Charlottesville, Virginia-based UVA Health launched a new virtual primary care service on May 12 aimed at increasing access to care amid long wait times and clinician shortages across the state.
Becky Compton, chief operating officer of UVA Physicians Group, said in a May 15 press conference that the “Virtual Primary Care on Demand” service will connect patients with qualified clinicians, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Compton added that the system hopes to expand the platform’s provider offering to include pediatricians and behavioral health therapists.
Patients can schedule virtual care appointments for common symptoms, preventive care, and disease management. Medical emergencies, imaging tests, laboratory work and other procedures are not covered by virtual care, Compton said.
“If such a case occurs, we want to help direct the patient to the appropriate brick-and-mortar location,” Compton said.
The service is currently open to new or existing patients 18 and older enrolled in the health system, said John Bennett, UVA Health Service Line Chief and Director of Ambulatory Operations. Bennett added that children ages 5 and older will be eligible for virtual appointments starting July 1.
“This new service is designed to literally meet patients where they are,” Bennett said. “And give them the primary care they need, hopefully in a way that’s convenient for them as well.”
Compton said the system has had “15 to 30 appointments booked every day” since its launch, adding that patients have since booked appointments “from all over the state.”
“I think this highlights the need for access to care, and this is a great way UVA can really meet that need,” she said.
