FAQ
Pricing
How much does a Virtucare visit cost?
An initial visit costs $89. Discounted follow-up visits are available through our annual membership.
We understand that the cost to see one of our specialists may not be within everyone's budget. However, for many people with insurance, a Virtucare visit will save you money. The average co-pay to see a specialist is $50. With rising deductibles as well, your out-of-pocket expenses for a specialist visit can be several hundred dollars. Don't forget the convenience of having a Virtucare visit without leaving work, finding childcare, driving to appointments, sitting in waiting rooms and waiting weeks for an appointment.
Can I use my health insurance?
Did you know that the U.S. wastes $500 billion in healthcare dollars on unnecessary billing and insurance costs! At Virtucare we don't accept insurance so we can minimize our administrative costs, pay our specialists fair market value and keep costs lower for our patients.
What do I do if I have Medicare?
You can still have a Virtucare visit. First you will be asked to sign a document (ABN) stating that you understand that the services are non-covered and that they will not be billed to Medicare
Can I use my HSA or other savings account cards?
Payments can be made with health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) cards.
Second Opinions
When should I request a second opinion?
Sometimes you have a complex medical situation, are considering a surgery, or just needing a little more reassurance about a recent diagnosis. In these situations our experts can provide a second opinion. In order to make the best recommendation this often requires:
- Review of outside medical records.
- More thorough and detailed history.
- Consulting with other colleagues.
With a large network of colleagues, we can even find you the best doctor in your area should you need a more hands-on approach.
Why is a second opinion more expensive?
In order to provide you with the best recommendation our experts need additional time. This includes a thorough record review before the visit. More importantly you'll have more time with the expert during the visit. With up to 30 minutes of face-to-face time, you'll leave your visit with reassurance and a feeling that someone listened to your concerns.
Telemedicine
Is a Virtucare visit safe?
At Virtucare we take your privacy seriously. Unlike traditional in-person visits where your private health information may inadvertantly be seen or heard by others, a Virtucare visit is performed on a HIPAA compliant (U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) telemedicine platform so the only people who know about your visit are you and the specialist. We comply with all appropriate state, national and international laws and regulations. Unless we have your permission or we are required by law, your medical information will not be shared without your consent.
Who is Calling Dr.?
Calling Dr. is telemedicine company that has created a secure, dependable telemedicine platform. This allows you to have a safe, easy to use way of having a virtual visit with your specialist. We chose to collaborate with Calling Dr because our values are aligned: we both focus on the patient-physician relationship.
Is there a mobile app I can use?
Yes. Once you've created a Virtucare account, you can download the Calling Dr. app for convenient video visits and messaging. Click here for iOS. Click here for Android.
What should I do if I have an emergency?
You should call 911 or go to the local emergency room.
What medical specialists are on the Virtucare team?
At the moment, Virtucare is focused on treating patients requiring a urologist. Click here to learn what a urologist treats.
As we grow, we look forward to adding more specialties. Send us an email with which medical speciality would you like to see on Virtucare.
Can a telemedicine visit treat all urology conditions?
Unfortunately we can't treat all medical conditions through telemedicine. You should see an in-person physician if you have:
- Severe pain, fevers, vomiting, blood in the urine with clots.
- A lump, swelling or mass that requires an in-person physical exam.
- An existing, active urology issue that has been treated in the past by surgery or procedures. (e.g. urinary catheter)
As we grow, we look forward to adding more specialties. Send us an email with which medical speciality would you like to see on Virtucare.
Doctors
How do I know I can trust your doctors?
Virtucare specialists are placed through a rigorous selection process. All specialists are board-certified urologists and have active medical licenses in the states we provide our services. In addition to selecting experts, we selected warm, patient focused physicians with excellent communication skills. We chose specialists that we would feel comfortable sending our loved ones to for a visit.
What conditions do you treat?
At the moment Virtucare specialists are all board-certified urologists with expertise in treating conditions of the urinary tract and male genitalia. We treat common conditions like:
- Kidney stones, UTIs, Enlarged prostates, Overactive bladder, Bladder leakage, Prostate cancer (second opinions and follow up after treatment)
- Not sure if you have a urology medical issue? Email us and we'll help you out.
Other
Is Virtucare available in my state?
As of this moment, Virtucare specialists are licensed to see patients in Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. As we continue to grow our goal is to serve patients in every state.
Would you like Virtucare to come to your state? Please sign up here for our waiting list and monthly newsletter so you can be notified as soon as we head your way.
What is the annual subscription and why should I consider it?
The annual subscription is $99 a year or $9.99 a month. It provides you with:
- Continuity of care. You'll have the same specialist for every visit.
- Unlimited direct access to your specialist via a secure messaging system.
- Discounted follow up visits. ($59 per visit)
