Virtual care: The healthcare you need, when you need it

When you think about going to the doctor, it usually includes physically getting in the car and driving to a medical facility to get the care you need. Virtual care makes it possible to get that care wherever you have an electronic device and an internet connection.

Virtual care services have been available for a while now, but they were in the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video visits allow people to get medical care without leaving home, maintaining a comfortable environment for the person who is sick and helping to limit potential spread of illness.

While not every service can be provided through virtual visits, they present an increasingly viable alternative for receiving many healthcare services.

Defining virtual care

Virtual care services are sometimes called “telemedicine” or “telehealth.” Essentially, virtual care offers a way of interacting with a medical provider without physically going to a medical practice or hospital.

A virtual care visit connects you with a medical provider using a secure, HIPAA-compliant connection accessed on an electronic device. In many cases, the cost of your visit will be covered by your health insurance.

Virtual care visits may include a video component so that you and your medical provider can see each other, allowing for diagnosis and management of a treatment plan. In other cases, virtual care may come in the form of a phone call or electronic monitoring via a connected or smart device.

Go virtual with LCMC Health

New Orleans residents have come to rely on LCMC Health for high-quality healthcare. Our commitment to providing quality care carries over into the virtual care services we offer our community, ensuring that you receive the same level of care whether in person or virtually. We provide four primary types of virtual care:

Virtual Care On-Demand. Are you or a family member feeling less than your best? A Virtual Care On-Demand visit may be just what the doctor ordered! These virtual visits can often take the place of urgent care visits, allowing you to quickly and easily be seen by a medical provider for nonemergency health issues, such as a cough, tummy troubles, pink eye, a rash or joint pain.

Chronic condition monitoring. Have high blood pressure or diabetes? You may benefit from remote monitoring. After enrolling through your medical provider, you’ll receive information about how to get started. You’ll monitor your vitals using a special device, and that health information will be transmitted electronically to your care team. This allows your provider to offer personalized care that evolves based on your real-time health.

Maternal health home monitoring. This type of virtual care is offered to pregnant moms at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. After enrolling, you’ll receive a blood pressure monitor and instructions on how and when to check your blood pressure. The results will be transmitted electronically to your care team, who will reach out if anything is concerning.

Nurse hotline. Unsure what type of care you need or whether you need medical attention at all? Our free Ask a Nurse hotline can point you in the right direction. Our nurses can answer questions you have about your health, help you navigate the patient portal, and get you the care you need.

While it can do many things, virtual care is not an alternative to emergency care. If you’re experiencing any symptoms that could be related to an emergency health condition, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you need to be seen in an emergency room. In such cases, calling 911 will allow you to get the care you need in a timely manner.

Are you wondering whether virtual care is right for you? Learn more now or talk with your primary care provider about your options.