Virtuwell
How does it work?
What is virtuwell?
Virtuwell is a service that provides our members 24/7/365 online access to board certified nurse practitioners. Just visit www.virtuwell.com and click the button that says “Get Started.” Then, you will go through an online medical interview/questionnaire, much like you would in a doctor’s office. Once you complete the interview, Virtuwell nurse practitioners can diagnose, recommend treatment, and prescribe medication when appropriate for many common medical issues based on the answers to the questions. You will receive a treatment plan and any prescriptions within 30 minutes of hitting the submit button. If the nurse practitioners need more information, they will reach out to you, and you can also request a follow-up with the nurse practitioner for no additional cost.
How much does Virtuwell cost?
For traditional Platinum, Gold, and Silver plan members, unlimited free Virtuwell visits are covered. For traditional Bronze plan members, the first ten visits are covered 100% by CGHC, unless you are on an HSA plan. Once a member exhausts the free visits or if they are on an HSA plan, they will pay the deductible/coinsurance amount per visit to use the service (per episode, since follow ups if needed are free). If Virtuwell cannot address your health concern, you will not be billed for the visit.
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All members on any HSA plan have to pay for Virtuwell at our contracted rate until their deductible is met. This is because the government has rules about HSA plans that do not allow any services to be covered before the deductible is met (other than preventive care). HSA plan members will receive free visits if/when they meet their deductible. HSA members should request a receipt from virtuwell to submit for reimbursement under their health savings account.
How does Virtuwell work?
All you need is internet access to use virtuwell. There are no apps to download and no appointment needed. You start by visiting virtuwell.com and clicking the “Get Started” button. You are then asked to select a category for your health concern (ie. “allergies”) from a pre-determined list. The website gives you the option to start an interview process about your medical concerns or to first create or login into an account. You can proceed with the medical interview and then enter your email and password at the end of the process (ie. creating an account) before submitting your information. Near the end of the interview, you will also be asked about medical history, medication allergies and insurance information.
Once you hit the submit on the interview process, you will receive a written treatment plan and any medications that are prescribed within about 30 minutes. Prescriptions will be sent to your pharmacy of choice. You can even get a text notification when your treatment plan is ready. virtuwell will bill CGHC directly for members that select Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative as their insurance provider and then enter the correct 13-digit member ID number when going through the process.
Are online clinics covered by CGHC?
All CGHC plans will now cover 10 e-visits per enrollee, including virtuwell visits. The first 10 visits will be provided at no cost to the member in most plans, with the exception of HSA plans (see “What does it cost?” for more information). Certain other CGHC provider network partners may also offer e-visits which may also be billed to CGHC and count toward your ten visit limit.
Do the Virtuwell nurse practitioners consult with doctors? Where are they located?
Virtuwell is a company located in Minnesota and is a subsidiary of HealthPartners health plan. The nurse practitioners they hire are board certified, licensed in Wisconsin and have both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. They collaborate with physicians, specialists, pharmacists, lab experts and even data scientists when providing Virtuwell online clinic services. The Virtuwell team has expertise in general practice, family medicine, dermatology, women’s health, geriatrics and pediatrics.
Is my health information secure?
Virtuwell is offered through an NCQA accredited health plan that is subject to the same stringent privacy requirements that we are at Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative. Virtuwell maintains a variety of physical, electronic, and procedure safeguards designed to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access. The moment you log on to the Virtuwell web site, they encrypt your user name and password using the highest level of security, industry standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology.
The Virtuwell website is asking for my group number, but I don't see one on my ID card. What should I put there?
You can just enter 12345 for the group number. These instructions are shown when a member clicks the “?” next to the group number box.
What if I forgot my Virtuwell password?
There is a self-help feature on the Virtuwell website.
When should I use Virtuwell?
What can Virtuwell treat?
Some examples include sinus problems, bronchitis, allergies, cold and flu, respiratory infections, women’s health issues, rashes, ear infections, pink eye, poison ivy, urinary tract infections, kids’ health issues and more. Telemedicine is appropriate for many common, uncomplicated medical issues that don’t require a specialist or long-term treatment.
Can I get a prescription through Virtuwell?
Yes, they can prescribe most medications when appropriate, with the exception of controlled substances. virtuwell will generally prescribe short term common prescriptions, such as antibiotics to treat infections, antihistamines or short‐term prescriptions for maintenance medications. virtuwell is not meant to replace your primary care provider for longer term prescriptions.
Can I use Virtuwell for my family?
CGHC covered visits are only available to anyone covered by a CGHC policy. Anyone without a CGHC policy can also use the service – they just need to pay virtuwell directly for their base rate.
Can I use Virtuwell when traveling?
Yes – you are encouraged to use Virtuwell while traveling. As a CGHC member, you can use the service from anywhere.
What if a Virtuwell nurse practitioner prescribes me a medication that is not covered by CGHC?
You will need to request a free follow-up visit with the nurse practitioner or contact Virtuwell’s customer service at 877.440.1001. The nurse practitioner will work with you to get an alternative medication prescribed and will send a new prescription to the pharmacy. Follow up visits are free.