FAQs about virtual visits
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What are the benefits of a virtual visit?
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A major benefit of a virtual visit is convenience. You can talk to a provider from home — or anywhere with an internet connection — without having to drive to the doctor’s office, find child care or even get out of your pajamas when you’re not feeling well.
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When should I use the Symptom Checker?
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Use Symptom Checker when you have a non-urgent medical concern and aren’t sure if you need to visit a medical provider. Symptom Checker is free and available 24/7 for MultiCare patients who have a MyChart account and are at least 3 years old.
Conditions include:
- Abdominal pain
- Ankle injury
- Back pain
- Cold/flu
- Diarrhea
- Ear pain
- Elbow injury
- Hand/wrist injury
- Head injury/concussion
- Headache
- Hip injury
- Knee injury
- Mental health
- Neck injury/whiplash
- Rash
- Red eye
- Shoulder injury
- Urinary problem
- Vaginal discharge/irritation
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How does Symptom Checker work?
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Log in to your MyChart account to start using Symptom Checker. You will answer questions about your current symptoms using the interactive web tool, then receive care recommendations based on the responses. For mild health conditions, you’ll get information for self-care with over-the-counter or home remedies. Other conditions may need to be addressed by a medical provider with a virtual or in-person visit. Your Symptom Checker responses and care recommendations are automatically added to your MyChart electronic health record.
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When should I use an e-visit?
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E-visits are a way to get care for certain non-urgent health concerns without scheduling an appointment or visiting a clinic. E-visits are available for a limited range of conditions and are offered to patients who have seen a MultiCare primary care provider within the last three years.
Conditions include:
- Back pain
- Birth control
- Cough
- COVID-19
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Rash
- Red eye
- Sinus problem
- Urinary problem
- Vaginal discharge/irritation
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How do e-visits work?
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Log in to your MyChart account to begin an e-visit. You will be asked to provide personal and health information during the registration process. Completing your e-visit registration will take approximately 10 minutes.
You will receive a response from a MultiCare provider via MyChart within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.
Learn more about how to sign up for a MyChart account if you don’t have one already.
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What types of appointments are appropriate for primary care or specialty video visits?
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Video visits are available with your primary care and specialty provider for certain conditions that do not require an in-person exam or testing, including follow-up appointments.
This includes:
- Birth control
- Certain prescription refills
- Chronic condition check-ins for high blood pressure or diabetes
- Menopause
- Pregnancy care
- Return-to-work/school note
- Routine office follow-up visits
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How do I get started with primary care or specialty video visits?
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- Call your clinic or use MyChart to schedule an appointment.
- Sign up for a MyChart account, if you don’t already have one. You can create a MyChart account here.
- Instructions to set up your virtual visit will be provided prior to your visit.
- Follow the instructions to connect with your provider at the time of your appointment.
During your appointment, please ensure you are in a quiet location free from interruptions, such as crowds, driving or other activities that could distract you or the provider. Disruptions or safety concerns may require your provider to discontinue the visit and reschedule your appointment.
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Where can I find connection instructions for video visits?
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Your provider will send instructions prior to your appointment. If you need additional help, please contact your provider or review the troubleshooting page.
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What if I’m not very comfortable with video technology?
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That’s OK. Just call your local clinic to schedule your appointment and we will talk you through the rest of the process. The technology requirements for a video visit are simple. You need a device with a camera, microphone (most modern smartphones meet this requirement) and internet connection. Wi-Fi or a wired connection is preferred over cellular/data. The rest of the process is as simple as clicking on a link. You can review our troubleshooting documents for additional guidance.
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How much will a virtual visit cost?
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E-visits are billed to your insurance on file. Based on your plan, you may be charged for costs not covered ($35 or less). If you do not have insurance, you will be charged $35. You may receive a separate bill if additional services like lab work or screenings are recommended by the provider in the treatment plan. If a provider determines your medical concerns require a video or in-person visit, you will not be charged for the e-visit and will instead be charged for the other visit type.
A primary care or specialty video visit costs the same as an in-person visit at our clinics. We accept the same insurance for video visits as we do at our clinics.
Indigo Online Care can bill most insurance plans for video visits. If you don’t have insurance, the flat fee for a video visit is $250.
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What type of care does not work well for a virtual visit?
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If you have a life-threatening condition or are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If your condition requires you to be in person — because you need X-rays, testing or a physical examination — please schedule an in-person appointment.
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Can I get a prescription through a virtual visit?
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Your provider may prescribe medication as part of your treatment plan. The prescription will be sent to your pharmacy of choice.