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Know When Virtual Care Is the Right Choice

A Practical Guide for Non-Emergency Health ConcernsUploaded Image

When you do not feel well, deciding where to seek care can be difficult. Some symptoms can be evaluated safely through a virtual appointment, while others require an in-person examination or immediate emergency treatment.

Knowing the difference can help you choose the appropriate level of care without delaying treatment.

VirtualCare2go provides virtual healthcare for patients throughout Texas. Appointments can be completed using a phone, tablet, or computer from home, work, or another private location.

What Is Virtual Urgent Care?

Virtual urgent care allows you to speak with a licensed healthcare professional through a secure video appointment. During the consultation, the medical professional can review your symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, and other relevant information.

Depending on your condition, the healthcare professional may:

  • Provide medical guidance

  • Recommend at-home care

  • Prescribe medication when medically appropriate

  • Recommend laboratory testing

  • Arrange follow-up care

  • Direct you to an in-person clinic

  • Recommend emergency care when necessary

VirtualCare2go is designed for appropriate non-emergency health concerns and should not be used for a life-threatening condition.

When May Virtual Care Be Appropriate?

A virtual appointment may be appropriate when your symptoms are mild to moderate, you are medically stable, and you do not appear to need immediate testing or hands-on treatment.

VirtualCare2go online urgent care may help evaluate concerns such as:

  • Cold symptoms

  • Flu-like symptoms

  • Allergies

  • Cough

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sore throat

  • Fever

  • Headaches

  • Sinus concerns

  • Ear discomfort

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Pink eye

  • Rashes

  • Eczema

  • Insect bites

  • Minor skin infections

  • Urinary symptoms in appropriate adult patients

  • Other non-life-threatening concerns

VirtualCare2go lists many of these conditions among the concerns its healthcare professionals may evaluate remotely.

The healthcare professional will determine whether your symptoms can be managed virtually or require another type of care.

When Is an In-Person Visit Better?

Some medical concerns cannot be fully evaluated through a screen. You may need an in-person examination when your symptoms require:

  • A hands-on physical examination

  • Laboratory testing

  • Diagnostic imaging

  • Wound cleaning or closure

  • Treatment for a possible fracture

  • Intravenous fluids or medication

  • An injection

  • A procedure

  • A throat, flu, COVID-19, or urine test

  • Evaluation of severe or worsening pain

  • Direct examination of the ears, throat, abdomen, or lungs

You may begin with a virtual appointment and still be directed to an in-person facility. That does not mean the virtual visit was unsuccessful. It means the healthcare professional determined that additional evaluation was needed to protect your health.

Do Not Rely Only on Home Test Results

A home test may provide useful information, but it does not replace a medical evaluation.

VirtualCare2go states that it cannot diagnose an illness, prescribe medication, or issue work or school documentation based only on a home COVID-19, flu, or strep test. Testing may need to be performed through the clinic or an appropriate healthcare professional.

If you have a positive home test or ongoing symptoms, tell the healthcare professional:

  • Which test you used

  • When you completed the test

  • The result

  • When your symptoms began

  • Whether your symptoms are improving or worsening

  • Whether you have been exposed to anyone who is ill

When Should You Call 911?

Virtual care is not appropriate for a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Severe difficulty breathing

  • Blue or gray lips

  • Signs of a stroke

  • Sudden facial drooping

  • New weakness or numbness on one side

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Loss of consciousness

  • A seizure

  • Severe confusion

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • A serious head injury

  • A major burn

  • Severe allergic reaction

  • Sudden vision loss

  • Coughing or vomiting blood

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else

  • Any symptom that appears life-threatening

VirtualCare2go’s FAQ instructs patients not to use virtual care when they believe they are experiencing an emergency.

When in doubt about a potentially life-threatening symptom, seek emergency care.

What Information Should You Prepare?

Preparing before your appointment can help the healthcare professional understand your condition more clearly. Have the following information ready:

  • Your current symptoms

  • The date your symptoms began

  • Whether your symptoms are improving or worsening

  • Your temperature, if available

  • Blood-pressure or heart-rate readings, if available

  • Current medications and supplements

  • Medication and food allergies

  • Existing medical conditions

  • Recent diagnoses or treatments

  • Relevant home-test results

  • Your preferred pharmacy information

  • Your insurance card, if using insurance

  • A valid photo identification

Choose a quiet, well-lit location. Make sure your device is charged and that its camera, speaker, microphone, and internet connection are working.

How Can You Show a Visible Symptom?

Good lighting is especially important when your concern involves a visible symptom, such as:

  • A rash

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Pink eye

  • An insect bite

  • A minor cut

  • A skin infection

  • Bruising

Avoid filters and dim lighting. If possible, use natural light and position the camera so the affected area is clearly visible.

The healthcare professional may still recommend an in-person examination when a visual assessment is not enough.

Can a Healthcare Professional Prescribe Medication?

A VirtualCare2go healthcare professional may prescribe non-narcotic medication when medically appropriate. The prescription can be sent to the patient’s selected pharmacy.

A prescription is never guaranteed. The healthcare professional must first determine that medication is safe, appropriate, and supported by the virtual evaluation.

Medication coverage and cost depend on your pharmacy benefits. Contact your health plan or pharmacy if you have questions about:

  • Formulary coverage

  • Generic medications

  • Prior authorization

  • Pharmacy participation

  • Copays

  • Deductibles

Does Insurance Cover Virtual Care?

Many insurance plans include virtual-care benefits, but coverage differs by plan, network, and requested service.

Before scheduling, confirm:

  • Your coverage is active.

  • VirtualCare2go participates with your plan.

  • The treating healthcare professional is in network.

  • Virtual urgent care is covered.

  • A copay, deductible, or coinsurance applies.

  • Prior authorization is not required.

  • Laboratory testing is covered separately.

  • Prescriptions have separate benefits.

Insurance verification does not guarantee claim payment. Final coverage depends on eligibility, network participation, plan requirements, medical necessity, and the services provided.

Virtual Care Throughout Texas

VirtualCare2go currently serves patients throughout Texas.

Patients may connect from Dallas–Fort Worth, Arlington, Farmers Branch, Brownwood, Houston, Austin, El Paso, San Antonio, and other Texas communities.

Virtual care can be especially helpful when:

  • You are away from home but still in Texas.

  • Transportation is difficult.

  • You are caring for a family member.

  • Your symptoms make leaving home uncomfortable.

  • You need timely guidance for a non-emergency concern.

  • You want to avoid sitting in a waiting room.

How Do You Get Started?

The process generally includes:

  1. Scheduling your appointment.

  2. Providing your symptoms and medical information.

  3. Uploading your insurance information when applicable.

  4. Connecting with a healthcare professional by video.

  5. Reviewing your recommended care plan.

VirtualCare2go states that patients can book an appointment, request the needed service, and connect remotely from home, work, or while on the go.

Visit VirtualCare2go to schedule an appointment or learn more about virtual healthcare throughout Texas.

For additional information about technology, scheduling, prescriptions, privacy, and medical emergencies, review the VirtualCare2go frequently asked questions.

You may also call (817) 508-8169 for scheduling assistance.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for severe, rapidly worsening, or potentially life-threatening symptoms.