Short answer: Often yes, but it depends on the practice. Many direct primary care (DPC) doctors let members reach them by phone, text or email, and some offer video visits. Each practice sets its own rules, so ask which kinds of visits are included. For a life-threatening problem, call 911.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) describes telehealth as connecting with your health care provider online. HHS says telehealth can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions. For a primary care office, that might mean a question about a medicine, a rash you can show on camera, or a quick check on how you are feeling.
Direct primary care is a membership model. You pay a monthly fee to a doctor's office instead of the office billing insurance for each visit. familydoctor.org, the patient website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, says DPC patients can reach their doctor by text, phone or email. It lists texting and same-day appointments among the special services some practices offer.
The American Academy of Family Physicians says the membership fee covers all or most primary care services. The pages we read do not say whether every practice includes video visits, so please do not assume. Ask the practice to tell you exactly what the fee covers.
Cost works differently in insurance-based telehealth. HHS says the cost of a telehealth appointment depends on your insurance status and coverage. With a DPC membership, the fee you pay the practice is what decides it, so ask whether virtual visits cost extra.
Some problems need hands-on care. familydoctor.org says DPC doctors can do things like an EKG (a test that records your heart's electrical signals), stitches for cuts and skin biopsies. Those need a visit to the office. Ask the practice which problems it will handle by video and when it will ask you to come in.
Chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, fainting, a severe allergic reaction or a seizure that does not stop are emergencies. Call 911. Do not book a video visit. A membership doctor is for urgent but non-emergency questions.
HHS says that for most telehealth visits you need internet and a device such as a smartphone, computer or tablet. Ask the practice which app or website it uses and whether a phone call is available if your video does not work.
You can find a direct-pay doctor near you and compare how each office handles virtual care. You can also see what direct primary care costs in each state. To learn the basics, read what direct primary care is.
HHS says that for most telehealth visits you need internet and a device like a smartphone, computer or tablet.
The sources we read do not say. Ask the practice whether phone, text and video contact are part of the monthly fee.
No. For chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke or other emergencies, call 911.
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