronson MyChart. Once your provider has received your request for medical advice, they will review your case and respond within two business days or sooner.
Need immediate care? Even if you’re not an established patient, you can request an On Demand Video Visit at your convenience any time between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., daily to be connected to a Bronson immediate care provider.
Not sure which care option is right for you? We’re here to help! Visit Bronson’s Need Care Now page to find the care that’s right for you.
Bronson MyChart
New tools are always being created to help ensure you receive proper care at the right time. If you haven’t used your Bronson MyChart account lately, log in and explore the many convenient features and virtual care options. If you don’t have an account, sign up now.
