Minor illnesses and injuries can occur at some of the most inconvenient times.
That’s why OSF HealthCare is offering a new digital-first option for patients who need urgent care that doesn’t require a trip to the emergency department.
OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group in Escanaba is now offering OSF OnCall Urgent Care for individuals to connect virtually to a medical provider using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The OSF OnCall Urgent Care virtual care option will be available 24/7 every day, including weekends and holidays for treatment of a variety of routine symptoms such as cough, runny nose, rashes, pink eye or a urinary tract infection, among others.
President Kelly Jefferson says, “Consumers in our area want health care options that provide the same conveniences as other industries such as banking or air travel, so OSF HealthCare is offering lower-cost and easy virtual urgent care options. A recent poll showed an overwhelming majority of adults in the U.S. (85%) are expecting to travel this summer, and we believe virtual urgent care is a great choice for someone who realizes last-minute they need medication before they leave for that vacation or when their child gets a bug bite or minor injury at a campsite.”
“OSF is excited to meet patients where they are and deliver care how and when they want it.”
-Kelly Jefferson, president, OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group
To consult virtually with an OSF HealthCare provider, OSF OnCall has two options to connect.
Individuals who want to virtually access OSF OnCall Urgent Care can select an online interview (taking between 5-15 minutes) where they’re asked a series of questions about symptoms and how they’re feeling. Their information will be reviewed within an hour. Using a chat feature, additional information could be requested before an OSF HealthCare provider offers a treatment plan.
The second option is for a video visit (lasting between 15-25 minutes). This allows for a face-to-face conversation with an OSF provider who will have access to an individual’s medical record.
Whether a person has a video visit or an online interview, if they need a prescription for treatment, it will be sent to the pharmacy of their choice. There are some urgent care conditions that can’t be handled through digital options and if a provider determines someone needs in-person care, the cost of the visit will be re-funded and they’ll receive a message directing them to the nearest walk-in clinic.
- The cost of an online interview is $25 and a video visit is $50. OSF OnCall Urgent Care accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance with future plans to expand to Upper Peninsula Health Plan. Medicare patients are welcome to use an OSF OnCall Urgent Care option, however the visit is not currently reimbursed.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency or symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe abdominal pain should go directly to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1.
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