FAQ: Visit Types
Are you ever online, attempting to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, and finding yourself confused about what type of visit to choose? Our clinic administrative staff gets this question all the time, so we wanted to provide some clarity!
Acute visits are for quick needs - for example, when you think you have a UTI, strep throat, or need a prescription refill. Your provider may also request that you schedule a quick visit like this to check in on your progress with a treatment plan. While scheduled as a 15 min block, these visits can run 5-10 min in some case to reserve time for your provider to also run tests, place lab orders, submit referrals, and/or complete paperwork.
Straightforward visits are typically best if you want to discuss approaches to a more complex chronic condition, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or depression. Or if you need to review recently completed labs and develop a treatment plan. While scheduled as a 30 min block, these visits can run 20-25 min to reserve time for your provider to also run tests, place lab orders, submit referrals, and/or complete paperwork.
Complex or Extended visits are for those folks that need to discuss multiple chronic concerns, need additional time to discuss more complicated lab work, and/or check in on complex treatment plans. If you have numerous questions, are seeking advice on multiple issues, or simply find yourself often feeling like you are running out of time with your provider, this would be the visit type to book! While scheduled as a 45 min block, these visits can run 30-35 min to reserve time for your provider to also run tests, place lab orders, submit referrals, and/or complete paperwork.
Wellness Visits are recommended at regularly intervals for children and annually for adults to discuss and perform any necessary screening exams. While these visits are typically covered at 100% of their cost by insurers, if you have additional concerns beyond basic screening, you may be billed for additional services that could result in a co-pay or deductible payment. Click here to learn more about pediatric and adult wellness services.
Telemed vs in-person? Telemedicine allows for a quick and easy way to access your care team and most health concerns can easily be addressed via telemedicine including reviewing labs, refilling medications, and discussing new concerns. Additionally, many acute needs such as UTIs or new rashes can be accommodated via telemedicine if you find it difficult to get into the office. Feel free to call our office staff or ask your physician if you are wondering whether your visit can be done via telemedicine!
Medical Assistant (MA) visits can be booked directly with our MAs, Matilda and Ivy, for things like blood draw, vaccinations, B12 shots, and allergy shots. But, if you are hoping to get a specific test run - blood work, a strep swab, and flu test - you must first meet with a provider to 1) determine if this testing is medically appropriate, and 2) to place the order in our system. MAs cannot perform tests that do not have an order from a health care provider already in place.