EXPANDING VIRTUAL VISITS
ECU Physicians offers virtual visits to community in response to COVID-19
In times of crisis, the East Carolina University community does not simply wait for the storm to subside. It pools its collective talents and resources before charging into the storm to serve those in need.
Despite the significant operational challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, ECU Physicians – the medical practice of ECU’s Brody School of Medicine – is taking steps to increase access to health care for community members, including those who are not ECU Physicians patients and those who do not have health insurance.
Beginning Wednesday, April 8, ECU Physicians will provide opportunities for anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to see and speak to a physician via virtual visits. This includes those who may not have a regular primary care physician or whose primary care provider does not have telehealth capabilities.
Dr. Jason Foltz, chief medical officer of ECU Physicians, said the practice is taking these steps as a service to the large number of people who may be experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, but have limited health care options.
“The hope is to provide more access to testing for folks who need it and also to prevent unnecessary visits to emergency rooms or physicians’ offices,” Foltz said.
Regardless if they have a primary care physician or not, community members who are experiencing a cough, fever and/or shortness of breath can call 252-744-3119 for instructions on how to arrange a virtual visit with an ECU Physicians provider.
If the person has never been an ECU Physicians patient, they just need to have access to an email where they will be sent documents to be signed and returned prior to the appointment.
Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, AETNA and Cigna insurance have all agreed to cover virtual visits and testing related to COVID-19. If the person is uninsured, ECU Physicians will accept payment at the time of the call. The base charge for a virtual visit for uninsured patients is $30, but individuals may qualify for discounts based on financial need.
Once they have been screened by the ECU Physicians provider, the patient may be directed to a centralized COVID-19 testing location for further evaluation.
“This is our way to reach out to our community in time of crisis to increase access to care for those patients who may not know where else to turn,” Foltz said. “This is a way for us to serve our community, because that’s what ECU does.”
Virtual Visit FAQs
Is a virtual visit right for me?
If you are exhibiting symptoms of cough, fever and/or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor’s office or ECU Physicians to discuss whether a virtual visit would be a good option for you.
How do I get a virtual appointment with an ECU Physician?
If you’re concerned that you’re exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus — which include cough, fever and shortness of breath — call your normal ECU Physicians’ office or, if you are not an ECU Physicians patient, call 252-744-3119. A nurse will discuss your symptoms and help you determine if a virtual visit is right for you. If so, the nurse will send instructions via email to connect with an ECU Physician for a virtual visit.
How do virtual visits work?
If you’re exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or are concerned you may have been exposed, call your current ECU Physicians’ office or, if you are not an ECU Physicians patient, call 252-744-3119 to discuss your symptoms and your options for care. If the nurse decides a virtual visit is right for you, you’ll be sent an email that provides instructions on how to see your doctor using your phone or tablet.
What do I need for a virtual visit?
You’ll need a smartphone or a tablet to connect with an ECU Physician for a virtual visit.
Why should I choose a virtual visit?
Virtual visits help our physicians provide care while limiting your exposure to others. This helps reduce the potential for you to transmit the virus to others and reduces the potential for others to transmit the virus to you.
Do I have to be a current ECU Physicians patient to get a virtual appointment?
No, beginning Wednesday, April 8, ECU Physicians will provide opportunities for anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms to see and speak to a physician via virtual visits. This includes those who may not have a regular primary care physician or whose primary care provider does not have telehealth capabilities. If you have never been an ECU Physicians patient, you just need to have access to an email where you will be sent documents to be signed and returned prior to the appointment.
What if I need testing?
If the physician you interact with on your virtual visit feels further testing is needed, they’ll provide information on how to obtain testing from your primary care office. A nurse will meet patients outside the facility to administer testing.
Will my virtual visit be covered by my insurance?
Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, AETNA and Cigna insurance have all agreed to cover virtual visits and testing related to COVID-19. In some cases, the insurance payors have also agreed to waive co-pays.
What if I don’t have insurance?
The base charge for a virtual visit for uninsured patients is $30, but individuals may qualify for discounts based on financial need. Recent legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President also sets aside money to cover testing for uninsured individuals.