Virtual visit

A virtual visit is a great alternative to in-person care with your provider for a wide range of health conditions and services, more than you might expect. So instead of a trip to the clinic, you can avoid a busy waiting room and meet with a provider from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Benefits include:

• No travel, parking, or waiting room germs
• Easy to do with kids around
• Great for follow-ups, questions and prescriptions
• Private and secure
• Face-to-face communication when you can’t be in-person

Best for:

• Follow-up care
• Medication checks
• Seasonal allergies and allergic reactions
• Skin conditions (dermatology)
• Mental health
• Integrative medicine consultations
• Integrative nutrition consultations
• Smoking cessation
• Family planning
• Rehabilitation
• New or unexpected health concerns
• Many other common health conditions

Not available for:

• Emergency or urgent care visits
• Pre-operation or pre-procedure exams
• Labs
• Vitals
• Adult physical
• Well-child exam
• Medicare wellness visit

For all care options, visit Get Care Now.

As we continue to develop our virtual visit services, some of these care options may change.

My provider answered all my questions, and it was quick, easy, and still felt personal!
—Virtual visit patient

This was my first virtual visit experience ever. The entire process was very easy, convenient, and everyone involved was 100 percent comfortable with the virtual process. They honestly seemed like old pros at it! This instilled a lot of confidence in me, with this being my first virtual experience.
—Virtual visit patient

I appreciate being able to talk to my doctor without having to leave my home.
—Virtual visit patient

Ready to schedule a virtual visit?

If you have an Allina Health account, sign in and choose “Schedule appointment.” (Call 1-866-301-6698 for help creating an account. We can also try to look up your account.)

Call us at 1-888-425-5462 for help scheduling your appointment.

Want help?

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

• How to schedule a virtual visit
• How to join a virtual visit

Can people outside Minnesota use virtual visits?
You must be physically located in Minnesota to complete a virtual visit, but options for Wisconsin are coming soon.

Can I schedule a virtual visit for my child?
Virtual visits can be used for children from birth up to 12 years old.

• It must be scheduled using proxy accounts.
• Parent/guardian(s) who already have an Allina Health account can request proxy access for a child electronically.
• Parent/guardian(s) who do not have an Allina Health account, will need to complete the child proxy access form to get an account for themselves and access to the child’s record.
• The child with the health concern, must be present at the time of the virtual visit.

Can my teenager do a virtual visit?
Virtual visits are also an option for teenagers. Teens ages 13–17 can do virtual visits if they have an Allina Health account. Create an account online or call the account support line at 1-866-301-6698.

How much does a virtual visit cost?
A virtual visit usually costs the same as an office visit, but depends on your insurance plan. Virtual visits are not typically reimbursable with Medicare, but for a temporary period they will be reimbursed by Medicare to support patients and providers during the coronavirus outbreak.

If your provider determines that your health concern can’t be addressed during your virtual visit and requires an in-person visit, you won’t be charged for the virtual visit. If you complete a virtual visit and your symptoms later require you to go to a clinic for the same condition within seven days, you won’t be charged for the prior virtual visit

What if I need to have a physical exam?
Your care team will review your appointment needs in advance and will contact you if you should be seen in person. Also, during your virtual visit, if you provider determines that you need an in-person visit to complete the assessment, you will not be charged for the virtual visit.

If you need to come to the clinic on another day for lab work, immunizations or imaging tests, you will be charged for those services, but you would not be charged for an additional virtual visit.

Can I schedule a virtual visit outside normal clinic hours?
Virtual visits are available during standard clinics hours with your provider. If you need care outside of clinic hours, an Everyday Online consult is available 24/7 with no appointment required. Complete an online questionnaire, and we’ll send a diagnosis and treatment plan within an hour. Certain medical conditions are excluded from Everyday Online consults, and you must be 65 years or less.

Can I use an interpreter during a virtual visit?
We can help you with any unique needs for your virtual visit experience, including using an interpreter. Please call 1-888-4ALLINA (1-888-425-5462) for assistance prior to your visit.

Are virtual visits as private and secure as regular visits?
Yes. Our virtual visits are done using a secure video connection within the Allina Health account, so you can feel confident that your privacy will be protected.

Will I need to show an area of my body that is normally covered by clothing?
Virtual visit appointments do not require you show areas of your body that are normally covered. If you have concerns or questions, send your care team a message within the Allina Health account, or call your clinic.

What do I need to do to prepare for a virtual visit?
If your visit requires any preparation, your care team will call you in advance to let you know.