Life is busier than ever. Between work commitments, school and extracurricular activities, household responsibilities and errands, it can feel like there isn’t a moment to spare. So when someone in the family needs care, finding the time to attend an in-person doctor’s visit can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there’s a convenient way to get the care you need, without hijacking your day. Atrium Health Primary Care Family Medicine Virtual makes it easy to see a primary care provider in the most personalized way. It allows patients to schedule appointments with family medicine physicians and advanced practice providers and establish a virtual primary care relationship.
“With virtual primary care, we’re able to offer nearly everything patients would receive during an in-person visit,” says Dr. Brian Kersten, senior medical director of the Emerging Care Model Division at Atrium Health. “We deliver a comprehensive level of care with greater efficiency and convenience — benefits that are increasingly important in today’s virtual world.”
Patients who are ideal candidates for virtual care include:
- Those who don’t often require hands-on care but still have ongoing medical needs
- Individuals who travel frequently and need easier access to their primary care physician
- Those who are comfortable with technology
- Those who prefer an easy, convenient way to get primary care from a provider they know and trust
Virtual primary care services
Virtual care providers can help patients:
- Address behavioral health concerns, such as anxiety, depression and ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Get care for common illnesses and injuries, including colds, rashes and sprains
- Manage chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure
- Refill online prescriptions and adjust medications, such as those for thyroid conditions and high cholesterol
For chronic conditions, virtual providers can evaluate lab work taken near the patient’s home and adjust medications using online prescription refill tools. There’s usually no need for a hands-on visit. If the patient’s health needs become complicated, the virtual provider will recommend a provider or specialist within Atrium Health’s extensive health care system to meet the patient’s needs.
Why provider relationships matter
In recent years, virtual care platforms have increased in popularity. However, not all virtual care is created equal, especially when it lacks a connection to a trusted, established health system.
“Having a relationship with your primary care provider makes a real difference,” says Kersten. “Consistently seeing the same clinician over time creates continuity of care. The provider becomes familiar with your medical history, including any side effects from medications, and those nuances matter. This ongoing relationship helps ensure you receive the right care at the right time.”
How do providers build rapport in a virtual setting? Much like in-person care, it starts with communication and trust, especially for patients new to a virtual-only platform.
“Most of our clinicians come from traditional brick-and-mortar backgrounds,” Kersten notes. “They know how to ask the right questions, which often means probing a bit deeper. Our virtual providers take time to understand the patient’s family history, social factors and lifestyle goals to provide holistic care.”
The physicians and advanced practice providers at Atrium Health Primary Care Family Medicine Virtual are committed full time to the virtual primary care model.
In-person care, access to specialists
When patients need in-person care — like someone with belly pain requiring a hands-on abdominal exam, or ear pain needing a look at the eardrum — virtual providers coordinate seamlessly with a broad network of primary and urgent care clinics. This integration is a key advantage of virtual care within a comprehensive health system.
“Our providers also have streamlined access to specialists through e-consults, a tool that allows them to electronically connect with a specialist to get quick input or recommendations,” says Kersten.
Virtual care for aging parents
Virtual primary care has proven especially convenient for caregivers supporting aging parents. In many cases, these caregivers would have to take time off work, coordinate transportation and spend time in waiting rooms. Need virtual care for your mom? With her consent, you can join the visit from a different location.
“With virtual care, they can simply help their loved one connect from home, eliminating travel and wait times,” Kersten says. “It reduces stress, saves time and minimizes risk, especially for patients who may have mobility challenges or chronic conditions.
Simple steps to get started
Getting started with virtual primary care is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Choose a virtual primary care doctor or advanced practice provider.
- Schedule your first appointment via MyAtriumHealth or call 844-235-6999.
Learn more about virtual primary care at Atrium Health.
