Needing Health Advice? There's a Mobile Solution Available

It's 3 AM, and you're experiencing a gut-wrenching pain (argh!). Ugh, not the time for urgent care, and maybe not even an emergency room visit. So, what now?

Lucky for you, the age of innovation has arrived, and all you need is your phone and a health app to consult with a genuine, board-certified physician in real-time. Dr. John Scott, the medical director of UW Medicine Digital Health, explains, "It's a fantastic option to have 24/7, 365-day availability for common situations."

Two Flavors of Virtual Care

While in-person visits with your regular doctor are crucial for cancer screenings, physical exams, and immunizations, telemedicine offers alternatives, particularly during times like a pandemic when convenience is key. UW Medicine, for example, offers two types of virtual visits.

One is a face-to-face video appointment with your regular UW Medicine doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or midwife, scheduled ahead of time. These appointments enable discussion of health concerns, medication reviews, dietary analysis, mental health assessments, and physical activity discussions, just like a regular appointment.

The other is a text-based virtual visit, available 24/7, which lets you connect with a 98point6 board-certified physician at any time. It's a lifesaver for when you need immediate medical attention but can't bear the thought of getting out of bed in the dead of night.

"It's an exciting development because it's adapting to the new reality of how patients want to engage in healthcare," notes Dr. Scott.

The Text-Based Visit Dance

So, how can you get help via an app in the middle of the night? It's a piece of cake! After downloading the 98point6 app on your phone and creating your profile, you'll be asked to answer a few questions about your symptoms. Then, you'll be connected with a 98point6 physician, where you can discuss your symptoms.

Once the doctor makes a diagnosis, they'll provide a suggested treatment. This could range from helping soothe that sore throat to ordering a prescription. When your virtual visit concludes, they'll loop in your regular UW Medicine care team, ensuring your records are up-to-date. You never even have to change out of your jammies!

When to Do the Text Tango?

While the convenience of text-based visits is a great perk, it's essential to know their limitations. These visits cover a surprising range of health concerns, including colds, allergies, the flu, pink eye, sprains, urinary tract infections, fevers, headaches, heartburn, and even COVID-19. Text-based consultations are also beneficial for addressing minor concerns related to chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or anxiety, when your regular doctor is unavailable.

However, if you're experiencing a medical emergency, serious health issues, or symptoms like chest tightness or slurred speech, it's best to head to the emergency room or urgent care.

Who Should Go the Text-Based Route?

For anyone looking for quick answers to simple health questions, text-based care is a handy tool. However, there are some considerations. To receive care, you must be 18 or older and have a subscription to the service. The subscription costs $30 for the first three months, plus $1 per visit.

For those who travel frequently, have occasional health questions, or simply like having the ability to access quick health advice whenever needed, text-based care can be a valuable resource.

"We've heard from patients that it's more convenient," says Dr. Scott. "It fits into their everyday life, especially for those on the go."

In the midst of a sleepless night, you can seek immediate assistance for non-emergency health issues through a text-based virtual visit, as this approach allows connection with a board-certified physician at any time, offering solutions for concerns such as mental health assessments, headaches, or even COVID-19.
For individuals prioritizing health-and-wellness, adopting a science-backed approach to mental health, sleep, and overall well-being, utilizing health apps for real-time consultations with physicians can provide 24/7, 365-day availability for common situations like mental health assessments or discussing medication, offering a more convenient alternative during times when in-person visits are not feasible.