What Is Virtual Primary Care?

Virtual primary care is a way to visit a primary care physician through home-based telemedicine. Virtual primary care reduces barriers in access to preventative care for those with transportation challenges or lack of insurance. 

Mira offers an affordable option for access to virtual primary care. Copays for virtual care with Mira are just $25, with monthly memberships averaging between $25 to $60. Members can access virtual or in-person urgent care, telebehavioral health, virtual primary care, and significant discounts on prescriptions and lab screenings. Join today!

What Is Virtual Primary Care?

Virtual primary care has emerged as a solution for bringing healthcare closer to home and a way to close the gap in a growing primary care doctor shortage. Patients can visit doctors and build relationships with their providers over the phone or computer to maintain their health easily and efficiently. 

With regular primary care, providers can identify health problems early on and intervene before serious and costly issues arise. A Harvard study found that one in five Americans delayed healthcare during the pandemic, resulting in 57 percent adverse health consequences. Virtual primary care also saves considerable out-of-office time. The average office visit takes about 121 minutes, including drive time, yet a telehealth visit averages 20 minutes and can be completed outside regular business hours.

Primary care providers play an essential role in helping patients manage chronic diseases and improve health outcomes. Primary care is considered primary prevention and can help reduce healthcare expenditures. A study found that every $1 spent toward primary care yielded $13 in savings, concerning fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

When To Use Virtual Primary Care

Virtual primary care is a form of telemedicine that can be used for a wide variety of health services. Virtual care can be used for minor and chronic medical conditions and managing mental health concerns. Virtual care is not recommended for emergency treatment.

Here’s a short list of common conditions a primary care doctor may treat via telemedicine:

• Allergies
• Arthritic Pain
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Colds and Flu
• Diarrhea
• Infections
• Insect Bites
• Rashes
• Respiratory Infections
• Skin Inflammation
• Sore Throats
• Sprains & Strains
• Bladder Infections
• UTIs
• Sports Injuries
• Nausea Vomiting
• Headaches and Migraines
• Birth Control