Peoria Standard

As respiratory virus season intensifies, OSF OnCall is highlighting its virtual urgent care services as a convenient alternative to traditional walk-in clinics. The virtual care options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays and weekends.

Virtual urgent care can address a range of minor health issues such as colds, runny nose, cough, headache, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, urinary tract infections, bites and stings, fatigue, upset stomach, pink eye, and rashes. However, individuals experiencing difficulty breathing are advised to seek immediate attention at an Emergency Department.

Kate Barth, vice president and chief nursing officer for On-Demand Services at OSF OnCall, explained the growing demand for flexible healthcare solutions. “Consumers want health care options that are convenient, like what they’re used to experiencing with online shopping and banking. That’s why OSF offers lower-cost, easy virtual urgent care options, especially when a minor illness or injury happens after hours.”

Barth described how the service can help parents facing unexpected illnesses at home: “It’s the mom with multiple children who are sleeping and (she thinks) ‘I have a sick kiddo who I cannot console and what do I do?’ Seeking out virtual urgent care in those options is such a great opportunity to connect with a provider who typically would serve you in that urgent care setting.”

Patients can choose between an online interview or video visit for a flat fee. Both options connect users with experienced providers from OSF OnCall Urgent Care clinics. The online interview takes about five to fifteen minutes; patients answer questions about their symptoms and receive feedback within an hour. Providers may use chat features to request more information before offering a treatment plan.

For cases where visual assessment is necessary—such as evaluating rashes or bug bites—a video visit option is available. Barth noted: “Maybe the provider would need to visualize the bug bite or something that looks like a rash, so we do have that video option also available to be able to assess that situation and be able to give a diagnosis in that case as well.”

If medication is needed following the consultation or video visit, prescriptions can be sent directly to the patient’s preferred pharmacy.

Barth also addressed situations where virtual visits are not sufficient: “We all know there are things that sometimes can’t be virtually treated,” she said. “Sometimes a lab test may be needed, or a hands-on assessment might be needed to confirm a diagnosis. In that case, we simply refund that virtual visit knowing that it is best-case scenario for you to be seen in an actual urgent care setting.”

Certain injuries such as sprains and strains can often be assessed virtually; however broken bones require X-rays available only at walk-in locations.

More information on these services can be found at osfoncall.org.