Virtual Urgent Care Center
Getting Started With Telemedicine
To request a telemedicine visit the first step is to register online. Please see the steps below- if you have any problems registering please call our office for assistance (724) 235-6000.
Step 1
Get Ready
- Review our Telemedicine Consent Form.(opens in a new tab) You’ll need to consent to this in the form.
- Have your Photo ID and Insurance Card ready. You’ll need to upload copies of them.
- Have your cell phone ready. We’ll use text messaging to reach out to you about your visit.
Step 2
Submit Request
Fill out our online telemedicine request(opens in a new tab) and answer the medical history questions.
Step 3
Wait for Text Instructions
Wait for our team to review your request and contact you with next steps. When it’s time for your telemedicine visit, we’ll text you a link.
How Does Telemedicine Work?
Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications to enable health care providers to share individual patient medical information, for the purpose of improving patient care. The information may be used for diagnosis, therapy, follow-up and/or education, and may include any of the following:
- Patient medical records
- Medical images
- Live two-way audio and video
- Output date from medical devices and sound and video files
- Electronic systems used will incorporate network and software security protocols to protect the confidentiality of patient identification and imaging data and will include measures to safeguard the data and to ensure its integrity against intentional or unintentional corruption.
What Are The Benefits Of Telemedicine?
- Improved access to medical care by enabling a patient to remain in his/her remote site while the physician can obtain medical test results and consults to enable greater coverage of care.
- More efficient medical evaluation and management. o Obtaining expertise of a distant physician.
What Are The Possible Risks?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with the use of telemedicine. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
- In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor resolution of images) to allow for appropriate medical decision making by the physician and consultant(s);
- Delays in medical evaluation and treatment could occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment.
- In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy of personal medical information.
How Can I Ensure A Successful Telemedicine Visit?
- Check your internet connection
- Make sure your audio and video are working
- Find a quiet, private location if possible
- Check your lighting
- Write down problems and questions ahead of time
- Dress appropriately for the visit
- Consider using headphones
- Consider using a computer instead of your smart phone
- Have easy access on your computer to any pictures or medical reports you want to share with the medical provider
- Check your vital signs
- Have your other medical devices ready to go
- Be an active participant in the exam
- Have a trusted assistant if necessary
