Telehealth urgent care: when to go in person and when to go online

Let’s be clear right from the start: If you think you’re having a medical emergency, like chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Telehealth urgent care isn’t for emergencies.

But for everything else? It’s becoming one of the most convenient ways to get real care, fast.

At QuickMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients access urgent care online, safely, quickly, and without the stress of waiting rooms. Our providers are licensed, experienced in urgent care medicine, and trained to provide quality care, spotting when virtual care is enough and when you need to be seen in person.

We get how confusing it can be to figure out where to go or who to call when you’re sick. Some people still believe telehealth is only for minor concerns or that walk-in clinics are faster. Others worry that online care isn’t as “real” as being in a physical office.

This guide is here to help clear that up.

We’ll walk through when telehealth works, when in-person care is the better choice, and why urgent care telehealth, especially through a trusted provider like QuickMD, is more effective and accessible than you might think.

Before seeing when telehealth works best, let’s talk about the exceptions. There are some situations where online care just isn’t the right tool, and it’s important to know when to seek in-person or emergency help instead.

When you should skip telehealth urgent care and seek emergency care

While telehealth can handle a wide range of medical issues, there are situations where seeing a doctor in person or even going straight to the ER is the safest option.

These include:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of a heart attack
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Head injuries, confusion, fainting, or seizures
• Signs of a stroke (slurred speech, numbness, sudden weakness)
• Broken bones or deep wounds
• You feel too weak, dizzy, or impaired to safely use your phone or drive

If you’re dealing with something serious, don’t wait. Call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room.

But if your symptoms are mild to moderate and related to specific medical conditions, and you’re not in immediate danger, telehealth may be the fastest way to get the care you need.

So what kinds of conditions are a good fit for virtual urgent care? Let’s look at the most common reasons people turn to services like QuickMD and how it can save you time, stress, and sometimes even money.

When virtual urgent care is a smart choice

Let’s say you have a painful UTI, a sore throat that’s getting worse, or flu symptoms that hit out of nowhere. You don’t want to sit in a waiting room for two hours, and maybe you can’t miss work or leave your kids at home.

That’s where urgent care via telehealth shines. The convenience of this service means you can access quality care from home using a mobile device, making it easy to schedule and attend your visit without the hassle of traveling to a clinic.

QuickMD providers regularly treat a variety of conditions, including those commonly treated in urgent care.

• Cold and flu symptoms
• UTIs
• Sinus infections
• Pink eye
• Mild asthma flare-ups
• Skin rashes or hives
• Earaches
• Migraines
• Upset stomach or GERD
• Vaginal yeast infections

We provide quality care for patients, and our providers can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions during your virtual urgent care visit.

You can be seen the same day by a provider, sometimes within the hour, and get a prescription if needed. No commute, no crowded clinic, no exposure to other sick patients.

To make sure you have the smoothest experience possible, prepare in advance by checking your internet connection and making sure your account and registration are completed before your scheduled service. During your visit, our providers will review your symptoms and medical history to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment for you.

Still on the fence? That’s normal. A lot of people hesitate to try telehealth because of a few stubborn myths. Let’s take a closer look at what’s real and what’s just outdated thinking.

Common myths about telehealth (and what’s actually true)

Even though telehealth has been around for years, a lot of people still hesitate to use it because of outdated ideas. 

Let’s discuss and clear some of those up.

Myth #1: “Telemedicine visits are only for people who can’t leave the house.”

Truth: Telehealth isn’t just for people stuck at home. 

It’s for anyone who wants fast, accessible care without the hassle. Whether you’re a parent with a sick kid, working long hours, or just don’t feel like dragging yourself to urgent care for a sinus infection, online visits make life easier.

Myth #2: “You have to wait longer for a telehealth appointment.”

Truth: In many cases, it’s the opposite. 

In-person urgent care centers can have long wait times, especially during cold and flu season. With QuickMD, you can often get a same-day or same-hour appointment and speak with a licensed provider in minutes.

Myth #3: “Telehealth doctors can’t treat real problems.”

Truth: QuickMD providers are licensed medical professionals who treat thousands of patients each month. 

They’re trained to evaluate your symptoms, order medications, write doctor’s notes, and let you know if an in-person follow-up is needed. 

You’re still getting professional medical care, just in a more convenient format.

Myth #4: “Telehealth urgent care isn’t secure or private.”

Truth: QuickMD is HIPAA-compliant, which means your health information is protected and confidential, just like it would be at a doctor’s office.

Telehealth is modern healthcare. It’s not cutting corners at all. It’s cutting unnecessary steps.

These facts are helpful, but what does the data say? As it turns out, research backs up what thousands of QuickMD patients already know: virtual care is efficient, affordable, and effective for many common conditions.

What the research says about virtual urgent care: time, cost, and satisfaction

If you’re still wondering whether telehealth really stacks up, the data is clear.

A major study published in The American Journal of Managed Care compared over 16,000 urgent care visits, both virtual and in-person, with the same diagnoses. 

The results? Virtual visits were faster, way more affordable, and equally effective for many common conditions.

Here’s what they found:

• Time saved: In-person visits averaged over 70 minutes (including wait and travel). Virtual visits? Just 9 minutes on average.
• Cost savings: The average cost of an in-person urgent care visit was around $143, whereas virtual care was much lower.
• High satisfaction: More than 90% of patients rated their virtual visit as “Good,” “Very Good,” or “Excellent.”

These numbers are impressive and show that patients can more easily balance health needs with busy lives, limited transportation, or lack of an insurance plan.

Telehealth service doesn’t cut corners. It cuts out the waiting room, the drive, and the extra costs.

Of course, no single type of care fits every situation. There are still cases where it’s best, or necessary, to be seen in person.

Here’s how to know when that’s the better call.

When you might need in-person urgent care instead

Telehealth urgent care can handle a lot, but it’s not right for everything. There are moments when seeing someone face-to-face (ideally quickly) is safer and more appropriate.

You’ll likely need in-person care if you:

• Need stitches or an X-ray
• Have a deep wound or a possible broken bone
• Are severely dehydrated
• Have a painful ear infection with swelling or drainage
• Are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop
• Need lab work

Not sure? A QuickMD provider can help you decide if virtual urgent care is the right choice. If they think you need hands-on treatment, they’ll let you know right away and guide you on the next steps.

Why choose QuickMD for telehealth urgent care?

When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you want is to sit in a crowded waiting room or rearrange your whole day just to see a doctor.

That’s where we come in.

We make accessing care simple, accessible, and stress-free. With just a few clicks, you can connect to a licensed provider for a secure, same-day video visit. No insurance plan is needed, there are no waiting rooms, and there is no guesswork.

Whether it’s a UTI, sore throat, migraine, or stomach bug, you can get treatment from the comfort of home, often within the hour.

Here’s what you can expect from our telehealth urgent care

• Same-day appointments, 7 days a week, including evenings
• State-licensed providers with urgent care experience
• HIPAA-compliant video visits that protect your privacy
• Flat-rate pricing, just $75 per visit (no insurance needed)
• Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, when medically appropriate
• No hidden fees or surprise bills

Want to keep learning? Our blog is packed with practical advice from QuickMD’s licensed providers to help you navigate telehealth, urgent care, medication treatment, and more.

How a QuickMD virtual urgent care visit works (step-by-step)

If you’ve never tried virtual urgent care before, here’s exactly how it works with QuickMD, from booking to treatment, so you know what to expect.

1. Book your urgent care visit

Start by selecting your state, choosing the visit type you need, and picking a time that works best for you. 

Then you’ll fill out some basic information and submit your payment to confirm the appointment. It only takes a few minutes.

2. Before your appointment

Once your video visit is scheduled, you’ll need to:

• Verify your ID (a quick and secure upload)
• Fill out a short intake form so your provider understands your symptoms and health history
• Download the QuickMD app on iOS or Android (optional, you can also use a web browser if you prefer)
• Check in for your video visit 5-10 minutes early to avoid any delays

Your appointment will auto-check in 5 minutes before your scheduled time.

Once you’re in the waiting room, you can close the app or browser if you like. Just make sure “Do Not Disturb” is off and push notifications are on so you don’t miss your alert when the provider is ready.

3. Connect with a QuickMD provider

You’ll meet with a licensed provider through a secure video visit. They’ll go over your symptoms, answer your questions, and review any medications you’re currently taking. 

Whether you’re accessing care for yourself or someone you’re a legal guardian for, it’s a private one-on-one visit. That means no crowded waiting rooms and no rush.

4. Get treated or guided on the next steps

If medically appropriate, your provider can:

• Send a prescription to your local pharmacy
• Provide a doctor’s note for school or work
• Recommend home care
• Refer you for follow-up if in-person treatment is needed

5. Review your visit summary

After your video visit, you’ll receive a secure visit summary for your records. You can also share this with your primary care physician if you’d like to keep them in the loop.

All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet, a camera, and a microphone. It’s a streamlined way to get high-quality care that fits your schedule, without sacrificing safety or privacy.

Do QuickMD providers require lab work before prescribing medications?

Sometimes, yes. For certain medications, a provider may need a complete in-person assessment or lab testing first. 

If that’s the case, our care team will help coordinate the lab work and guide you on what’s needed before treatment continues.

Need urgent care today? Start here

You’ve got options when you’re sick, and now you know when telehealth is the right one. Not every sore throat needs a clinic visit. Not every UTI calls for an hour in traffic. And not every rash needs a waiting room full of other people coughing.

Telehealth urgent care is here to make healthcare simpler, safer, and more on your terms, whether you’re a patient or a legal guardian seeking care for someone. If you’re ready to get help, we’re here.

Frequently asked questions about telehealth urgent care

Can QuickMD provide doctor’s notes for work or school?

Yes. If medically appropriate, your QuickMD provider can issue a doctor’s note after your urgent care video visit, along with a summary of the visit for your records. These are commonly used for sick days, return-to-work clearance, or school absences.

Just let your provider know during the video visit if you need documentation. Prescriptions will be transmitted electronically to your pharmacy after a virtual visit.

QuickMD currently only provides care for adults 18 and older who are physically located in the United States. At the time of your appointment, you have to be in the same state where your valid photo ID was issued.

What technology do I need for a QuickMD urgent care video visit?

You only need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access and a working camera and microphone for an urgent care video visit, and technical support is available if you encounter issues.

Just log in through your browser on your mobile device and start your telemedicine visit. It’s fast, secure, and mobile-friendly.

What if my symptoms get worse after the telehealth urgent care visit?

If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens after your telehealth appointment, you can follow up with another QuickMD visit or seek in-person emergency care. If symptoms become severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.