Sick but staying home? Here are Birmingham telemedicine providers

In light of COVID-19, you may be doing all the #socialdistancing you can. But what happens if you get sick and need to speak with a doctor? Here are some telemedicine options available in Birmingham.

Ask Your Insurance Provider

First, know that your health insurance provider may have expanded telemedicine access in light of COVID-19. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama announced they are expanding telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines due to the virus.

The expansion—in effect until April 16—also includes behavioral health providers, which is important in these stressful times.

VIVA Health also announced on March 13 that for the next 30 days, members can access telehealth visits with any in-network physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who offers this service with no copayment.

UAB eMedicine

UAB eMedicine treats more than 20 conditions, including:

• Cold & flu
• UTI
• Pink eye

There are three steps to the process:

• Online health interview (5-15 minutes)
• Clinician review & treatment plan (you’ll be notified of results in 1 hour)
• Prescription

For more information, visit UAB eMedicine‘s website.

Ascension Online Care

Ascension Online Care is offering discounted urgent care visits at a rate of $20 with code HOME. No insurance is required! Log in online or via their app if you have a non-emergency condition such as:

• Rash
• Strep throat
• Seasonal allergies

Urgent Care for Children

Urgent Care for Children’s telemedicine option is available 365 days a year. Illnesses treated include (but are not limited to):

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Flu symptoms
• Insect bites

Hours of operation:
Weekdays: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Weekends: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

For more information, visit https://www.childrensurgent.com/telemedicine.

Urgent Care for Children is also offering curbside COVID-19 testing for patients 21 and under. More information can be found here.

Ask Your Doctor

You can also call your doctor’s office and see what telemedicine options are available.

What did we miss? Let us know @BhamNow!