The Doctor Is In

[Virtual health care allows patients to receive high-quality care from home]

Story by Jennifer McLaughlin
Photography provided by Essentia Health, Billy Wagness, Getty Images 

Think of it as a modern take on the house call. In previous generations, doctors made in-home visits to provide the necessary care for patients. In today’s rapidly changing world, providers are once again able to care for their patients at home, thanks to the conveniences of technology.

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​Essentia Health is one of the first health systems in the country recognized for the robust use of the virtual visit platform amid the current healthcare landscape. Dr. Sarah Manney, Essentia Health provider and chief medical informatics officer, says that patients are appreciative of being able to continue necessary doctor appointments without having to leave their home. “Given our current crisis, we have an opportunity to provide excellent and safe patient care in a different way.” 


Virtual health care is a relatively new experience for most, but the convenience and advantages have caused the use of this technology among patients and providers alike to soar. At the time of this printing, more than 3,000 virtual visits were occurring each day at Essentia Health, and growing.

What exactly is virtual health care, and who's using it? 

Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the technology allowing our communities to continue receiving the important care they need. 

• What is a virtual visit?

A virtual visit is a telephone or video appointment that occurs directly between a provider and a patient. The patient visit occurs from the comfort of their home utilizing their own technology such as a computer, tablet or smartphone. 

• How does it work?

Appointments are scheduled with the provider of choice at a specific date and time, just like an in-person visit. At a set appointment time, patients log into the MyHealth website or the MyChart app and the visit starts. The patient and provider interact using audio and video like they would if they were together in the exam room. 

• What types of appointments are available?

Essentia Health is using virtual visits in areas you might not expect. In addition to primary and pediatric care, other areas include physical, occupational and speech language therapy, behavioral & mental health, substance abuse, orthopedics, obstetrics, physical therapy, heart & vascular and more.

Access to walk-in virtual visits is also available, allowing patients to utilize a virtual visit for most things that may have required a trip to the walk-in clinic. 

• Is it covered by insurance?

Virtual visits are covered the same as an in-person visit through most insurances. Check with your insurance for specifics. 

• Is my health and financial information secure?

MyHealth/MyChart is a secure platform that is HIPAA-compliant. Information is password protected and confidential.

• How do I make an appointment?

Both new and existing patients can be seen via virtual visits for their appointments. To schedule, patients can call their regular clinic’s appointment line to schedule a virtual visit or schedule through the MyHealth website or the MyChart app. Patients will be required to download 'Zoom' for the appointment. 

• What can I expect the day of my visit?

On the day of the visit, patients log into the MyHealth/MyChart app up to 15 minutes prior to the appointment to start Echeck-in, verify insurance, and provide other preliminary information. Depending on the appointment type, there may be additional questionnaires to help the provider understand more about a patient’s situation. When the video call begins, the provider may appear on the screen, or their nurse may first begin the visit similar to an in-office appointment. At the end of the virtual video visit, an after-visit summary will be posted to the patient’s MyHealth/MyChart account with any follow-up instructions.
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• What if I need to be seen in person?

If, during the virtual visit, it’s determined an in-person visit is needed, patients will only be billed for the in-person visit, not the virtual visit. For those who may require follow-up care, such as pediatric immunizations, locations have been designated for patients to safely receive that care.

While times may have changed, the high quality of care that patients expect and deserve remains the same. “We have a lot of patients who were worried that their therapy might not be able to continue during the pandemic and were very concerned,” says Michelle Enockson, director of Rehabilitation Services at Essentia Health. “We’ve been able to alleviate those fears.” 

Benefits of Virtual Visits

1. Secure and convenient
2. No travel or parking required
3. Less missed time from work
4. Interact with your provider live from wherever you choose
5. Connecting is easy through a mobile phone, tablet or computer

For more information, visit:
 www.essentiahealth.org/virtualvisit

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Patient view. Dr. Sarah Manney, an Essentia Health pediatrician, conducts a virtual video visit.