When a health concern comes up, it can be hard to know where to turn. Is it serious enough for the emergency room? Can it wait until a doctor’s office opens? For many common health concerns, there is a faster, easier and far more cost-effective option: virtual urgent care.
For Population Science Management (PSM) members, MyLiveDoc is designed to remove the guesswork from getting care. It offers on-demand access to licensed providers who can evaluate symptoms, recommend treatment and guide next steps, all without the time, cost or stress that often comes with an in-person visit.
Understanding when the ER is — and isn’t — the right choice
Emergency rooms are essential for emergencies like chest pain, severe injuries, difficulty breathing or signs of a stroke. However, many ER visits happen for issues that are not emergencies and could be handled quickly through virtual care.
Common concerns often seen in emergency rooms that can be treated through virtual urgent care include:
- Seasonal allergies and sinus infections
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Minor respiratory issues
- Rashes and skin irritations
- Mild infections
- Medication questions or refills
Choosing virtual urgent care first helps members get quicker answers while keeping emergency services available for those who truly need them.
How MyLiveDoc virtual urgent care works
MyLiveDoc connects members with licensed medical providers 24/7, 365 days a year. Visits are available within minutes and can be accessed from a phone, tablet or computer.
With MyLiveDoc, members can:
- Talk with a provider about symptoms
- Receive treatment recommendations and care guidance
- Get prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy when appropriate
- Receive referrals for in-person care if needed
Accessing care early often prevents symptoms from worsening and reduces the likelihood of needing costly emergency treatment later.
The cost difference: Virtual care vs. in-person visits
One of the most significant advantages of virtual urgent care is cost savings, both for members and the broader health system.
Emergency room visits are among the most expensive forms of care, especially when the condition is non-emergent. In contrast, virtual urgent care visits typically cost a fraction of an ER visit and help avoid additional expenses like facility fees, transportation and long wait times.
For many PSM members, MyLiveDoc urgent care visits are available with no copays or out-of-pocket costs, making it an accessible first step for care questions or minor health concerns.
Why virtual urgent care makes sense during allergy season
Spring allergies are one of the most common reasons people seek urgent care and one of the most appropriate use cases for virtual visits.
Through MyLiveDoc, providers can help members identify allergy symptoms versus illness, recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications, suggest lifestyle changes to reduce exposure or determine when in-person care may be necessary.
This approach not only saves time but helps members get relief sooner — often without leaving home.
Virtual urgent care as a smarter first step in health benefits
Accessing MyLiveDoc is also seamlessly connected through digital tools designed to simplify the member experience and making it easy to access virtual care when it’s most effective – early. The Covered365™ app provides a centralized hub where members can access MyLiveDoc, review benefits information and know exactly where to go when questions arise.
When care is needed, virtual urgent care through MyLiveDoc is a smart, cost-effective first step. It delivers fast access to licensed providers, helps members avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and supports healthier outcomes with less stress.