Virtual visit

A virtual visit is an online appointment that allows you to talk face-to-face with your provider from wherever is most convenient for you. Instead of going in to the clinic, you meet with your provider using a secure video connection from your mobile device or computer.

Patients who have seen an Allina Health provider in the past three years and have an Allina Health account may be able to schedule virtual visits, depending on the type of care needed. 

Benefits of virtual visits include:

• Convenience
• No travel time or transportation costs
• Shorter wait for care
• Access to care if the provider you need to see is far from home or work
• Continue working if your provider is running late
• Similar cost to regular office visit and covered by most insurance plans (except Medicare)
• Avoid the waiting room (and waiting room germs!)

A virtual visit is a convenient option when you have already had an appointment with an Allina Health provider. Virtual visits are good for almost all follow-up care. 

This may include appointments for:

• Follow-up care
• Medication checks
• Mental health
• Smoking cessation
• Family planning
• Many other conditions and concerns

The following appointment types require an in-clinic appointment and are excluded from virtual visits:

• Procedures
• Pre-operation or pre-procedure exams
• Medicare wellness visits
• Visits with patients aged 13 – 17

Ask your provider if you can schedule a virtual visit the next time you need to be seen. Your provider will let you know if an in-clinic visit is required.

Note that virtual visits must not and will not be performed while the patient is operating any type of motorized vehicle.

You will schedule a virtual visit for a specific date and time, just like you would for a regular office visit.

Before the visit:

1. Check with your insurance provider to see if virtual visits are covered in your plan.
2. Make sure you are signed up for an Allina Health account.
3. Download the Allina Health account app to your mobile device if you will be using your device during your virtual visit. Otherwise, you can use your preferred browser to go to account.allinahealth.org to access your visit.
4. You will receive a reminder email five days before your virtual visit.
5. Test the technology on your mobile device or computer. You can do this before your appointment by signing in to your Allina Health account, navigating to your upcoming appointments and following the instructions to test your hardware.
6. Plan to join the visit at least five minutes before your appointment time.
7. Have your government issued ID ready to show.
8. Find a quiet, well-lit place so your provider can hear and see you clearly.
9. If you are on a mobile device, ensure you have a strong wireless network connection.

During and after the visit:

1. After connecting to the virtual visit, you’ll be placed in the online waiting room.
2. When the visit begins, you’ll see your care team on a split screen.
3. You’ll talk to your provider like you do during a normal office visit.  
4. Your care team will provide an after-visit summary and document your appointment in your health record.
5. Your visit will be billed to insurance like a regular office visit.
6. If during the virtual visit you or your provider determines further testing or examination is necessary, a quick in-clinic follow up can be scheduled when it works best for you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule a virtual visit, call your clinic.

If you have technical difficulties connecting to your scheduled visit, call 612-262-3087.

You must be physically located in Minnesota to complete a virtual visit.

Payment

A virtual visit usually costs the same as an office visit, but depends on your insurance plan. Virtual visits are not reimbursable with Medicare.

If your provider determines that your health concern can’t be addressed during your virtual visit, you won’t be charged. If you go to a clinic for the same condition within seven days after your virtual visit, you won’t be charged for the virtual visit.

Exclusions

Virtual visits are not available for:

• Procedures
• Pre-operation or pre-procedure exams
• Medicare wellness visits
• Patients aged 13 – 17

Virtual visits are available during clinics hours with your provider.

If you need care outside of clinic hours, Everyday Online is available 24/7 with no appointment required. You will be treated by someone from our team of board-certified providers.