Virtual Care

Access UCLA Health care when and where you need it.

Virtual care allows you to connect with a UCLA Health provider remotely instead of going to the provider’s office. Virtual care saves time and makes it easier to get medical care, especially if you live far away or need to see your provider often.

Immediate Care Video Visits

Get on-demand care for non-life-threatening issues if your primary care provider’s office is closed.

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Video Visits

Meet face-to-face with a provider using a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Schedule Now via MyChart

E-Visits

Work with your provider to submit an online questionnaire with your symptoms and medical information, then get treatment advice from a provider.

Contact Your Provider via MyChart

Second Opinion Consults

Already have a diagnosis? Meet virtually with an expert provider for a second opinion.

Learn How to Request a Consult

Types of Virtual Care

Virtual care includes:

Video visits: This is when you meet with a provider over the internet using a video camera and a computer, smartphone or tablet. Video visits may also be called telehealth or telemedicine appointments.
E-visits: You send information to your provider electronically, usually in the form of a questionnaire, then the provider reviews it and sends you a treatment plan or medical advice. No physical examination is necessary.
Remote patient monitoring programs: Connected electronic tools, such as heart rate monitors, scales and EKG monitors, track your personal health and medical data, then send it to your provider so they can monitor your condition — no matter where you are.
Second opinion consults: A secure video visit where a provider reviews your symptoms, medical history and existing diagnosis and treatment plan, then explains the treatment options they believe are most likely to benefit you.
E-consults: A primary care provider and a specialist connect virtually without the patient present to discuss the patient’s medical case.

What types of virtual care does UCLA Health offer?

Virtual care is ideal for the times when you’re feeling sick, you have a minor injury, or you need a follow-up appointment with your provider. It’s convenient for those who can’t travel to a UCLA Health clinic for an in-person appointment.

UCLA Health has primary care physicians, specialist physicians, physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) available to meet with you virtually. Try one of these options:

Virtual Care FAQs

: Virtual care is not for serious or life-threatening health issues. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the closest emergency department.

Consider using virtual care if you need:

Help managing a specific health condition

Someone to review or order lab work, imaging or other diagnostic testing

To refill a prescription or request a new medication

To get a second opinion about an existing diagnosis and treatment plan

To get answers to your questions about your health, testing, diagnosis or treatment
: Many of our UCLA Health primary and specialty care providers are available for virtual care appointments. Please note that some appointments might require an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual care visit, choose one of the options in the boxes above. You can also log into your myUCLAhealth account and select “Visits/Clinical Notes” and then “Schedule an appointment.”

A third option is to search for a provider and select “Book an Appointment” > “Online Video Visit”; or “Request an Appointment” and then explain that you’re requesting a second opinion.
: What you need can vary depending on the type of virtual care you choose. In most cases you will need:

A computer, smartphone or tablet with strong internet access

A camera or microphone on your computer, smartphone or tablet for video visits and second opinion consults

An internet browser other than Internet Explorer, such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari

A scheduled appointment with a UCLA Health provider for video visits and second opinion consults

See how to join with a computer

See how to join with a mobile device
: Many types of virtual care, including video visits, are covered by most health plans.

Please note that many "face-to-face" services can be provided via video technology. However, preventive services appointments, such as well child checks and annual exams, cannot be billed via telehealth. If these services are provided, they will be billed as an "office visit via telehealth," and applicable insurance copayments and deductibles will apply.
: Yes, UCLA Health uses a HIPAA-compliant method for conducting virtual care, including video visits. This means the information is securely transmitted and is treated the same way it would be if you were meeting with your doctor in person.
: If you're having any issues with your video visit, turn your computer, smartphone or tablet completely off and back on again. If the problem continues, try turning off Wi-Fi.

If you have audio problems, leave the meeting and try the following before rejoining:

Ensure volume is turned up and phone audio is not turned off.

Turn audio off and back on.

If both of the above steps don’t work, try connecting wired headphones.

Ensure you are on a browser other than Internet Explorer.

If all else fails, call the myUCLAhealth help desk at 855-364-7052

eConsults

Your primary care provider (PCP) and specialists often work together to provide the best care. An eConsult is like a special form of communication between your PCP and a specialist at UCLA Health. It helps your PCP get advice quickly about whether you need to see the specialist.

The eConsult is for minor issues a specialist can help with, without needing to see you face-to-face. eConsults may benefit patients by:

Providing a faster time to specialist input for less complex conditions
Improving communication and coordination of care
Increasing patient access to specialized, high-quality care
Reducing referrals that aren't necessary
Enhancing a provider's knowledge by learning from other >experts

While eConsults are consultations between providers, patients can suggest them to their providers.

If you feel your care requires more coordination between providers, ask your PCP about an eConsult.

Remote Patient Monitoring Programs

Through electronic tools including blood pressure or heart rate monitors, scales, EKG monitors and others, providers monitor a patient’s health remotely. UCLA Health offers remote patient monitoring programs for patients who’ve received services related to the following:

Blood pressure management
Bone marrow transplant
Breast surgery
Cardiac surgery
CAR T-cell therapy
Complex kidney disease
COVID-19
Liver transplant
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Thoracic surgery

For more information, ask your provider about these services.