At Vera, we want to make it easy for you to get the care you need. Like in-person appointments, virtual visits are an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with your provider. Unlike an in-person appointment, virtual visits can happen almost anywhere.

You may have questions about virtual visits, especially if you haven’t tried one before. We’re here to answer those questions so you can feel comfortable and confident about your next visit with your provider.

What is a virtual visit?

A virtual visit is an opportunity for members like you to connect with providers via video or phone. Your Vera care team can meet you wherever you are — whether you’re at home or in a private area at your place of employment. Virtual visits allow you to speak to someone on your care team without having to worry about the time and cost of traveling to a care center.

A virtual visit could be a portion of your annual wellness visit, an appointment about a medical issue, or a conversation with your Vera whole health coach. We’ll take time to make sure you’re comfortable with the remote technology and also to talk through what’s going on in your life. You can expect the same in-depth connection with your provider from a virtual visit that you experience at your care center.

If needed, we’ll schedule an in-person follow-up visit for any testing. For example, you might come into your care center for a blood test or take a “curbside” test for influenza or COVID-19.

As we have continued to limit our social contact during COVID-19, it’s possible that you’ve been postponing in-person visits to your care center. That’s another reason why virtual visits are so important. You shouldn’t put your healthcare on hold, especially during a pandemic. Regular health check-ins, screenings, and treatment of chronic disease is still incredibly important. 

The process for scheduling a virtual visit is exactly the same as an in-person appointment. When you call your care center to schedule your visit, you’ll have the option to choose a virtual or an in-person appointment.

Virtual health coaching

Virtual visits can also be a helpful way of connecting with your care team to talk about  stress, anxiety, and changes in your daily life. That connection is especially important during a pandemic that has changed how you experience the world. We’re here to listen and to help you decrease your stress and anxiety with strategies for self-care.

Vera’s whole health coaches have already been connecting with members via phone for several years. Now that video visits are available, you can have a face-to-face conversation with your health coach — just like you would in a care center environment. We’re here for you.

How to make the most of your virtual visit

Here are some simple things you can do to prepare for your virtual visit and have the best experience possible:

1. Be open to the concept of a virtual visit

Your first virtual visit might feel a little different than an in-person appointment, but remember that you can still connect with your care team the same way you would in person. For example, if you’re experiencing ankle pain, your provider might ask you to show your ankle on screen during a virtual visit.

One simple way to get more comfortable with a virtual visit is to turn off the option to see yourself on screen. That way, your visit will feel more like a face-to-face  conversation with your provider and less like you’re watching yourself.

2. Make sure you are in a private space

A virtual visit is just like an in-person appointment with your provider: you deserve the same level of privacy you’d expect at your care center. Your provider will always be in a private space where your conversation won’t be overheard, and it’s a good idea for you to do the same. It’s the best way to protect your privacy and make sure you can focus on the visit itself.

Many of us are getting used to multitasking during COVID-19 as we juggle remote work, remote school, and other priorities. But your health is important, and it’s worth setting aside time for a private and focused conversation with your care team.

3. Give yourself a little extra time to prepare

Before your first virtual visit, give yourself some time to set up the connection, especially if it’s a video call. We’ll provide you with clear instructions to follow, but it’s a good idea to give yourself a few extra minutes to get comfortable with the technology. And remember that, if you’d like help, you can always call your care center for support. They’ll be able to walk you through the connection process step by step.

Vera is here to help, no matter where you are

Virtual visits may feel a little bit different than an in-person appointment, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. It’s simple to schedule your first virtual visit. And once you do, you’ll be able to connect with your care team more easily than ever before.

Call your care center to schedule a virtual visit today!