After-hours virtual visits can be an easy, convenient alternative to urgent care. Learn how.

Your toddler spikes a fever after you pick them up from daycare. You have a positive COVID-19 test result on the weekend. What was a mild headache gets worse when you get home from work.

You often need to consult a doctor when their office is closed. While you might think an urgent care is your best bet, there’s another great option: telehealth.

Sometimes called telemedicine or virtual care, telehealth is the use of technology, usually video or phone calls, to allow you to see a doctor without going into their office.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of telehealth versus urgent care when you need non-emergency medical care after hours.

Want to skip the waiting room? A telehealth membership provides care for general medicine, behavioral health and dermatology.

What are the pros of telehealth?

Telehealth has a number of benefits, especially if you’re using it for non-emergency health issues, like cold or flu symptoms, or a rash.

These can include:

• Depending on your insurance, telehealth service or provider, you may not have to wait to see a provider.
• If you have mobility challenges, it’s easier to have a video or phone call with a doctor than it is to travel to a doctor’s office.
• You typically have access to a provider 24/7.
• You don’t have to spend time in a waiting room, where you could potentially be exposed to other people’s germs.
• You don’t have to spend time driving or taking public transportation to and from a doctor’s office.
• You can talk to a provider in the comfort of your own home — and even do it from bed, if you don’t feel well enough to get up.

By talking to a provider right away, you can also feel better about your situation. They still might want to see you in person — or recommend you go to an urgent care or the emergency room (ER). They might also let you know that it’s OK to see them during regular office hours.

One of the nicest benefits: Telehealth is often less expensive than urgent care and may even be less expensive than an in-person visit. That’ll depend on the provider and your health insurance coverage.

What are the cons of telehealth?

Telehealth is great for minor medical situations. But here are some reasons why it may not be the best option:

• If your condition requires a hands-on, in-person exam, you may need to go to an urgent care or the ER when it’s after hours.
• If you’re dealing with an emergency medical situation, like shortness of breath or heavy bleeding, it’s a good idea to seek emergency medical care immediately.
• You’re not comfortable with the technology needed for a video call. A video call may require:
• A computer, smartphone or tablet
• An internet connection
• Downloading an app or accessing a secure web portal

Technical problems may occur. You may need to understand technical instructions — or have a friend or family member around to help you troubleshoot.

What types of conditions might be treatable via telehealth?

As we noted above, telehealth is great for non-emergency medical situations. It’s especially a great alternative to urgent care if your condition doesn’t need in-person, hands-on care.
During virtual visits, doctors can diagnose, recommend treatment for and prescribe medications for conditions like:

• Cold or flu symptoms
• Congestion or sinus pain
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Rashes
• Infections such as pink eye or strep throat
• Minor aches and pains
• Mental healthcare
• Urinary tract infections

What are the pros of visiting an urgent care?

In some cases, it might be a better idea for you to go to an urgent care. Here are some reasons you may want to choose an urgent care over telehealth:

• You can get same-day, in-person care when you can’t get an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP).
• You can get walk-in care for illnesses and injuries that require a hands-on exam.
• If necessary, you can get medical equipment, like a brace or crutches, immediately.
• Like telehealth, urgent care centers are typically open on evenings and weekends. Some facilities may even be open 24/7. So they’re great if you need in-person care at odd hours.
• Some providers will allow you to make appointments or check in online and reserve a spot. That’ll get you in even quicker than you might expect.
• Even though it may not be as affordable as telehealth, going to an urgent care is less expensive than visiting the ER.

Enter your zip code to find the virtual care options available in your area.

What are the cons of visiting an urgent care?

It may not always be a good idea to go to an urgent care when you’re not feeling your best. Here are some reasons why you may want to choose a different option:

• In some cases, you may not be able to make a set appointment at an urgent care. Many are often first-come, first-served, so there may be a long wait if that location is busy.
• You have to go in person, so you’ll have to get there, whether it be by car or public transportation. A friend or family member might also have to drive you, depending on your condition.
• You typically will spend time in a waiting room, where you could be exposed to other people’s germs.
• Urgent cares may not be open 24/7. You’ll want to check their website or call the location first.
• Urgent cares are typically more expensive than telehealth or a regular doctor’s office visit — but they’re less expensive than going to the ER.

What types of conditions may be treated at an urgent care?

An urgent care may treat all the same conditions that may be treated with telehealth, plus conditions that may require hands-on examinations and care. Consider urgent care for non-life-threatening medical conditions such as:

• Cuts that may need stitches
• Earache
• Minor burns
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Severe sore throat that could be strep throat
• Minor allergic reactions

When should I go to the emergency room?

While telehealth and urgent care may be great for some health issues, they may not be the right choice for others. For serious health situations, it’s a good idea to immediately call 911 or go to an ER. They’ll be open 24/7 and can address severe and complex medical issues, like heart attacks, strokes and traumatic injuries.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you’ll want to seek emergency medical attention right away:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe injuries, such as head injuries
• Heavy bleeding
• Major burns with blisters
• Mental health crisis (like being suicidal)
• Poisoning
• Severe abdominal pain
• Slurred speech

Have a busy schedule? Learn how virtual care could be a more convenient option. You can also call a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730 for more information.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic. “What to Expect When You Sign on for Telemedicine.” July 30, 2024. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/telemedicine-what-to-expect-virtual-doctor-visit

Indiana University Health. “Four Conditions You Didn’t Know Could Be Treated With a Virtual Visit.” September 20, 2023. Retrieved from: https://iuhealth.org/thrive/four-conditions-you-didnt-know-could-be-treated-with-a-virtual-visit

UC Davis Health. “Should You Go to the Emergency Room (ER), Urgent Care or Doctor’s Office?” July 5, 2023. Retrieved from https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/should-you-go-to-the-emergency-room-urgent-care-or-doctors-office/2023/07

Compliance code:
51899-X-0125