Scripps Video Visits Provide Care on Your Schedule
Virtual care for your convenience for minor illnesses and injuries
Virtual care for your convenience for minor illnesses and injuries
When you’re not feeling well or have a question about your health, it’s often best to see your medical provider — but sometimes that may be easier said than done.
Scripps HealthExpress Video Visits are a convenient option for you to get care for minor illnesses and injuries when and where you need it. If you have the sniffles or allergy symptoms and want to stay curled up in bed, or need a prescription refilled, a Scripps Video Visit can help.
Video Visits let you see a Scripps health care provider virtually anywhere. You can choose to see a provider immediately or schedule a visit up to 24 hours in advance through the MyScripps online secure and private health portal.
“A Video Visit is a great option if you have a minor condition or injury,” says David Wetherhold, MD, Scripps chief medical information officer for ambulatory care.
What to expect during a Video Visit
Once you’re connected to a provider, your “virtual visit” will take about 10 to 15 minutes. Your provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Because you can see each other, video visits also allow you to share visuals — for example, you can show the provider a skin rash or eye infection, or find out if a swollen ankle needs to be X-rayed. Other common concerns include urinary tract infections, insect bites, minor burns and allergies.
If you have a contagious illness like the flu or a respiratory infection, or have concerns that you may be infected with COVID-19, being able to see someone online can benefit everyone. You don’t have to leave home when you’re feeling poorly, and you don’t risk spreading the infection to others.
Your provider will offer treatment recommendations and, if necessary, send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy or order lab tests for you. You may also schedule a Video Visit to have non-narcotic prescriptions refilled.
When are Video Visits appropriate?
While video visits have several advantages, they’re not right for every concern.
“A Video Visit can be an excellent option for minor illnesses and injuries that don’t require a physical exam in person, but they’re not always appropriate,” says Dr. Wetherhold. “We can’t listen to your lungs for instance with a Video Visit. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend that you see your primary care doctor or visit a walk-in clinic or urgent care.”
Of course, if you’re severely ill or injured, you should go to an emergency room. If your condition is life-threatening, call 911.
Video visits hours and payment
Scripps Video Visits are available:
- Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm
- Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
You will need a credit or debit card to schedule a visit, but if your Video Visit cannot be completed for any reason, you will not be charged. Video Visits may cost up to $49, depending on your health insurance.
How to get started
To start the process, go to Video Visit and follow the instructions. You can also access Video Visits from your MyScripps health portal by choosing On-Demand Video Visit from the Quick Links menu on the right. If you don’t have a MyScripps account, sign up now.
Video Visits are available only when you are in California.
For more information and a full list of symptoms and conditions for Video Visits, see Scripps Video Visits.