Virtual Urgent Care—Talk with a Provider at Home
Virtual Urgent Care
Virtual Urgent Care is available
9 am—8:30pm
7 days a week
Virtual Urgent Care gets you the care you need, where and when you need it. You don't need an appointment—just a connection.
If you're sick and don't want to travel to a clinic, you and your family can receive care without leaving home using virtual urgent care. Speak with an urgent care provider online over a live video chat.
Starting a virtual urgent care visit is easy. You can start one from a:
- smartphone,
- tablet, or
- desktop computer.
What Is Virtual Urgent Care?
A virtual urgent care visit is an urgent care visit. Rather than going to a clinic to see a provider, the visit takes place in a live video/virtual visit. Appointments are available same day. During your virtual urgent care visit, the provider will help you understand your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
If you live in a rural area, can’t miss work, or just don't want to get out of your pajamas, receive care without leaving home.
What Do I Need?
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Computer with a camera and microphone
How Can I Start a Virtual Urgent Care Visit?
To start your virtual urgent care visit, login to MyChart and select schedule an appointment, or call 801-213-8669.
How Much Does It Cost?
Many insurance plans cover virtual visits. Patients are responsible for any part of the cost that insurance does not cover. If you have questions about cost, please contact your insurer. If you do not have insurance, you will be responsible for the total cost of the visit.
Will My Insurance Cover Virtual Urgent Care?
Some insurance companies do cover virtual urgent care visits, but we always recommend you check with your health insurance provider to be sure.
What Are the Most Common Conditions?
Virtual urgent care is only for conditions that aren't life-threatening.
Virtual Urgent Care Is Best For These:
- Possible COVID-19 symptoms
- Skin issues
- Eye infections
- Cough
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Urinary tract infections (women only)
- Other common illnesses
Virtual Urgent Care Is Not Good For These:
- Prescription refills
- Ear issues
- Possible strep throat*
- Conditions that require an extensive physical exam
- Depression, anxiety, or emotional distress
- Emergencies
- Children with possible strep throat or urinary symptoms
- Men with urinary symptoms
- Women with urinary symptoms that include vaginal discharge or blood in urine
*It is sometimes possible to treat adults who suspect they have strep in a virtual visit, though we may direct you to a clinic for further evaluation and/or testing.
Go to the Emergency Room if You Have
Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- broken bones
- severe abdominal pain
Urgent Care, Virtual Urgent Care, or Emergency Room
When an emergency strikes, make sure you know where to go for care. This checklist is a quick guide for common emergencies. If the situation is life threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room. (Download printable version of this chart.)
Can I Get a Prescription?
During your virtual urgent care visit, your provider can prescribe many medications for you. We will send any necessary prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. Your virtual urgent care provider will not be able to prescribe controlled substances and pain medication.
For regular medical refills, do not use virtual urgent care. Depending on your situation, your virtual urgent care provider may not be able to prescribe medications you get from your regular provider for chronic/long-term conditions.
Who Will Treat Me?
Urgent care providers from University of Utah Health will see you during your virtual urgent care visit. Our skilled care team includes the following providers:
- Doctors
- Physician assistants
- Nurse practitioners
Can I See My Regular Doctor During a Virtual Urgent Care Visit?
If you would like a virtual visit appointment with your primary care provider, schedule an appointment with them in MyChart or call their office. A virtual visit appointment is an option for many (but not all) primary care visits.
Can I Use Virtual Urgent Care for My Kids?
Virtual urgent care is available for children of any age. A parent or guardian must be present during a child's virtual urgent care visit and also must consent to treatment, just like during an in-person appointment.
Can I Use Virtual Urgent Care When I'm Out of Town or On Vacation?
Our providers are licensed in the state of Utah. This means that to receive treatment, you must be in Utah at the time of your visit.
