When a health need arises, traveling to a clinician’s office and spending time in the waiting room isn’t always ideal. Telehealth and virtual care options remain a viable alternative to a traditional office visit. When it comes to accessing quick, convenient care, some people may be asking themselves: Do I need an in-person visit or can I see a clinician virtually?
Sutter Health Plus members can access high-quality virtual care for everyday health issues from home, work or on the go by scheduling a video visit. Watch the video below to learn about accessing care through video visits and read on for some answers to common questions that may help determine if a video visit is the right option.
What health issues are covered by a video visit?
During a video visit from a mobile device, or computer, a clinician can see, hear and talk with a member as they would during an in-person visit. Depending on the health issue, the clinician can diagnose, treat or prescribe medications for non-urgent, common health conditions and illnesses, including:
- Allergies
- Cough or cold
- Fever
- Flu
- Rashes
- Respiratory problems
- Routine checkup
- Sinus infection
- Sore throat
In some cases, a member may be directed to a more appropriate level of care, such as in-person care at their primary care physician’s (PCP) office, walk-in care, an urgent care facility or an emergency room.
What types of doctors or clinicians offer video visits?
Members can schedule a video visit with the following:
- A PCP – Many PCPs, including pediatricians, offer video visits to members 3 months of age and older for routine care to complex health issues (hours vary). Members should check My Heath Online (MHO) to see if their PCP offers video visits. If their PCP does not participate in MHO, they should contact their PCP to find out if other virtual care options are offered.
- A Sutter clinician – Available daily for all members 18 months of age and older from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and some holidays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
What is the cost for a video visit?
Video visits are covered at the same cost share a member would pay for an in-person visit, or lower depending on their plan, when provided by a participating provider for a covered benefit.
How do you schedule a video visit?
Video visits can be scheduled through MHO, Sutter’s secure patient portal. For the best experience, download the free MHO mobile app from the App Store or Google Play and connect using a mobile device. Please note that a member must be physically located in California at the time of their appointment to participate in a video visit.
To learn more, visit sutterhealth.org/video-visits or contact Sutter Health Plus Member Services, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at (855) 315-5800.
