Virtual care visits are a quick and easy way to get care for some common conditions such as allergies, cold or flu, pink eye, and sinus infections that can be safely diagnosed without a physical examination. Through your computer, you can connect with a provider to get a diagnosis and treatment, and even a prescription when you need one.
With a virtual care visit, you:
- Save time by avoiding a trip to the doctor’s office
- Initiate the visit when it works for you – you don’t need an appointment
- Get care when you need it – visits are often available after clinic hours, sometimes even 24/7
- Save money - a virtual care visit costs less than a regular visit to the doctor's office
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How Virtual Care Is Paid
Your University medical plan covers virtual care visits with providers that are in your plan’s network. Unless otherwise noted, your costs for a virtual care visit are the same as for a walk-in convenience care clinic, which would be $15 or $20, depending on your plan, or applied to your deductible if your plan is Medica HSA. Medica National Choice members living in other states who seek virtual care from an in-network provider will have the service paid at the virtual care benefit level.
If the clinician determines that the condition is not appropriate for a virtual care visit, you will be guided to the nearest urgent care facility or advised to seek care with your primary care provider, and you would not be charged.
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Your Plan’s Virtual Care Options
You can access virtual care through providers in your plan’s network. Go online to Medica's website and click on Find a Physician or Facility, select your plan and choose Virtual Care Providers. Your options may include:
- Amwell is a 24/7 online clinic available in every state. Amwell can be accessed from a mobile device – including smartphones and tablets – or a desktop computer for a video visit with a board-certified doctor who will review your history, answer questions, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication (if needed).
- Amwell also offers behavioral health care services including therapy and psychiatry. Eligible behavioral health services are covered as an office visit with a primary care copay.
- virtuwell® is a 24/7 online clinic available in select states for treatment of common medical conditions. You have an online visit with a certified nurse practitioner who will review your case and write a personalized treatment plan. It is in-network for members of all plans except VantagePlus and Altru with Medica.Â
- eVisits is a virtual care service for members in VantagePlus with Medica (featuring providers from M Health Fairview). Choose “Next Available Provider” in the dropdown menu and the average response time is less than one hour.
- Your clinic — check to see if virtual care is offered and learn how you can connect with your provider online or by e-visit
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Medica CallLink 24/7 Nurse Line
When you need help making decisions about your health or the health of a family member, consider a call to Medica CallLink. You'll be connected to an experienced nurse or health care advisor for information and advice about general health issues, self-care for minor injuries or illnesses. or finding a new provider. CallLink is open 24 hours a day. The toll-free number is on the back of your medical plan member ID card.