How do virtual doctor visits work? Getting convenient care from home

Virtual doctor visits make it easier than ever to get the care you need without leaving home. Whether it’s a routine check-in, a follow-up appointment or a non-urgent health concern, you can connect directly with a healthcare provider.

With convenient scheduling and 24/7 access, virtual doctor visits provide a flexible way to stay on top of your health. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a virtual doctor visit?

A virtual doctor visit is similar to a traditional in-person appointment, but it happens entirely online using your smartphone, tablet or computer. During a virtual doctor visit, you can speak directly with a healthcare provider one-on-one and receive trusted medical advice and guidance—without ever leaving your home.

Many primary care physicians and specialists offer virtual doctor visits as a convenient option for their patients. These virtual doctor visits are convenient for routine check-ins, follow-up care and non-emergency health concerns.

Virtual doctor visits also available through our 24/7 Care options, providing access to a qualified provider for more urgent issues or during times when your regular doctor is not available.

How virtual doctor visits work in MyBSWHealth

Scheduling a virtual doctor visit is easy with MyBSWHealth. You can book an appointment directly in MyBSWHealth by following these steps:

1. Log in to your MyBSWHealth account through the app or website. If you don’t have one, you can sign up today.
2. Click the Schedule & Search button.
3. Select Schedule Now.
4. Click Video Visit.
5. Choose between My Doctor, Local Doctor or 24/7 Care tabs to select which provider you’d like to see, along with your preferred date and time.

What can I use a virtual doctor visit for?

A virtual doctor visit is a great option for symptoms or concerns that don’t require a physical exam. It can be a convenient way to keep up with routine or follow-up appointments with your primary care physician or specialists that you see regularly.

During a virtual doctor visit, you can also discuss prescription refills and get answers to questions about ongoing care.

Here’s what you can use a virtual doctor visit for:

• Addressing health concerns that don’t require a physical exam
• Discussing symptoms
• Managing chronic conditions
• Discussing prescriptions and refills
• Getting answers to questions about ongoing care

How to have a virtual doctor visit

Preparing for your virtual doctor visit can help ensure everything goes smoothly and you get the most out of your appointment. With a little planning, you can avoid technical issues, stay organized and make sure your provider has all the information they need.

Here are some helpful tips to set your appointment up for success:

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area where interruptions are unlikely.
• Sign in to your MyBSWHealth app or account at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
• Make sure your device is charged ahead of time.
• Gather any information on symptoms or medications that may be helpful to refer to during your visit.
• Finish the eCheck-In process if you haven’t done so yet.
• Find your upcoming appointment on the dashboard and select the Launch Video Visit button.
• For appointments involving a minor, remember that a parent or guardian must be present.
• Stay in one place during the visit—avoid walking around or being in a moving vehicle.

Understanding your virtual care options

Virtual doctor visits are just one of the convenient ways you can get care from the comfort of home. When you need support after hours—whether it’s the middle of the night or over the weekend—our 24/7 care options are here for you:

• 24/7 eVisit: Complete a short questionnaire and get a treatment plan within one hour—no appointment needed.
• 24/7 video visit: Speak to an on-call provider at your convenience using any camera-enabled device, anytime.

It’s also important to know that virtual care is only a good option for minor concerns, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Allergies and sinus issues
• Stomach problems
• Skin and nail concerns
• Headache

For more serious concerns or questions that require a physical exam, schedule an in-person appointment or find an urgent care location near you.

Virtual care options are not appropriate for emergencies. Call 911 if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, such as an overdose, stroke or symptoms that require immediate attention, including chest pain, seizures and difficulty breathing.

Get started with virtual care

Virtual doctor visits are a simple, convenient way to access care from home and stay connected to your healthcare team. From routine check-ins to after-hours support, virtual care puts trusted medical guidance right at your fingertips.

Download the MyBSWHealth app or explore all your virtual care options today.