Discover the Benefits of Virtual Primary Care

We understand that we have busy lives, and oftentimes, it’s easy to forget the details that need to happen. Whether that be refilling your prescriptions, scheduling a doctor’s visit or simply pausing to care for your health. Or maybe you have some questions for your doctor, but can’t find time to make the trip. These are all examples of when virtual primary care would be a convenient alternative to visiting your doctor in person.

Also known as Telehealth or remote health care services, virtual visits offer many benefits, including convenience, affordability and increased access to your doctor.

Here, we’ll discuss what AdventHealth Primary Care+ virtual primary care is and how it could benefit your whole health.

What Is Virtual Primary Care?

Virtual primary care allows you to experience expert care from the comfort of your own home. You’ll also be able to get prescriptions and ask questions just like you would during an in-person visit.

Making a virtual appointment with your AdventHealth Primary Care+ doctor is easily done through our AdventHealth app, where you also attend your virtual primary care appointment. Our app also gives you easy access to your medical records, online bill pay, prescription refill requests and more.

9 Benefits of Virtual Primary Care

Although not all comprehensive primary care services can be provided via an online visit, there are several unique benefits. Recent reports show that 55% of patients feel they receive better medical care with access to virtual primary care. Take a look at the benefits of virtual primary care services with AdventHealth Primary Care+.

Continuity of Care

If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or arthritis, Telehealth is a great option for staying connected with your doctor for follow-ups and disease monitoring. This can result in better communication between you and your doctor. A recent study found that 52.5% of doctors believe they deliver more effective treatment and follow-ups through remote health care services.

Convenience and Accessibility

Access to your AdventHealth Primary Care+ doctor is accessible whenever is best for you, whether during your lunch break, while on vacation or in bed weathering a cold. Telehealth eliminates travel times back and forth from doctor’s offices and waiting room delays. Plus, you can often get a virtual primary care appointment faster than an in-person office appointment.

Cost-Effectiveness

Not only do you reduce transportation-related costs with remote health care services, but fees can potentially be lower than in-person appointments. Many insurance providers cover virtual visits, so contact your insurance provider or check your policy to better understand your in-network vs. out-of-network costs.

Enhanced Patient Engagement

We know talking about certain aspects of your health can feel intimidating while in person.

Virtual primary care can increase your comfort in bringing up hard topics and your willingness to discuss health concerns, which results in better health care. Our AdventHealth app can help you stay on top of your health tracking and send reminders for upcoming appointments.

Include Your Family

We know that everyone’s schedule is different, which can make it hard to find a time for an in-person doctor’s appointment that works for you and your loved ones. Remote health care appointments allow your family to get to know the doctor and ask any questions they may have, if you choose to include them.

Increased Access to Health Care Providers

Virtual primary care is a great option for those who are homebound, don’t have dependable transportation or live in rural areas where traveling to the doctor’s office is difficult. You may also have an easier time connecting with specialists who sometimes have a long waiting period for in-person appointments, giving you earlier access to the expert care you need.

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

We know that for some, a trip to the doctor’s office can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. A virtual primary care appointment can help remove this by allowing you to meet with your doctor in the comfort of your own home, where you feel safe.

Reduced Risk of Infections

Another key benefit of Telehealth is its ability to minimize exposure to contagious diseases. If you need to discuss a new prescription with your doctor or have questions about a digestive issue you’re experiencing, you can do so in the safety of your own home. This also allows you to stay home when you see your doctor, reducing your spread of germs.

Virtual Prescription Refills

Online appointments allow you to easily talk to your primary care provider about your medications, including questions on dosages, side effects and refill requests. This can help you stick to your prescribed medications by ensuring you always have a refill at your local pharmacy.

When to Seek Virtual Primary Care Services

It’s important to note that you can’t address all medical concerns through a remote health care visit. However, quite a few can be easily helped through a virtual primary care appointment. These include:

• Common Conditions
  • Allergies, sinusitis and asthma management
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Dermatology issues such as burns and rashes
  • Digestive issues (e.g., acid reflux, constipation)
  • Respiratory infections, earaches, sore throats, colds, flu, COVID-19
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Chronic Disease Management
  • Arthritis and pain management
  • Diabetes monitoring and diabetes medication management
  • Hypertension and cardiovascular care
  • Reviewing lab and medical imaging results
• Mental Health
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress management
  • Therapy and counseling sessions
• Medication Management
  • Birth control consultations
  • Questions on dosages and side effects
  • Refills on some medications
• Preventive Care
  • Lifestyle and nutrition counseling
  • Recommendations for cancer screenings
  • Smoking cessation programs
• Referrals to Specialists
  • Medical referrals to specialists and specialty services such as nutrition counseling, in-person health screening services, and more

It’s important that you talk to your primary care provider about which type of visit is best for you with your current health needs.

How to Get Started With Virtual Primary Care

Today, most health insurance providers cover virtual primary care appointments. However, coverage differs between companies and even by state. Check with your provider or review your insurance policy before booking your virtual care appointment.

Once you're ready to book the appointment, download the AdventHealth app, then follow these steps:

1. Login to your account or create a new one
2. Search for your AdventHealth primary care provider using the app's physician-finder tool
3. Once you find your primary care doctor, schedule your virtual visit through the app

If you don’t already have a primary care provider, learn what a primary care provider is and how to find a primary care doctor near you.

Setting Up for Your First Virtual Visit

Prepare for your virtual care visit ahead of time to ensure you don’t have any technical difficulties. Here are some tips on properly preparing for your virtual primary care appointment:

• Decide which device you plan to use for your virtual appointment (smartphone, laptop or tablet), and install the most updated version of the AdventHealth app.
• Test the camera and sound on your device to make sure your doctor will be able to see and hear you clearly.
• Locate a well-lit, quiet and private area with a good internet connection where you can meet with your doctor without distractions and comfortably discuss medical concerns.
• Position your device so that the camera is at eye level. Try not to hold your device the entire time, as it can cause strain on you and visual difficulty for your provider.
• Write down any questions you have for your doctor before your appointment.
• Easily access your medical records through the app as necessary.
• Have a paper and pen handy to take notes.
• Make sure to fully charge your device before your appointment.
• Have your doctor's office phone number available if you experience technical issues or get disconnected.

• Connect to your scheduled appointment 10 to 15 minutes early if you encounter any technical issues.

Stay Well With Virtual Primary Care

We know that driving to appointments can be stressful, especially if you’re working a full-time job, raising children or don’t have reliable transportation.

Virtual primary care services allow you to get quality medical care wherever you have internet access — whether that’s in the comfort of your own home, your office during lunch or in a hotel.

Your AdventHealth Primary Care+ provider will offer you the best care possible, even if it's not face-to-face. Schedule a virtual primary care visit with AdventHealth Primary Care+ and experience the power of convenience. You deserve to feel whole — all the time.