If you've never done a virtual doctor visit, you probably have questions. Is it awkward? Can a provider really help you through a screen? What happens if you need a prescription? These are fair things to wonder about, and I hear them from patients all the time.
I'm a nurse practitioner, and I've done thousands of these visits. Here's the honest version of what to expect — including what telehealth can't do, so you can decide if it's the right fit for what's going on.
Before the Visit: Getting Set Up
At Medcare Telehealth, you start by signing up for a membership — $29 a month for an individual or $49 for a family plan that covers four visits. No insurance required, and no surprise bills later. That's the whole point of self-pay: you know the cost upfront.
Once you're a member, you request a visit through your account. Most people connect with a board-certified nurse practitioner in about 10 minutes. We're available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time, and our providers are licensed in New York and Florida.
You'll want a few things nearby:
- A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection
- Your current medication list, including doses
- Any relevant health history — recent diagnoses, surgeries, allergies
- A thermometer or blood pressure cuff if you have one
Find a quiet, private spot. A parked car works fine if that's what you've got. We just need to be able to hear each other and talk freely.
During the Visit: What Actually Happens
Your visit starts like any other appointment. The provider asks what's going on, how long it's been happening, and what you've already tried. From there, we ask follow-up questions — sometimes more than you'd expect, because we can't physically examine you.
That's the big difference with telehealth. I can look at a rash on camera, watch how you move, listen to your breathing, and observe a lot. What I can't do is press on your abdomen, look in your ears, or listen to your heart with a stethoscope. So I rely more on your description, and I may ask you to do things like shine a light in your throat or take a deep breath while I watch.
Many common concerns work well for virtual care:
- Colds, flu, sinus infections, and sore throats
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin issues like rashes, acne, or minor infections
- Refills for ongoing medications
- Minor injuries and sprains
- Mental health concerns and stress
Other things genuinely need in-person care. Chest pain, severe abdominal pain, significant injuries, and anything requiring imaging or lab work usually can't be handled over video. A good telehealth provider will tell you that directly and point you where to go. That's not a failure of the visit — it's the visit working correctly.
After the Visit: Prescriptions and Follow-Up
If you need a prescription, your provider can often send it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice during or right after the visit. Some medications — including certain controlled substances — can't be prescribed via telehealth due to federal and state rules. Your provider will let you know if that applies to you.
You'll typically get a summary of what was discussed and any instructions. If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, you can reach out again. Sometimes that means another virtual visit; sometimes it means we'll recommend you see someone in person. Either way, you shouldn't feel like you're on your own after the call ends.
Before You Start
Before you request your visit, take two minutes to get organized. Have your medication list, doses, and any relevant health history within reach — it makes the visit smoother and helps your provider give you better answers. Write down your top two or three questions if you tend to forget them once the camera turns on.
And one important note: telehealth is not for emergencies. If you're experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke, or anything else that may be a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Don't wait for a virtual appointment.
The Bottom Line
A virtual doctor visit is a real medical appointment. You'll talk to a licensed provider, get real advice, and often walk away with a treatment plan or prescription. It's convenient, it's affordable, and for many everyday health concerns, it works well.
It's also not a replacement for everything. Knowing the difference is part of using it wisely. If you're ready to try it, sign up here — and if you're not sure whether your concern is a good fit, that's a perfectly good question to ask at the start of your visit.