Online Visits (Telehealth)

Video Visits with SHS Providers during COVID-19

You have the option of using MyChart Video Visit which allows you to have a virtual appointment with a Student Health provider using your smart phone or tablet through the MyChart App.

For students with UC SHIP or RAFT, there is no charge; students without UC SHIP/RAFT would be charged the regular fee-for-service copay.

Instructions for MyChart Video Visit (PDF)

General Info

What is "Telehealth" or "Telemedicine"?

Telehealth and Telemedicine are sometimes used interchangeably, and typically encompass the following:

Online Visits: Real-time, audio-video communication between physicians and patients that are in different locations. Tools include interactive videoconferencing using mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Remote patient-monitoring tools such as blood pressure monitors, Bluetooth-enabled digital scales, and other wearable devices that can communicate biometric data for review (which may involve the use of mHealth apps).
Verbal/Audio-only or written communication, including telephone conversations, emails, instant messages, faxes, and online questionnaires (often considered telehealth but not telemedicine)

What Should I Use Telehealth Online Visits For?

There are many options to choose from when deciding on where to go for health care. The table below from American Well can help distinguish where you should go based on the types of conditions you're experiencing as well as the type of provider, average wait time, and average cost most commonly experienced at each of the options.

Deciding where to go for care

Emergency Room

Who Usually Provides Care: Doctors trained in emergency medicine

Average cost and wait time: Highest cost, Longest wait time (for non-emergencies)

For these types of conditions:

Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
Coughing up or vomiting blood
Sudden or unexplained loss of conciousness

Urgent Care Center

Who Usually Provides Care: Doctors who treat conditions that should be looked at right away, but aren't life threatening

Average cost and wait time: Middle cost, Moderate wait time

For these types of conditions:

Allergic reactions (minor)
Animal bites
Asthma (mild)
Back pain
Bumps, cuts, scrapes, rashes
Burns (minor)
Cold, cough, sore throat
Eye or ear pain or irritiation
Headache (minor)
Nausea or diarrhea
Shots
Sinus pain and fever (minor)
Sprains and strains
Stiches
X-rays

LiveHealth Online

Who Usually Provides Care: Board-certified medical doctors including PCPs and pediatricians

Average cost and wait time: Lowest cost (same as PCP visit), Minimal wait time

For these types of conditions:

Allergies
Cough and colds
Eczema, rashes and skin lesions
Fever
Flu
Heartburn
Sinusitis
Sore throat
Urinary tract infection

Getting Started: LiveHealth Online Visits

What is LiveHealth Online?

LiveHealth Online (LHO) is an online medical service available through a website and a mobile application that gives patients 24/7 access to on-demand online video visits (medical).
It has an urgent care focus and provides convenient access anytime, anywhere in California (even at home!) via smartphone, tablet or computer.
LHO connects patients with board-certified physicians supporting physical and behavioral health.
Physicians can electronically prescribe to the member’s pharmacy. Note: Only noncontrolled substances can be prescribed.
It is available to anyone. Simply create a free account, log in, and see a doctor in minutes.

How do I Access LiveHealth Online?

We've created a step-by-step guide for you below to make accessing LiveHealth Online as simple as possible. To get started you can visit their websiteor download their free mobile app.

Step by step guide for your LHO online visit

Log in or register in just minutes
Select LiveHealth Online Medical to review available doctor profiles.
Select the Connect button for the doctor of choice
Indicate who the visit is for (example: child)
Share the reason for the visit.
Enter health history and medications.
Select your pharmacy.
If you have insurance, enter plan info in Health Plan section.
Consultation with doctor begins in minutes.
Doctor diagnoses patient and e-prescribes if needed.
Visit summary is stored in LHO user account.
Claim is sent to insurance company if you have one.

How Much Does LiveHealth Online Cost?

Medical Online Visits

Copay with UCShip Insurance: FREE with Coupon Code "UCSDMEDICAL" (normally $25)

Other Insurance: Please check with your insurance provider for more information.

No insurance: $49

You can use the interactive cost calculator at https://livehealthonline.com/pricing/ to view cost of other services with or without insurance by plugging your health plan provider into the tool. This also works for checking cost of medical visits if you have non-UCShip insurance.

What are the Benefits of Using Telehealth Online Visits?

There are many benefits to seeing a doctor online, especially when the Student Health Services are closed or your primary care provider's schedule doesn't align well with yours. Here's a few additional key benefits:

Live, on-demand video doctor visits 24x7/365
Accessible at home or from anywhere by smartphone, tablet or computer
Cost is less than or equal to your office visit with medical visits maximum price at $49
Cost is significantly less than an Emergency Room or Urgent Care visit
Available in all states with an average wait time of 10 minutes
Choice of board certified, Anthem network doctors
Secure and private, HIPAA compliant video visit
E-prescribing to your pharmacy
Spanish speaking providers
Additional services such as psychology, psychaitry, allergy, and more
Positive experiences by thousands of patients (stats below are from LiveHealth Online 2016 post-visit survey data)

telehealth satisfaction infographic