Central Pennsylvanians with busy work hours and family obligations have a virtual primary care option from UPMC that offers quick, quality care.
Doctors with Virtual Primary Care-UPMC provide preventive and diagnostic care for both acute and chronic illnesses without travel-related headaches. This is ideal for adults with transportation, childcare, or mobility challenges, fixed work hours, or demanding travel schedules.
Virtual primary care is like a regular primary care practice, but online.
“One of the most important jobs as physicians and providers that we take on, is to make sure our patients have consistent access to high-quality and accessible care,” said Emily Schuchardt, DO, Family Medicine, UPMC in Central Pa. “By embracing virtual office visits and expanding access to telehealth appointments, we are able to meet our patients where they are most comfortable and provide the care they may not be able to access without the additional visit options.”
Services at Virtual Primary Care-UPMC
Virtual Primary Care-UPMC provides a variety of services for patients. We can provide care for chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and mental health concerns. We also can help with acute issues like sore throat, fever, sinus infection, bladder infection, or rash.
The options offered through UPMC’s virtual primary care practice include:
- Acute illnesses.
- Dermatology services.
- Skin cancer screenings.
- Acne, rosacea, and eczema treatments.
- Diagnosis and disease management for pulmonary, cardiac, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and orthopaedic issues.
- Gynecological and contraceptive services.
- Nutrition and exercise.
“With the embrace of virtual healthcare, we are seeing more advanced and harder cases treated in the virtual setting, thus making care more accessible. The only thing we can’t do in a virtual setting is physically ‘hands on’ with patients, but often that isn’t needed to come up with a high-quality care plan.”
Referral Services Available
If you need a lab test, imaging study, referral for a procedure, or consultation with a specialist, a virtual primary care provider can help. They will order the test or procedure for you. You will then go to the site where tests or procedures are usually performed. Afterward, your provider will talk to you about your results and any necessary follow-up care. Test results will also be available in your patient portal.
“By embracing virtual healthcare, we are seeing more advanced cases that can be treated in the virtual setting. The only thing we can’t do in a virtual setting physically place ‘Hands On’ patients, but often that isn’t needed to come up with a high-quality care plan,” said Dr. Schuchardt.
If you need in-person care, your provider will refer you to one of the practice’s satellite locations. We have locations in Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Lancaster, York, and surrounding areas. Once there, one of our virtual providers can see you in person.
Who Can Go to Virtual Primary Care-UPMC?
The full-service virtual family medicine practice offers a complete spectrum of care for people ages 18 and older. We are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All you need for primary telehealth services is a smart device or a computer, an internet connection, and a UPMC patient portal account.
UPMC offers on-demand video visits after hours and weekends, too, without an appointment. A UPMC provider can see you for flu, COVID-19, and many other non-urgent symptoms.
To schedule a new patient virtual visit, use the online self-scheduling link or call 717-207-4800.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .