Cedars-Sinai Magazine
The Virtues of Virtual Care
Getting an appointment to see a doctor can require a lot of lead time. Some physicians book weeks, even months, ahead. But a new, easy-to-navigate mobile app from Cedars-Sinai empowers patients across California to get care far more quickly—and all it takes is the swipe of a finger.
Cedars-Sinai Connect gives patients immediate access to same-day appointments for routine primary care and round-the-clock consultations for urgent issues. Patients simply log on to the app and answer some basic questions before being connected to a video visit with a Cedars-Sinai provider.
The emergence of video visits and services like Cedars-Sinai Connect has been a boon to patients, who can now consult medical experts on their own schedules and from a location that’s convenient for them. Yet, one question people increasingly face is how to know when to choose a virtual visit versus in-person care.
Smart Triage
When considering a video visit option, it’s important to choose a system that will take the details of your particular condition into account.
"The beauty of Cedars-Sinai Connect is that doctors can help triage patients: collecting relevant information, getting eyes on the problem and then making a recommendation if they think an in-person visit is warranted," said Jonathan Weiner, MD, chair of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group’s Department of Primary Care and Acute Care Medicine. “In many cases, a Cedars-Sinai Connect appointment can address patients’ issues completely, saving them time and helping them feel better fast."
Among the most common medical issues seen by Cedars-Sinai Connect doctors are upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and sinusitis. The physicians are well equipped to help patients with these concerns.
"Cedars-Sinai Connect doctors can see patients’ charts and communicate with their regular physicians,” said Vanessa Solomon, DO, a primary care doctor at Cedars-Sinai. "In addition, they can order X-rays, blood work, urinalyses and other diagnostic tests. Cedars-Sinai Connect also has its own weight management program and can help treat mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression."
Virtual Care Also Offered for Children and Spanish Speakers
Cedars-Sinai Connect—an extension of the renowned care offered at Cedars-Sinai locations—is now available in Spanish. Designed with California’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity in mind, Cedars-Sinai Connect is poised to reach Spanish speakers throughout the state. This will help us strengthen the health of individuals and families in countless communities. Patients can navigate the app in Spanish and schedule appointments with bilingual medical providers. On-demand visits can be conducted 24/7 with the aid of a translation service.
Pediatric care is another new addition to Cedars-Sinai Connect’s robust service offerings. Children and teens ages 3 to 17 can access care through the account of a parent or guardian, who must be present for all visits. Cedars-Sinai Connect lets sick kids and teens stay cozy and calm at home while receiving expert medical advice, giving them relief from symptoms and offering their parents peace of mind. Cedars-Sinai Connect’s pediatric services are intended exclusively for young patients who are experiencing illness or have an urgent healthcare need, and care can be accessed either on demand or through a scheduled visit.
Download our app to start using Cedars-Sinai Connect today!
Not Just for Passing Problems
Another area of strength for Cedars-Sinai Connect is the expertise it offers in helping manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
"Let’s say you get an elevated blood-pressure reading at home. You can make an appointment through Cedars-Sinai Connect to have a doctor watch you take it again, compare the reading against your chart and determine appropriate next steps," Weiner said. "Patients find Cedars-Sinai Connect extremely convenient for getting medication refills, as well."
The app is also useful for patients who may not be able to reach their regular physician after hours. "I would recommend people consult their doctors about whether Cedars-Sinai Connect might be a good alternative to using their on-call service when their offices are closed," Weiner said.
When to Seek In-Person Care
Of course, there are limitations to online medical consults, and some problems require being seen in person. “For physical examination of joints and muscles, where you have to touch something and feel where it’s tender, or if an area is weak or numb in a way that might indicate a neurologic deficit, in-person visits are best,” Weiner said.
In the case of issues that may require urgent care, Weiner suggests following a basic rule of thumb for deciding whether to launch Cedars-Sinai Connect or head to a local emergency room (ER). “If the problem is such that you’re considering calling 911, that’s a pretty good indication you need to be seen in person,” he said. “But if you’ve been sick for a while and don’t have a sudden worsening of symptoms, Cedars-Sinai Connect is a great place to start. Our doctors can always send you on to urgent care or to the ER if they think it’s necessary.”
To use Cedars-Sinai Connect, patients must have health insurance and live in California. For qualifying individuals, the service is a simple way to bypass the long wait for an appointment and immediately connect with a skilled and experienced care provider.
"I have a high level of confidence in Cedars-Sinai Connect doctors. Patients can think of them as an extension of their existing Cedars-Sinai medical team," Solomon said. "It’s an app you can absolutely rely on and fantastic care you can trust."
