Virtual Care

What is virtual care?

Virtual care enables patients to receive medical care and guidance from the location of their choice. Patients connect with their health care providers through video or phone appointments and other remote communications.

If this is a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

What virtual care options does Mass General Brigham offer?

Whether it's an unexpected illness or injury, a first-time consultation about a procedure, or a follow-up appointment, or primary care, our specialists are here to care for you. Doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other providers offer virtual visits.

Here’s how our virtual care options work:

1. 24/7 Virtual Care. We have two 24/7 offerings. The first is for any patient who wants a primary care physician that provides most care virtually. The second is for Mass General Brigham patients with urgent health care needs. Both can connect with a provider through a secure, interactive video visit on their tablet, smart phone, or computer. This service is for adults and children ages 3 and older. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Learn more about 24/7 Virtual Care.
2. Virtual visits for primary and specialty care. For existing patients, many of our providers offer virtual visits through Patient Gateway. You can access world-class primary and specialty care through your phone or computer without having to travel to one of our physical locations. Call your provider to see if they offer virtual visits or, to start a virtual visit for those who offer it. Learn more about virtual primary care.
3. Online second opinions. If you have a life-changing diagnosis, have unexplained symptoms, or are unsure about a treatment plan, getting a second opinion can help you make informed decisions about your are. Through our online second opinions service, one of our health care providers reviews your diagnosis or treatment plan online. They address any questions or concerns you may have about next steps in your care. Learn more about second opinions.

For virtual appointments, log in to Patient Gateway to schedule and join your visit.

What’s the difference between virtual care and telemedicine?

Virtual care refers to the different ways health care providers can interact with their patients remotely. Virtual care may involve patients and providers connecting through:

• Live video appointments on a patient’s computer, tablet or smart phone
• Speaking on the phone for a medical appointment
• Texting, emailing, or instant messaging between appointments

Telemedicine (also called telehealth) is when a provider delivers medical care or guidance to a patient during a video or phone virtual visit. Telemedicine is one component of virtual care.

How does virtual care work?

You may schedule phone or video appointments for urgent or long-term health needs. If you have a phone, laptop, tablet, or computer, we’re here to deliver the care you need from the location of your choice. On the day of your appointment, you log onto your device or call your health care provider to meet.

Virtual care offers flexibility to manage care in a way that’s convenient for you. You may choose to use one or more forms of virtual care for medical appointments. Or you may choose a combination of virtual care and in-person office visits. Your provider can help you plan the best approach for your health needs.

What are the advantages of virtual care?

We help established or new patients stay on track with medical care that’s tailored to their needs. Through virtual visits, our health care providers can:

• Address a new medical concern (like an injury or changes in health)
• Follow up on a specific health condition to help manage it
• Review or order lab work, imaging or test results
• Answer questions about a medication or therapy, order a new medication, or refill a prescription
• Discuss an upcoming procedure or surgery
• Provide a second opinion for a medical condition

Caregivers, family members, and others can join your virtual visit from your location or remotely from another location.