When Jamie’s toddler developed pink eye over a holiday and her usual provider wasn’t available, she turned to SSM Health Express Virtual Care. “I was able to get a virtual visit and the prescription for her needs in less than an hour,” she said.
Jamie’s experience is not unique. This year, SSM Health online providers will treat more than 40,000 patients for a wide variety of conditions – including pink eye. Many families are discovering online care can be very convenient and affordable; Jamie’s out-of-pocket cost was less than the co-pay for her in-network provider.
Virtual vs. urgent care
According to SSM Health online provider Kristin Grossman, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, “Most visits that can be seen in urgent care can be seen in EVC (Express Virtual Care). It really is just a matter of if the patient needs a physical test completed or needs to be physically examined. If someone feels they have an ear infection, lung infection, broken bone, or needs stitches, those are immediate needs to go into urgent care.”
But for many minor illnesses, virtual care is highly appropriate. “We treat really common illnesses such as colds, fevers, pinkeye, certain skin rashes, and other infections like urinary tract infections”, said Kia Mills, PA-C, who cares for patients in Madison, Wisconsin, as well as online. “And we can refill medications for one month to await your appointment with a primary care provider,” adds Grossman. In fact, SSM Health is able to treat more than 20 common conditions through a virtual visit.
Types of care and services offered
For online care, SSM Health offers two different types of visits: video visits and email-based e-visits. A video visit offers the provider a better ability to assess the patient’s overall condition and see areas of concern. It is usually recommended for certain types of ailments, such as rashes or pink eye that require a visual diagnosis. Even so, Jamie was able to submit photos of her toddler’s pink eye during an e-visit, which was sufficient for diagnosis and treatment.
It's also important to know that providers for SSM Health Express Virtual Care are employees working in our communities. “When you log in to an Express Virtual Care visit, you'll be meeting with one of our licensed health care providers who will help create a care plan to get you feeling better soon,” said Mills.
And if you are already a patient of SSM Health, the team will have access to your medical records. “We can look back at any recent ER visits, doctor visits, labs, etc. It can be very helpful depending on patient needs,” said Grossman.
Likewise, non-patient information may be available for those seeking care out-of-network. “We can pull up outside medical information; however, it can be limited based on if the patient signed release forms at the location,” Grossman added. In addition, SSM Health online providers are able to order certain tests like strep or urinalysis and provide referrals to other providers, as well as emergency room care, as needed. Your virtual visit is fully supported by the SSM Health network of hospitals and physicians.
Maximizing your visit
In general, providers recommend finding a quiet, private space to conduct your visit and to make sure your video and microphone work. Virtual video visits typically last 10 – 20 minutes. “Each visit is specifically designed based on the individual patient's needs, just like it would be catered to in the office,” said Grossman.
It’s also helpful to take your temperature, blood pressure, or other metrics if you have the ability do so. For pediatric visits, knowing the child’s current weight is helpful for prescribing medications.
And while online visits offer an excellent solution for a wide range of medical needs, they aren’t meant to replace your primary care team. As Grossman explained, “EVC is wonderful for quick sick visits. We are virtual urgent care. We can also guide patients to help them meet their needs. However, any of us would highly recommend having a primary care provider for consistency and preventive care.”
SSM Health Express Virtual Care is available from 6 am – 10 pm, 365 days a year. Learn more or start a visit now.
