New Digital Health Tools Offer Easy Access for Patients

Carilion Clinic is continuing to expand convenient care options, rolling out two new digital tools to make access to care available when and where patients want it. 

“We’re excited to roll out additional convenient care,” said Stephen Morgan, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical information officer. “We continue to build our digital health platform with online scheduling, text messaging reminders, scheduled and on-demand video visits and MyChart conveniences.”

Skip the Wait. Access 24/7 Urgent Care

On-demand virtual visits are now available! Carilion providers have teamed up with Amwell—a telemedicine solution that connects patients with providers over secure video—to offer 24/7 urgent care. This new, convenient way to access care any time and anywhere is available through a mobile app or the website CarilionNow.com.

Online visits are a great option when you need care quickly. You can speak to a provider in minutes for urgent care needs such as allergies, cold/flu, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, sprains and strains, eye irritation or nausea. And soon, Carilion Now will also offer specialty services.

How It Works:

1. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the Carilion Now app to your Apple or Android smartphone or log in to CarilionNow.com.
2. Once you complete your profile, confirm if the visit is for yourself or a dependent.
3. Fill in the reason for the visit.
4. Complete your medical history, and select the pharmacy of your choice. Selections will repopulate for future visits.
5. Complete payment. Discounts are available for Medicare Plan B participants and Carilion employees using Carilion Employee Aetna Insurance. 
6. See a list of available providers and read their bios before selecting.
7. Briefly wait in the waiting room until your provider is ready for the visit. You can even enter your phone number to receive a text upon provider availability.
8. Complete the visit and receive a summary by email or MyChart immediately following the visit.
9. Prescriptions, if necessary, will automatically be sent to your pharmacy.

“Patients can invite up to four guests to join the visit by entering their email addresses,” said Dr. Morgan. “This is especially important for caregivers or family members that don’t live nearby but want to participate in care decisions.” 

Carilion Clinic VelocityCare providers will continue to provide timely in-office visits to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. No appointment is needed for daily on-site visits. Scheduled urgent care video visits will also remain an option as Carilion adds on-demand urgent care video visits. Amwell providers will cover visits when Carilion providers are not available and after business hours in order to offer 24/7 urgent care availability.

MyChart Direct Scheduling

Patients can now schedule, change or cancel appointments for most pediatric and primary care practices through MyChart. Patients must have visited a provider within the past two years to use this tool. 

“The convenience of online scheduling further enhances efforts to build digital services,” said Dr. Morgan. “Through MyChart, we already offer online access to health records, bill pay and care team messaging. Patients can also opt for virtual visits and receive text appointment reminders. We continue to partner with our patients for efficient care delivery.”

To schedule an appointment online:

• Log in to MyChart.
• Select Visits.
• Click on Schedule an Appointment.