Unless you have a doctor in the family, seeing a physician without leaving your home used to be impossible. But now, to help our patients stay healthy and stay home, Covenant HealthCare is offering online virtual doctor visits through the Covenant MyChart app. These visits are perfect for ailments like ear or eye infections, colds and flu, mild allergic reactions and other non-life-threatening conditions. And during the coronavirus crisis, virtual visits are available for any type of doctor visit, including well visits and follow-up care after surgical procedures. A virtual visit is also a great way to be safely evaluated if you think you have coronavirus symptoms.
How it works: Setting up your virtual visit
Virtual visits are now available with the majority of Covenant providers, including both primary care doctors and specialists.* You make your appointment the same way you would normally: Just call your doctor’s office and say you’d like a virtual appointment. They will arrange the appointment for you, and it will show up in your MyChart account.
When the time comes for your appointment:
- Access your Covenant MyChart account online (if you don’t have a MyChart account, see the instructions below).
- Go into the Appointments tab and click on your appointment.
- You’ll be guided through an e-check-in process, in which you’ll answer questions about your health and the reason for your visit.
- You’ll then go to a virtual waiting room, and your doctor will be notified that you have “arrived” for your visit.
- When your doctor clicks on the link to connect, your visit will begin, and you and your doctor can see each other on-screen.
Getting a MyChart Account
If you are the patient of a Covenant doctor but do not yet have a MyChart account, contact your provider’s office. They will give you an Activation Code you can enter to set up your account at https://mychart.chs-mi.com/MychartPRD/ (click on “New User”).
Your Covenant MyChart account offers many benefits in addition to Virtual Visits. Using MyChart, you can:
- Send messages to your doctor
- Request prescription refills
- Access test results
- Make appointments
How much does a virtual visit cost?
Your virtual visit will cost no more than your usual co-pay for a doctor's visit. In some cases, depending on the visit type, there may be no co-pay at all.
For more information on Covenant MyChart virtual visits, call your doctor’s office. You can also watch this WNEM-TV interview with Jaime Magness MSA, BSN, RN - VirtualCare Program Administrator at Covenant HealthCare.
During this health crisis, we never want our patients to feel that they are unable to reach out for care when they need it. With virtual visits, you can stay connected with your doctor without taking unnecessary risks.
*Most Covenant doctors use the MyChart app, but a few may not. Ask your provider.