FAQ - Provider Access
OptimalMD Virtual Urgent Care
What is Virtual Urgent Care?
OptimalMD Virtual Urgent Care offers 24/7/365 access to our nationwide network of Physicians through video chat on your computer or a phone call. Average wait time is 17 minutes to speak with a Physician, from anywhere, anytime -at home, or on the go!
When should I use Virtual Urgent Care?
Urgent Medical Needs: When you or a family member has a medical concern that is not life-threatening but requires prompt attention.
Our Convenient Care service treats over 300 conditions, including but not limited to flu symptoms, sinus problems, ear infections, allergies, urinary tract infections, nausea, pink eye, stomach viruses, rashes, sore throat, acne, men’s and women’s health issues, and more.
OptimalMD Virtual Care platform provides convenient access to physicians anytime, anywhere, 24/7, all year round.
Medical Questions: Even if you don't necessarily have a pressing medical issue but have questions or concerns about your health, you can reach out for guidance.
How do I use Virtual Urgent Care?
To access Virtual Urgent Care services, call 877-309-0297, or visit https://portal.optimalmd.com and log into your Private Member Portal to quickly and easily schedule a consultation with a state-licensed physician. The process is easy as 1-2-3.
Call, Tap, or Click | Contact the service through phone, app, or website.
Triage | Speak to a Care Coordinator who will triage and update the patient's Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Consult | Speak with a physician who will recommend a treatment plan. If medication is prescribed, it will be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice - nationwide.
What conditions can Virtual Urgent Care address?
Our virtual services treat over 300 conditions, including but not limited to flu symptoms, sinus problems, ear infections, allergies, urinary tract infections, nausea, pink eye, stomach viruses, rashes, sore throat, acne, men’s and women’s health issues, and many more!
You are not limited to one issue per visit. Please let your physician know anything you may be dealing with for the treatment you deserve!
I have never used Virtual Care ... how effective is it?
OptimalMD Virtual Urgent Care is highly effective for treating low acuity illnesses and conditions - with 70% being manageable virtually.
OptimalMD Virtual Primary Care
What is Virtual Primary Care?
OptimalMD Virtual Primary Care allows you to have face-to-face visits with your Primary Care Physician through video chat on a computer or a phone call, whichever is more convenient for you. Establish your trusted patient-physician relationship without the need for a physical visit to the doctor’s office, giving you the continuity and quality of care you deserve.
This is a great value for those that are often away from home, traveling for pleasure or work, or those with difficult schedules to accommodate!
How do I use my Virtual Primary Care Physician?
To access Virtual Primary Care services, you can call (877) 309-0297, or visit https://portal.optimalmd.com and log into your Patient Portal to schedule your consultation with your Primary Care Physician.
To schedule an appointment
Login to your Patient Portal and click “Connect with a Doctor”.
Click the “Schedule a Consultation” button and select the "Primary Care".
Select your preferred provider and the date and time for your appointment.
What services does Virtual Primary Care provide?
OptimalMD Virtual Primary Care provides a wide range of services like establishing a primary care physician, management of health conditions over time, medication management including ongoing refills, lab tests and routine screenings, health assessment screening and evaluation, and review and interpretation of lab test results. It also offers in-network recommendations and referrals for specialty care services.
When should I use Virtual Primary Care?
OptimalMD Virtual Primary Care is for managing routine and ongoing health conditions, medication management, preventive care, lab tests and routine screening, health assessment screening and evaluation, and when you need a referral to see specialists.
If you require urgent, immediate medical care, please consider using OptimalMD Virtual Urgent Care instead.
Why use Virtual Primary Care?
OptimalMD Virtual Primary Care takes the stress and hassle out of in-person appointments, long waits in waiting rooms, and, quite frankly, unneeded exposure to others who may be ill and contagious! Virtual visit scheduling is made to be convenient for you, the patient. And there is NO COST for the visit!
Can Virtual Care Physicians prescribe a refill for my current prescription?
Yes, our providers will discuss your health history and assess whether a refill is safe at the time of your visit or whether it's prudent to see a physician in person. The decision to provide a prescription refill and the quantity of the prescription is at the sole discretion of the provider.
Can Virtual Care Physicians prescribe birth control?
Generally, birth control prescriptions are dependent on your medical history and the provider's assessment of the risks and benefits to you. If medically appropriate, OptimalMD providers can start you on a new birth control regime.
If you are currently taking birth control medication, an OptimalMD provider can discuss your health history and assess whether a refill is safe at this time, or whether it would be prudent to see a physician in person.
OptimalMD Virtual Dermatology
What is Virtual Dermatology?
OptimalMD Virtual Dermatology gives you virtual, on-demand access to board-certified dermatologists from the comfort of your home. No traveling. No long wait times. At your convenience.
How do I use the Virtual Dermatology services?
Access is available 24/7/365 through https://portal.optimalmd.com. After logging into your Personal Private Member Portal, you can schedule a consultation with a dermatologist.
Log-in to Request a Consult - Use the OptimalMD Personal Private Member Portal to schedule your consultation.
Upload Images - Describe your condition and upload at least three images of the affected area.
Dermatologist Review - A dermatologist reviews your consultation details, health records, and images within 72 hours, providing a treatment plan and prescriptions if necessary.
Prescription Delivery - Prescriptions will be sent electronically to your pharmacy.
When should I use Virtual Dermatology?
When facing specific skin/hair/nail challenges like acne, alopecia (hair loss), boils, cold sores, cysts, eczema, folliculitis, hives, fungal skin infections, keratosis, dermatitis (including maskne), rosacea, moles, warts, suspicious spots, athlete's foot, ringworm, poison ivy, shingles, psoriasis, rash, skin infections, and much more.
What is the average turnaround time to receive a diagnosis?
The average turnaround time to receive a diagnosis is 12 hours, with a treatment plan and prescription within 72 hours.
How effective is Virtual Dermatology for treatment?
Virtual Dermatology is highly effective, with 87% of cases fully treated via a virtual visit and a 94% member satisfaction rate.
OptimalMD Virtual Counseling
What is Virtual Counseling?
OptimalMD Virtual Counseling gives you access to Master Degreed Counselors for short-term problem resolution, referral, and crisis intervention services.
When should I use Virtual Counseling?
When you are feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing anxiety or depression, batteling substance abuse, depression, stress, death of a loved one, relationship issues, parenting issues, or just need someone to talk with. OptimalMD Virtual Counseling is here for you anytime, at NO COST to you!
How do I use my Virtual Counseling?
Once you become an OptimalMD member, log in at https://portal.optimalmd.com. After logging into your Patient Portal, you can schedule your consultation with a counselor.
OptimalMD Virtual Psychology
What is a Psychologist?
A psychologist is a trained expert who helps people manage stress, emotions, and mental health challenges through conversation and guidance. They listen, support, and teach practical skills for a happier, healthier life.
A Psychologist is not a medical doctor, and does not prescribe medication but uses proven therapy techniques to help you feel your best.
When should I use Virtual Psychology services?
Anyone who feels overwhelmed, stressed, sad, or anxious might benefit from seeing a psychologist. If you’re having trouble coping with life changes, relationships, work, or simply want support to feel better and improve your well-being, a psychologist can help. You don’t need to have a serious problem-just wanting to talk and get guidance is a great reason to reach out.
How long will each counseling session last?
Each counseling session will last around 50 minutes.
Can I speak to the same Psychologist every appointment?
Yes you can! You select and can keep your same provider throughout your treatment.
Can a Psychologist prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists CANNOT prescribe medication to patients. For medicinal needs you will need to be seen by a Psychiatrist instead.
Are online counseling sessions recorded?
No sessions are recorded nor stored. What you talk about in a session is always kept in the strictest of confidence.
Is my Virtual Psychology session free?
No, your telehealth consultation with a state licensed psychologist costs $100 per session. Due to the advanced training and skill level to deal with complex issues there is a reduced cost to this advanced service that typically costs up to $300 per hour. You still receive substantial savings for this much needed service. .
OptimalMD Virtual Psychiatry
What is a Psychiatrist?
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They can prescribe medications and provide other medical treatments to help manage emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders. Psychiatrists often work with people who need both therapy and medication support.
What medications can my Virtual Psychiatrist prescribe?
Some of the more common medications a Psychiatrist may prescribe would be Lexapro, Effexor, Paxil, Elavil, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Remeron, Celexa, Prozac, Pristiq, to name a few.
How long will each counseling session last?
Each counseling session will last around 50 minutes.
Are online counseling sessions recorded?
No sessions are recorded nor stored. What you talk about in a session is always kept in the strictest of confidence.
What prescriptions are NOT available with Virtual Psychiatrist services:
DEA - controlled substances (ADHD stimulant medications, sleep medications, anti-anxiety benzodiazepines), Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), medications intended for intra-muscular injections, Detox Medications (e.g., Suboxone, Methadone), drugs with potential for abuse - such as muscle relaxants, pseudoephedrine, or medications that require regular lab work and monitoring (e.g., Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol) when lab work is not present for review.
What conditions are NOT treated with Virtual Psychiatric services?
- Emergency situations (suicidal, homicidal, self-harm)
- ADHD prescription of stimulant (therapy and non-stimulant medication management are in scope)
- Active hallucinations or delusions
- Substance use in an active medical detox program
- Moderate to severe autism spectrum disorders, and internationally located patients
- Conditions that require laboratory or diagnostic imaging to determine final treatment recommendations without lab work present for review
- Children under the age of 12
Virtual Visits,
Appointments,
Treatments,& Conditions
What if I need care late at night or over the weekend?
With OptimalMD you can request an urgent care visit 24/7/365.
I live in New York, but I'm on vacation in Florida – where should I request my medical visit?
As a best practice, you should request a consultation in the state where you are physically located at the time of the visit. If a provider determines that a prescription is medically necessary, the prescription can be submitted to a local pharmacy of your choice.
Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes, you can cancel your appointment by logging into your Patient Portal at https://portal.optimalmd.com.
Can OptimalMD treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and hair loss?
Yes! Our primary care providers can treat most conditions, but we cannot prescribe any DEA controlled substances.
What if I have a question but don't need medical care?
Your OptimalMD Access Plus membership allows you to send a secure message to a doctor or specialist without having to schedule an appointment. Simply log in and go to “Message a Doctor” or “Message a Specialist” to start a conversation.
What are the age requirements for using OptimalMD Virtual Care?
Our virtual care providers cannot treat children under 2 years old. Our Psychiatrists cannot treat children under 12 years old.
How are emergencies handled?
OptimalMD providers do not treat emergencies. If you are having an emergency, please call 911.
Although our plan does not directly cover emergency services, OptimalMD offers guidance and can help you manage emergency care costs, even providing potential avenues for cost reduction based on income. For more details on how to navigate emergency situations under our plan, please consult our emergency services guide.
Can OptimalMD's providers order lab tests?
Yes! If necessary, OptimalMD providers may order lab tests for Virtual Primary Care and Psychiatry patients. However, our Virtual Urgent Care providers will not order lab tests.
OptimalMD empowers everyone to live their healthiest life, regardless of financial or insurance status.
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15002 Lakefair Drive
Suite 103
Richmond, TX 77406
Phone: (281) 962-7700