On demand virtual care: Telehealth video brings health care help anywhere you need it

Christina Vanderpool
·2 min read

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care was forced to solve problems that had never been faced before. One of those was figuring out how to care for patients despite closed offices and staffing shortages. Routine care and care for acute illness, other than COVID, was still needed. One solution to this dilemma throughout the University Hospitals System was utilizing the technology created to provide telehealth services.

Telehealth is a video appointment with a health care provider. It can be with a primary care provider, a specialist, an urgent care provider, even with rehab services for physical therapy. There also is an “on demand care option” throughout the University Hospitals System. Telehealth was designed to provide access to care for patients who cannot leave their home for an appointment. Telehealth also is used in the hospitals when a specialty referral is needed but a provider is not available at the facility. Specialty providers like neurologists, dermatologist, and cardiologists can see patients via telehealth.

There are a few requirements for telehealth care. You need to have a computer with a camera and microphone or a smart phone with video capability. You must have internet access and an updated internet browser like google chrome. You must have a MyChart account with University Hospitals.

Christina Vanderpool
Christina Vanderpool

What is MyChart, exactly?

It is secure online access to your personal medical records that lets you manage your health through your smart phone, computer, or mobile app. With my chart you can do the following:

  • Schedule medical appointments

  • Request medication refills

  • View your test results, prescribed medications, allergies and more

  • Message your health care provider

  • Pay a bill

  • Check in to an appointment online

  • Request virtual on demand care

General tele-health appointments with primary care providers or specialists are typically scheduled in advance, like in person appointments. However, at times there are care concerns that need to be addressed right away. This is where University Hospitals’ virtual care on demand can be used.

What is on demand care? On demand care are virtual appointments with healthcare providers for you and your family to address minor medical conditions that require urgent treatment. These appointments can be done from home, work, or anywhere you may be in Ohio.

What are the benefits of virtual on demand care? 

  • Real time video conference with UH providers

  • Treatment for mild/moderate  medical issues

  • Care for the entire family (children 1 year and older)

  • Available 7 days a week 7 a.m. -11 p.m.

  • 65$ or less per visit

  • Access to your personal health record

What are the requirements for virtual on demand care?

  • Computer, tablet, or smart phone

  • High speed internet

  • Must be located in Ohio

  • Have a UH MyChart Account

What are some conditions or illnesses that can be treated via virtual on demand care? 

  • Allergies

  • Colds/flu

  • Headaches

  • Coughs

  • Sinus pain

  • Rashes/ skin conditions

  • Pink eye

To get started and access UH On Demand Virtual Care visit UHhospitals.org/OnDemandVirtualCare.

Christina Vanderpool is the community outreach and communications and development specialist at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Get set up for telehealth care through MyChart; here are steps to take