Get Quick Care from Home with Virtual Visits at AHN

When you aren’t feeling well, getting the right care quickly matters. AHN offers 24/7 virtual urgent care so you can get help fast and from home.

A doctor on AHN’s virtual urgent care team can evaluate your symptoms over a video call, guide you on what to do next, and help you know if you need more care.

Choosing the right care for your symptoms

Different health circumstances call for different types of care. Virtual urgent care is a good choice when you have a minor illness or injury and want quick, trusted medical guidance. You might choose virtual care if:

• You want to talk to a doctor without leaving home.
• You need help understanding how serious your symptoms are.
• You want care at night, on weekends, or during holidays.
• You live far away or have trouble getting to a doctor’s office.
• You want to avoid crowded waiting rooms.
• You want to treat a problem early before it gets worse.

Some symptoms, however, need immediate, in-person care at an emergency room (ER). You should go to your nearest ER if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• Signs of a stroke (face drooping, numbness, trouble balancing or walking, or vision changes)
• Severe chest pain
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding

“Virtual urgent care is really about matching the right care to the right situation,” said Vincent Trapanotto, DO, internal medicine doctor at AHN Canonsburg Hospital. “It’s not a replacement for the ER. It’s a way for patients with minor issues to get fast guidance and peace of mind without unnecessary travel.”

What symptoms can be treated with virtual urgent care?

AHN’s virtual urgent care can help with many common problems, such as:

• Upper respiratory issues like a sore throat or cold and flu symptoms
• Mild stomach issues like diarrhea or constipation
• Skin issues like rashes or eczema
• Infections like pink eye or UTIs

“Patients are often unsure whether their symptoms need in-person care,” said Dr. Trapanotto. “Virtual visits give us a chance to look at the patient, ask questions, and provide clear next steps.”

What to expect for your virtual urgent care appointment

You can schedule a virtual urgent care appointment anytime, day or night, through AHN MyChart — an online platform that allows you to talk with providers and keep track of your appointments and medical records.

Before an appointment, MyChart will remind you to upload:

• A list of your current medications
• Any allergies or chronic health conditions you have
• What you have already tried for your symptoms
• Information on recent travel or contact with sick people

Your appointment will happen the same day that you schedule it and usually will not last very long. You’ll need access to a camera on your phone, computer, or a tablet device to join the video appointment through a link provided in your AHN MyChart account.

During your virtual urgent care visit, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and may review photos or health records you share. Your doctor may provide recommendations about what to do if your symptoms persist or worsen. This may include following up with your PCP or, in the case of an emergency, going to the ER. They may also call in a prescription for you to your preferred pharmacy to help treat your symptoms.

Get care fast from home

When your symptoms call for quick and convenient care, AHN’s virtual urgent care team is here to evaluate you from the comfort of your home. Schedule a virtual urgent care appointment today.