These brief communication services allow you to talk to your health care providers using real-time audio or real-time audio-video communication technology (like your phone or a computer) without going to the doctor’s office. During a virtual check-in, your provider provider will decide if you need an office visit or another service. They can:
- Conduct remote assessments using photo or video images you send to decide if you need to go to the doctor's office.
- Respond to you using a phone, virtual delivery, secure text message, email, or a patient portal.
Virtual check-ins are different from an e-visit because they're usually 10 minutes or less and happen in real time. An e-visit is a non-face-to-face communication that usually happens through an online patient portal.