Same-day Virtual Primary Care
Our UW Medicine virtual primary care providers are available 7 days a week anywhere in Washington state.
Same-day Virtual Primary Care
Our UW Medicine virtual primary care providers are available 7 days a week anywhere in Washington state.
Get same-day virtual primary care that fits your schedule
UW Medicine Virtual Primary Care offers two ways to get same-day care virtually when last-minute health concerns come up. Same-day virtual primary care services are available seven days a week, 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) from anywhere in Washington state. Virtual care is not appropriate for emergencies or complex conditions. Call 911 immediately if you fear that you have a serious, life-threatening illness or injury.
On-demand video visits
Start an on-demand video visit today in MyChart with the first available primary care provider who can diagnose and outline care options. Interpreters are available. Available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. New patients are welcome.
E-Visit
Current patients ages 18 years old and older can get care for common illnesses by filling out a short questionnaire in MyChart. Submit anytime (24/7) and a provider will respond in 1-2 days. No video required.
When to use an on-demand video visit
If you are unable to see your primary care provider or do not have one, start an on-demand video visit. They can also help patients without a primary care provider (PCP) establish with one.
Here are some health concerns that can be treated via on-demand video visits:
- Behavioral health: anxiety and depression
- Common illnesses and infections: upper respiratory symptoms, headaches/migraines, pink eye, rashes, sinus pain, sore throat, upper respiratory symptoms, styes, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), skin infections (cellulitis), urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal discharge
- Injuries: minor cuts
- Medications: our providers may refill medication for the short-term; for long-term medication management, they will refer you to one our primary care providers to establish care
- Prevention: our providers can see you for age-related health screenings (such as cancer screenings like breast and colorectal) and questions about your health risk, chronic disease management, advising and ordering immunizations, nutrition and diabetes support, reviewing test results, and quitting tobacco.
- Respiratory and allergies: mild asthma and wheezing, seasonal allergies, hives and other minor allergic reactions
- Stomach problems: constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and motion sickness prevention
When is an in-person visit needed
In-person visits are a better fit for any health concern where a physical exam is necessary. For instance, if you need immunizations, possibly have pneumonia or need care for deep lacerations or fractures.
When to use an E-Visit
Have symptoms? If you are an existing patient of UW Medicine Primary Care, you can submit a questionnaire in MyChart anytime (24/7) and get treatment for the following common health concerns:
- Athletes foot
- Cold & Flu symptoms
- Cold sores
- COVID therapeutics
- EpiPen Refill
- Erectile dysfunction
- Genital Herpes
- Influenza exposure
- Motion sickness prevention
- Pink eye
- Quitting tobacco
- Routine STI Screening
- Seasonal Allergies
- UTIs
- Vaginal discharge
How UW Medicine Virtual Primary Care services work
Virtual primary care connects you with UW Medicine providers through same-day on-demand video visits or online E-Visits. If you have technical questions, call 206.520.5111.
See the complete list of frequently asked questions about virtual visits »
Can I get virtual primary care if I am outside of Washington state?
Because of state licensing laws, our providers may not be able to treat through an on-demand video visit or E-Visit questionnaire if you are outside of Washington state. Please contact your care team by phone or through MyChart messaging if you have questions about upcoming appointments.
Will my health insurance or Medicare cover the visit?
On-demand video visits and E-Visit questionnaires are billed to your health insurance. In most cases for video visits, your copays are similar to in-person visits, but coverage varies by health insurance plan and type of virtual care. E-Visits typically are lower cost than on-demand video visits.
If you have questions or need to confirm your out-of-pocket costs, please contact your health insurance plan.
For more information about UW Medicine’s insurance coverage, visit UW Medicine Insurance & Coverage.
Who can use virtual primary care?
On-demand video visits are available for new and existing patients. E-Visit questionnaires are available for existing patients for select conditions that can be treated online.
Can I use these virtual primary care services for my children?
On-demand video visits are for people of all ages, including dependent children in your care. If a minor presents for a visit without a parent or guardian, consent will be required before the visit continues. E-Visit questionnaires are currently for adults ages 18 and older.
When do I need an in-person visit?
In-person visits are a better fit for any health concern where a physical exam is necessary. If you think a provider will need to listen to your lungs, give you an immunization, or treat an injury, it is best to be seen in person.
Who are the virtual primary care providers?
UW Medicine Primary Care employs all virtual primary care providers. The team includes board-certified physicians (MDs and DOs) and advanced practice providers including nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and physician assistants (PA-Cs) who diagnose and treat patients online.