With changes with technology happening daily, it only seemed a matter of time before you could visit your doctor without leaving the comfort of your home.
In September 2013, the Franciscan Health System launched its Franciscan Virtual Urgent Care service.
The program allows anyone in Washington state to receive care 24/7 by phone or video chat.
CHI Franciscan media relations manager, Scott Thompson, said this service is important to the growth of Franciscan’s healthcare services.
“The health care industry is changing – patients expect greater control over how they access their health care,” he said. “I believe that Virtual Urgent Care is going to set the standard for care in the future.”
A virtual urgent care visit costs $35 per visit.
This service is not covered by insurance but the cost is “about the same as a standard office visit and less expensive than going to the emergency department,” Thompson said in an email.
Prior to launching this service last year, Franciscan had been providing virtual urgent care to employees as part of their benefits package, according to CHI Franciscan Health’s website.
Then in July 2012, according to the website, “extended the service to provide after hour care to patients at primary care clinics.”
The feedback from employees, Thompson said, is what made Franciscan want to expand this service to the public.
Aside from users gaining easy access to medical care from home, the service also “lets patients decide how, when and where they access health care,” Thompson said.
Kathryn Crofts used the service three times since May. She said twice was for herself and once was for her daughter.
“I find it very convenient,” she said. “I have called on Memorial Day and while I was camping in August. It is just amazing how simple it is.”
Virtual care also helps the physicians because it “allows us to write prescriptions or provide treatment without tying up other resources,” Thompson said.
Physicians, he added, can also refer patients to see a physician for a follow-up if needed.
Crofts said if a physician recommends you visit an urgent care location, your money paid for the virtual care is refunded.
“It makes for a better experience for our patients and health care professionals alike,” he said.
Crofts also said, the virtual care physicians make follow up calls after the fact to check in.
“It is just an amazing service and I highly recommend Virtual Urgent Care,” she said.
On average, Thompson said, 200 patients are seen per month using virtual care.
And he only expects this number to grow.Thompson estimates that since the program launched “it has saved patients nearly $600,000 and almost 4,200 hours of their time.”
“It saved me time and money,” Crofts said. “I am surprised that everyone is not using virtual care.”
To receive virtual care, Thompson said, patients can sign up at franciscancarenow.org, fill out contact information along with their symptoms. Once they have done that, he said, a doctor of nurse practitioner with contact them.
