Virtual healthcare seems to have taken off over the last year due to COVID-19. However, this form of care has been around for years but has not been used consistently. Virtual care is a good alternative for treating certain medical conditions, but it is not appropriate for everything. A virtual visit between a clinician and patient that already have an established relationship may also be easier to conduct because both the clinician and patient are familiar with one another.
The following are examples of symptoms that can be appropriate for virtual care:
- Cough
- Burning or pain with urination
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Red / itchy eyes
- Fever (depends on the issue)
The following are examples of symptoms that require an in person visit:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever (depends on the issue)
- Ear pain
- Acute back pain
- Fall with injury
Certain stable chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also appropriate for virtual visits. If you are not sure if a virtual visit is appropriate call your clinician to verify. At Compassion Primary Care we provide both in person and virtual care for our members. Virtual care is also offered to individuals who are not members of the practice but have an urgent need. If you have questions, please visit us online at www.compassionprimarycare.com or call the office at 813-669-3084.
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