UR Medicine / Primary Care / Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

UR Medicine Primary Care Launches Telemedicine and Video Visits

UR Medicine Primary Care has begun offering scheduled telemedicine appointments to help protect our patients, staff and community during the coronavirus pandemic.

What are Telemedicine and Video Visits, and Why Are They Being Used Right Now?

Given the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to replace most in-person clinic visits with phone calls or video-conferencing.

Using Telemedicine and Video Visits, when appropriate, encourages social distancing, which could reduce the spread of the virus. This is incredibly important to help protect older people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract coronavirus.

How Do I Get Support?

A Zoom Help Line for patients who are doing telephone or video visits is available by calling 1-844-455-8762. Calls will be answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

BUT, We Are Also Still There For You If You Need an In-Person Visit

UR Medicine Primary Care offices are open to treat patients on-site if the doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant thinks you need to be examined in person.

It is CRUCIAL to call the office and outline your symptoms so the office can determine the optimal kind of visit.

UR Medicine Primary Care providers are reviewing their lists of upcoming appointments to identify which ones might qualify for a Telemedicine or Video Visit. It is vital to remain in close contact with your provider around chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.

Telemedicine & Video Visit FAQs

Do I need special equipment to have a Video Visit?

While you only need to have access to a phone for a Telemedicine Visit at UR Medicine Primary Care practices, for a Video Visit you will need the ZOOM application (“app”). Our offices will assist you in downloading the app.

Will I be charged for a Telemedicine or Video Visit?

There may be a fee associated with these visits, but it’s typically lower than an in-person appointment. The details of billing procedures around Telemedicine and Video Visits are still being determined, but, just like the process for an in-person visit, UR Medicine will bill insurance providers for such visits. Several insurance companies have decided to waive the co-pay responsibilities for patients who have a telemedicine visit while we are under a State of Emergency. If you have questions about what your insurance will cover, please contact your insurer.

What happens in a Telemedicine or Video Visit?

A Telemedicine appointment is similar to an in-person visit. During the conversation with the patient, the provider takes notes just like they would during an in-person visit, and these notes will be shared on MyChart. Patients will also receive an after-visit summary through MyChart or by mail if they don’t use MyChart.

Please note: Other departments within UR Medicine may be using telemedicine in different ways. Our staff will make every attempt to provide clear instructions, and patients are encouraged to ask questions. Also, as the concerns around COVID-19 change, telemedicine plans may shift as well.