The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading at a troubling rate, which has caused most families to self-quarantine and make significant sacrifices at home. In fact, the state of Maryland estimates that over 10,000  cases of COVID-19 are present in the state. 
Patients need to continue to self-quarantine and remain at home as much as possible, especially with the significant rise in cases. However, this can make it more difficult for patients to get traditional medical services like urgent care. 
In order to promote medical access during the COVID-19 pandemic, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater now provides telemedicine urgent care so patients can get treatment for a variety of urgent care services. Any seasonal illness symptoms, ranging from a sudden fever to congestion, as well as mild injuries and illnesses are treatable through a virtual telemedicine visit. 
If you have any more questions about telemedicine, please keep reading through our general overview below or reach out directly at 410-934-4172.

Telemedicine and Telehealth Overview 

Telemedicine and telehealth are interchangeable terms for the delivery of healthcare through virtual solutions with audio and video consultation. Telemedicine is only slightly different from the industry standard definition of telehealth, since telemedicine is designed to effectively help patients treat their symptoms at home for mild and moderate healthcare concerns. Telehealth refers to a broader scope of services provided through digital and telecommunication technologies.  
However, both terms are frequently used to describe the same virtual visit capabilities at urgent care. Telemedicine and virtual provider visits allow our team to address  variety of common urgent care needs including: 

• Allergy Symptoms
• Bug Bites
• Poison Ivy
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Mild Sunburn
• Cold Sores
• Canker Sores
• Cold
• Sore Throat
• Diarrhea
• Ear infection, earache, or swimmers ear
• Eye infection, pinkeye, sties
• Female urinary tract infections
• Head Lice
• Infected toenail or fingernail
• Prescription renewal at physician’s discretion
• Minor Burns
• Minor Rashes (e.g. Impetigo, Shingles, Ringworm)
• Newly onset cough
• Sinus Infection or Sinusitis
• Fever
• Urinary Tract Infections

As you can see, there are plenty of telemedicine and telehealth urgent care options  at AFC Urgent Care Edgewater. 

Telemedicine Benefits for Patients 

A telemedicine visit allows patients to ultimately get care from the comfort and convenience of their home under normal circumstances. But the current COVID-19 pandemic is far from a normal circumstance, which is why virtual visits are more important than ever to protect our patients. 
Patients can social distance themselves from one another and get care through a telehealth visit. Just book an appointment online to get safe and sanitary care from your home.Additionally, telemedicine and telehealth are covered by most major insurances. Just book an appointment through an internet-connected device to get started (cell phone required for text message confirmation)

Patient Policies and Procedures 

AFC Edgewater is doing everything it can to  address patient needs during COVID-19. Our center is open for patients that prefer a face-to-face visit or require that type of visit, such as DOT physicals, Occupational Health services or injuries that require sutures. 
We have modified our registration process to safeguard all of our patients. Our current protocol requires patients to call our front desk when they arrive, at which time our staff will provide registration paperwork to you in your car.  Once completed, our staff will retrieve all the necessary documents for registration, complete the process and send a medical assistant to accompany you into the exam room once the physician is ready to see you.  

Telemedicine Exclusions 

If you believe you are having a medical emergency, such as severe chest pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing please visit an emergency room. Additionally, we have developed a list of services not appropriate for telemedicine visits (see below): 

• No narcotic or controlled substance renewal or prescription.
• No prescriptions over one month
• No Chest Pain
• No Pelvic/genital/rectal/breast exams
• No psychiatric conditions
• No emergency symptoms including: Dial 911 (chest pain, shortness of breath, allergic reaction, choking, altered of consciousness, head or neck injury
• No children under 3 years old
• No STD’s or STI’s
• No Pregnancy, birth control renewal or birth control advice
• No Workers Compensation or Occupational Health visits
• No Referrals to specialists
• No Physicals or Sport Physicals
• No Suturing, suture removal or wound care