Online visits

Virtual urgent care: see a provider online

For a cold, a UTI, pink eye or another minor problem that can’t wait, a video visit with a licensed provider can often be done from home the same day, with a prescription sent to your pharmacy if it’s appropriate. It isn’t for emergencies or injuries.

Start a virtual visit You’ll leave ER.com to check availability and pricing with the provider. ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

What an online visit can often help with

Telehealth is commonly used for common sicknesses like colds or an upset stomach, infections, skin problems and checking on minor symptoms (HHS). For urgent care, that usually means concerns like these:

UTI Cold & flu Sinus infection Sore throat Cough Ear infection Pink eye Allergies Rash Cold sores Yeast infection Nausea & vomiting

Each page above explains when an online visit may fit that concern and when to be seen in person. All concerns.

How a visit works

You answer questions about your symptoms, health history and medicines, and confirm the state you’re in.
A licensed provider reviews them and talks with you by video, phone or message. They may ask to see the problem on camera.
If it’s appropriate, they send a prescription to a pharmacy you choose. If not, they’ll tell you where to go instead.

You’ll need a phone, tablet or computer with internet, a quiet spot, and your pharmacy’s name and address.

When to be seen in person

An injury: a possible sprain or broken bone, a cut that may need stitches, or a burn
Anything that needs a hands-on exam, an X-ray, a swab or a lab test the provider can’t order remotely
Symptoms that haven’t improved after treatment, or keep coming back
The online provider tells you to be seen in person

Find urgent care near you.

Not for emergencies

Go to the ER or call 911, not an online visit, for:

Chest pain or pressure, or trouble breathing
Sudden weakness, numbness, drooping face, or trouble speaking or seeing
Fainting, sudden confusion, or a seizure
Heavy bleeding, a serious injury or burn, or a head injury
A severe allergic reaction, poisoning or overdose

If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, go to the ER. Urgent care or the ER? · Find the nearest ER

	Virtual urgent care	Urgent care clinic	Emergency room
Best for	Minor illnesses that can be assessed by talking and on camera	Minor illnesses and injuries that need an exam or test	Anything that could threaten life or cause lasting harm
Where	From home, by video, phone or message	At the clinic	At the hospital or freestanding ER
Hours	Varies; some services are 24/7	Set hours, often evenings and weekends	24/7
Tests and X-rays	None during the visit	Often X-ray and basic lab	Full imaging and lab
Prescriptions	Sent to your pharmacy when appropriate	Yes	Yes
Cost	Depends on the service and your plan; many insurers cover it like an office visit	Billed like an office visit	Usually the most, with a facility fee

Coverage from HHS’s telehealth guidance. For cited urgent care and ER costs and ER wait times, see urgent care vs ER.

What it may cost

What you pay depends on the service and your insurance. Many insurers treat telehealth visits like in-person ones, Medicare pays for many telehealth services (often at the same cost as an in-person visit), and Medicaid coverage varies by state (HHS). Some online services charge a flat price if you pay yourself. Check the price, and whether your plan covers it, before you start.

Ready to see a provider online?

For minor, non-emergency concerns. Check availability, pricing, and care details with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.

Start a virtual visit

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Common questions

Virtual urgent care, answered.

General information, not medical advice.

What is virtual urgent care?

A same-day visit with a licensed provider by video, phone or secure message, for problems that need care soon but aren’t emergencies. The provider asks about your symptoms, may look at the problem on camera, and can send a prescription to a pharmacy if it’s appropriate.

What can virtual urgent care treat?

Common minor illnesses such as colds and flu, sinus and urinary symptoms, pink eye, allergies and many rashes. The provider decides whether your problem can be handled online and will tell you if you need to be seen in person.

Can a virtual urgent care provider prescribe medicine?

Often, yes, when it’s appropriate for your symptoms and history. Prescriptions are usually sent to a pharmacy you choose. Some medicines, including many controlled substances, generally aren’t prescribed in an urgent care video visit.

How much does a virtual urgent care visit cost?

It depends on the service and your insurance. Many insurers treat telehealth visits like in-person ones, and Medicare pays for many telehealth services (HHS). Some services charge a flat price without insurance. Check the price before you start.

Is virtual urgent care available 24/7?

Some services see patients around the clock and others keep set hours. Availability can also depend on your state, since the provider must be licensed where you are.

When should I go to urgent care or the ER instead?

Go to urgent care for injuries or anything that needs an exam, X-ray or test. Go to the ER or call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, heavy bleeding or any other emergency. If you’re not sure, go to the ER.

Start a virtual visit Not an emergency and can’t get in today? ER.com may earn a commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you.

Sources

Last updated November 12, 2026. General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Online visit links go to DrHouse, a separate telehealth provider.

This is not for emergencies.

For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.