CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (Feb. 20, 2020) – Medical care on nights and weekends is now as close as a patient’s cell phone, tablet or computer. MercyCare Community Physicians is introducing video visits to provide after-hours healthcare to patients.
Video visits offer patients (ages 5 and older) access to a local MercyCare healthcare provider through Mercy’s MyChart mobile app. Essentially, patients connect with a provider in a live video chat to discuss their illness and symptoms. The service is available after clinic hours, from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 3 to 7 p.m. on weekends.
The video visits are available to patients with Iowa Wellmark insurance for non-emergency, acute care ̶ such as allergies, cough, fever, migraine, pink eye, rash, seasonal flu, sinus problems, stomachache and head lice. Providers can even send a prescription directly to a patient’s pharmacy. For those who don’t have Wellmark insurance, self-pay is also an option.
Patients should utilize a traditional clinic visit for care that requires a hands-on exam, labs or X-rays, chronic conditions, and sprains or broken bones that require bandaging.
“Video visits aren’t meant to replace every trip to the doctor’s office, but they are a good option after hours when our Urgent Care locations aren’t open,” said Greg DeWolf, vice president of clinic operations. “This gives our patients the ability to see a provider from the comfort of their home, office or wherever they may be to get better, quicker.”
For more information on MercyCare Urgent Care video visits and how to connect through the MyChart mobile app, go to www.mercycare.org/afterhours.
