What is telehealth urgent care and how does it work?

No need to rush to an urgent care clinic when there’s a minor emergency. Read on to learn when virtual urgent care is the right choice — and when to see a doctor in person.

You already know the benefits of virtual care with your primary care doctor. The convenience of scheduling visits on your timetable, all from the comfort of your home.

But what about all those times when you can’t reach your doctor? When your fever just spiked in the middle of the night? Or for the UTI that doesn’t go away no matter how much cranberry juice you drink?

The solution? Telehealth urgent care. It can help you get the care you need ASAP — without leaving your home. See how these virtual visits work, what conditions can be treated and when in-person care may still be your best option.

What is telehealth urgent care?

Telehealth is when you get virtual care from a doctor or another provider through a phone, tablet or computer. (Data rates may apply.) Instead of going to a clinic or hospital, you connect with a provider through a video or phone call.

It’s an easy and safe way to talk to a medical professional about your symptoms — or even your mental health. Many insurance companies even offer telehealth plan options. Plus, it’s often faster and more convenient to receive medical advice virtually.

Telehealth urgent care is like going to an in-person urgent care but without the hassle. It’s for those times when you’re too sick to drive or live far away from the nearest clinic. It’s also an option for situations when your doctor can’t see you — either because the office has closed for the day, it’s the weekend or the practice is booked.

Bypass the waiting room and save time with a telehealth membership. Enter your zip code to see plans available in your area.

Why should I use telehealth urgent care?

There are many good reasons to consider telehealth urgent care. First, it lets you skip the drive — so you don’t have to leave your house or sit in traffic when you're not feeling your best. It also helps you avoid the waiting room, which means you won’t be around others who may be sick.

Plus, many telehealth services are available 24/7, so you can talk to a provider when you need it most, even when most doctors' offices are closed. They can be especially helpful if you’re traveling or have limited transportation options.

Will my copay be the same using telehealth urgent care?

Costs can vary based on your insurance. In many cases, telehealth visits cost about the same as in person visits.¹ Some plans cover virtual visits fully, while others charge a co-pay.

Before you schedule a visit, it’s a good idea to check your plan to see what’s covered.¹

How can I receive urgent care using telehealth?

Many urgent care centers and clinics offer virtual visits. That means you can talk to a provider quickly, often within minutes. You may be seen by a nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA) or doctor — just like an in-person urgent care clinic.

To get started, you usually need to:

Log into your health insurance or provider’s website or app
Choose a virtual urgent care option
Answer a few questions about your symptoms
Wait for a provider to join the video call

Some services may also offer phone-only visits if video isn’t available. And don’t worry — your provider can walk you through anything technical you need to do.²

What kinds of treatment can I receive with telehealth urgent care?

Telehealth urgent care works best for minor emergency health issues. Here are some common scenarios where virtual urgent care works well:³

Colds and flu. If you have a runny nose, fever or cough, a provider can diagnose you virtually, suggest rest and over-the-counter relief, and even prescribe medications if needed.
Fevers. You can report your temperature and symptoms over video. Then the provider can guide you on home care — or help you decide whether you need to be seen in person. 
Infections (like sinus or ear infections). Providers can check sinus pressure, ear pain or congestion via video. Then they can diagnose and send prescription treatments to your pharmacy without a clinic visit. 
Small cuts and scrapes. After you show your cut on camera, your provider can tell you how serious it is. They'll tell you how to clean and bandage it. Or advise you if you need stitches or in-person care. 
Sprains and strains. A provider can talk you through gentle movement tests and pain signals, and then recommend rest, ice, compression and elevation — without a trip to urgent care. 
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve had a UTI before and recognize the symptoms, a telehealth provider can diagnose one based on your description and send a prescription for antibiotics to your pharmacy right away — no physical exam or urine test needed.

Telehealth comes in handy for those small emergencies that seem to happen when urgent care clinics are closed. Click to explore your telehealth membership options.

When is it better to see a provider in person?

While telehealth is convenient, it’s not right for everything. Some symptoms are too serious to be treated virtually. If you’re having any of the following, it’s best to call an ambulance to take you to the emergency room:⁴

Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Signs of a stroke (like sudden numbness or trouble speaking)
Seizures
Head injuries
Serious allergic reactions

A good rule of thumb: If you’re feeling nervous and your gut says your condition is serious, don’t wait. Call 911.⁵

The bottom line: If you’re feeling under the weather, or are pretty sure you know what’s going on, telehealth urgent care may be the right choice. You’ll get treated quickly and most likely be on the road to recovery soon.

Curious about telehealth membership? Explore membership options online or call 844-211-7730 to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

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