Thanks to telehealth, you can tend to a surprising number of health concerns from home or on the go. You can get telehealth care -- with or without an appointment -- through the Kaiser Permanente app or website. Just log into your account to get started. You also can get support by phone or email.
Not sure what works in a telehealth appointment? Here are 5 common situations where you can turn to virtual care to help you and your family stay healthy:1
Symptoms a medical professional can see or hear
With our virtual care options, a clinician can make a diagnosis based on things you can show or demonstrate, including things like1:
- Skin discoloration
- Bug bites
- A hacking cough
- Constricted range of motion
- Pain when a body part is touched
Bonus: Get Care Now lets you connect to a health care professional without an appointment by phone or video. Fill out an online form with your concerns, and you’ll get a call back. No need to sit on the phone; you can go about your day without being stuck on hold.
Cold and flu symptoms: headaches, sniffles, fever and body aches
An online clinician visit can often determine whether a runny nose and scratchy throat are likely to be symptoms of a common cold or something that requires monitoring, like the flu. You can explore your symptoms in a video or phone visit and get professional advice on your best next steps.
If you’re juggling tasks and don’t want to have a live conversation, you can always do an e-visit. Describe your symptoms using our easy questionnaire. You will receive advice about next steps within 4 hours. And there’s no cost involved.
Managing lifestyle changes with online classes
Explore our free online health classes to improve your everyday well-being. Our offerings cover a wide range of topics. These include how to manage your weight, improve your heart health, quit tobacco, care for your newborn, and more. For extra support, you can meet virtually with a medical professional to discuss lifestyle changes or get coaching over the phone. No referrals needed.
Mental wellness support — from daily struggles to crises
Life is complex, and sometimes you may need mental health support to help you calm anxieties and manage difficult situations. Help is just a click away with online support, including a mental health assessment, depression screening, and online classes. In addition, Kaiser Permanente members may have access at no charge to emotional wellness and self-care apps Headspace and Calm.
When in a mental health crisis, call 24/7 for immediate intervention and urgent mental health advice at 1-800-900-3277 (TTY 711). No pre-authorization needed.
Preventing future health issues
The old saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The data supports it: Our members are 33% less likely to die early from heart disease and 20% less likely to die early from cancer.3 That’s because preventive care is all about catching small health problems early before they become serious. You can cover many topics and needs in a virtual visit, including:
- Sleep issues
- Medical history and lab test reviews
- Managing chronic issues like diabetes and hypertension
Plus, you can always go to our online library to learn about health and wellness topics that interest you. Your plan may also offer a variety of perks, such as reduced rates on fitness classes or massage therapy.
When to choose in-person care instead of telehealth
Virtual care can offer you many options to get the support you need. But you still can’t get a virtual mammogram or stress test. When you do need to come to the office for a health screening, Kaiser Permanente may have after-hours appointments, so you don’t have to miss work or doing the things you love. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 1-833-574-2273 (TTY 711).