The advent of the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) and the ensuing lockdown have significantly impacted the nature of demand for medical services worldwide. As a result of high demands for services, limited resources, and safety concerns, the traditional medical model associated with appointment-based clinics are often impractical in a community setting.
Many medical facilities are now gravitating towards a more practical approach — telemedicine. It has become effective in maintaining and resuming essential medical services without compromising safety. Patients can now receive medical assistance via an audio-visual medium. With live video conferencing, they can interact with a doctor in a more comfortable environment and get answers to medical problems.
A virtual visit can also be a useful tool for getting a second opinion, monitoring chronic diseases, and catching any emergent issues that may occur. In spite of this, not everyone is familiar with its functioning, hence why this guide is available.
What is a Virtual Walk-in Medical Clinic?
In recent years, more and more patients are opting for virtual medical clinics. In contrast to a walk-in clinic, which relies on the presence of the patient to provide care, a virtual clinic operates without an appointment (although this is optional) and allows patients to access the site at their own convenience. It works similarly to a walk-in clinic, but it is usually much easier and doesn’t require an appointment, but a simple login.
What Health Issues Do Virtual Medical Clinics Address?
Sites providing clinical services or health care are able to help patients from remote areas when they need emergency medical care. The range of conditions such clinics can handle is extensive, howbeit often minor. They include:
- Coughs
- Burns
- Stings and bites
- Allergic reactions
- Skin problems, including rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Cuts and scrapes
- Sprains and strains
- Sore throat
- Asthma
- Other health issues
There is a good chance that the attendant at a walk-in clinic will need to take a patient’s medical history before a diagnosis can be made, so the individual must be prepared before the first appointment. Some sites also provide the option to order medical tests.
How Do Walk-in Clinics Work?
Most clinics that employ virtual technology offer appointments that can be scheduled at a date and time of the patient’s choosing. They are usually online and they provide the opportunity for the patient to send questions to the doctor before the visit. The process of connecting with a medical practitioner is simple.
Create an Account
Clinic websites usually ask patients to create an account before accessing the medical site. On most of these sites, the registration process is the only step that the patient needs to complete. Once created, the account can be used across multiple services.
A patient will need a username and password to create an account. The convenience allows users to log in whenever they need additional medical assistance. Once the patient has completed the login process, the virtual appointment can begin.
Describe Symptoms
Walk-in clinics typically ask patients to complete a free medical history questionnaire before a virtual appointment. To expedite the process, many clinics have set up the forms on the patient’s computer to fill out before the patient arrives. The clinic’s site may allow the patient to also use a medical screener to better understand their condition.
The patient’s medical history can be helpful during the appointment. A practitioner can use it to determine if further evaluation is necessary or if a prescription should be issued.
Schedule an Appointment
During this phase, the patient can view the doctor’s next availability. They can select the time they wish to schedule the appointment. Clinics use optional reminders that patients can set. Additionally, they can always check the clinic’s calendar to confirm an appointment is available.
Connect with the Doctor
When an appointment is scheduled, a patient and the physician can communicate in real-time using videoconferencing technology. The technology allows both parties to see, hear, and speak to each other. For patients, this means they can communicate with the physician without having to leave their homes.
It is possible for the patient to explain their symptoms to the doctor and to see if a medication is available. The latter may ask additional questions to determine if a diagnosis is necessary, especially after reviewing the patient’s medical history.
If a diagnosis is confirmed, a provider can treat the patient during the appointment. In a walk-in clinic, this may include the ability to prescribe medication, perform lab tests, order an X-ray, and/or schedule a follow-up appointment.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Walk-in Medical Appointment
As a first step, clinicians must possess specific skills and qualifications to provide patients with high-quality care. Knowing if a doctor is board-certified in a specific field is crucial, as is knowledge of the ailment the professional is treating. If this factor checks out, the patient can prepare for an appointment by following these steps.
Fill Out All Necessary Paperwork
The patient can make sure they have all the proper forms to complete the walk-in medical appointment process. A patient may also complete certain forms ahead of time. It is usually the patient’s responsibility to keep a record of previous appointments and insurance information. However, as a first step, a provider can usually see if this information is available. If it is not, the clinician may need to request it.
Stay Up-to-Date with the Insurance Provider
For effective treatment and quality care, patients may want to keep their doctors up-to-date with their insurance status. It is important for providers to know if the insurance plan allows them to request additional tests, and the information on payment is readily available to them. Patients may want to confirm this information beforehand, which they can find on the provider’s website or via the initial consultation.
Prepare for the Virtual Appointment
Patients should take their virtual walk-in medical appointment as serious as they would a traditional one. In addition to noting their medical history and conditions in detail, they should be prepared to answer any questions the provider may have. This is especially important if the patient has a chronic condition or is dealing with an emergency.
Conclusion
Virtual medical clinics are an effective tool for providing essential medical services to patients who may not be able to access traditional clinics. In particular, these sites are convenient for patients in need of immediate care and they can reduce wait times associated with traditional hospitals.