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Illnesses and schedules don’t seem to mix. So when symptoms need to be checked, Intermountain Healthcare’s Connect Care telehealth service has providers that can video chat with you 24 hours a day seven days a week over your phone, tablet, or computer.
If the telehealth visit requires you to be seen in person, they can help you schedule that visit on the same call. Here are just five major ailments with which the telehealth providers can help.
Coughs and Sore Throats
A cough can be a symptom of many possible illnesses ranging from viral bronchitis or post-nasal drip to major issues such as pneumonia. Providers can do an evaluation of your symptoms to help determine how serious the cough is and whether a further in-person evaluation is necessary.
For minor causes of coughs, such as bronchitis, providers can discuss ways to treat symptoms while you recover. Many patients worry that they need antibiotics to treat bronchitis. In fact, bronchitis is almost always caused by a viral infection, so antibiotics provide no benefit, but can lead to negative consequences such antibiotic resistance and other side effects.
Many people with sore throat symptoms are concerned about the possibility of strep throat. Yet most sore throats are from a virus and also don’t need antibiotics. Telehealth providers can refer to an in-person visit to help determine the steps for treatment.
Sinus Pain and Pressure
Providers can do a thorough evaluation in most cases of sinus pain and pressure. They can discuss your symptoms and treatment options, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Whether your symptoms are caused by an allergy, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection, Connect Care can provide a fast and effective evaluation of your sinus problems.
Eye Infections
A red eye can be caused by numerous issues ranging from allergies to infections and from minor to serious problems. A Connect Care provider can discuss your symptoms, conduct a visual examination of the eye, and offer treatment based on the diagnosis.
Rashes
A Connect Care visit is a great way to be evaluated for minor skin issues such as burns, rashes, or infections. After asking you questions to eliminate serious causes of your skin issue, your provider can view the affected area, make a diagnosis, and offer treatment. Using the camera on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can take a picture of your skin problem and send it to the provider prior to the visit (preferred) or you can show the area to the provider during the video visit.
Urinary Pain
Depending on your age and gender, a provider may be able to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and prescribe an antibiotic.
For adult women, if you are experiencing fever, mid-back pain, or other alarming symptoms, or you have a history of antibiotic-resistant infections, a telehealth provider may recommend an in-person evaluation to determine if it’s a kidney infection.
The cost of a Connect Care visit is a flat $49 fee and some insurances will even help with that cost. For more information on Connect Care, visit IntermountainConnectCare.org.
