Telemedicine FAQs
online care, answered

You book a visit, we send you a secure video link by text or email, and you connect with a board-certified provider from your phone, tablet, or computer. The provider evaluates you, creates a treatment plan, and sends any prescriptions to your pharmacy.

No. There's no app to download. We send you a HIPAA-secure video link that opens right in your web browser.

Book online at instantuc.com or call (408) 687-4806. Same-day appointments are usually available.

Yes. Same-day slots are typically available, including evenings and weekends during clinic hours.

Most visits take about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your concern. There's no waiting room and no commute.

Find a quiet, well-lit, private spot with a stable internet connection. Have your pharmacy name and address, a list of your medications, and any relevant symptoms or photos ready.

Video is preferred because it lets the provider see and assess you, which improves care quality. If you have trouble connecting by video, call us and we'll help.

For many everyday conditions — colds, infections, rashes, refills — telemedicine offers the same quality of care as walking in. For issues that need a physical exam, labs, or imaging, we'll guide you to an in-person visit.

Common ones include cold, flu and fever, COVID-19, urinary tract infections, skin conditions (rashes, hives, eczema), sinus and seasonal allergies, ear infections, pink eye, minor digestive issues, prescription refills, and mental health support like anxiety and stress.

Yes. A provider can assess your symptoms and, when appropriate, send a prescription to your pharmacy. If symptoms are severe or recurrent, we may recommend an in-person visit for testing.

Yes. We assess your symptoms, give testing guidance, and provide a treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate.

Yes. Many skin conditions — rashes, hives, eczema, mild infections, and acne — can be evaluated over video. Having good lighting and clear photos helps.

Yes. Our providers offer screening and support for anxiety, stress, and mild depression, and can discuss treatment options or referrals when appropriate.

Yes, for many common pediatric concerns. A parent or guardian must be present during the visit. For young infants with fever or serious symptoms, in-person care is safer.

Yes. If your visit supports it, the provider can issue a sick note or return-to-work/school documentation.

Yes. The provider can place lab orders for you to complete at a lab or at one of our clinics, then follow up on the results with you.

Yes. These are commonly handled by telemedicine. The provider evaluates your symptoms and prescribes treatment when indicated.

Anything that's an emergency or needs hands-on care. Call 911 or go to the ER for chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, or high fever in infants.

No. Telemedicine is not for emergencies. If you have a life-threatening symptom, call 911 immediately.

Those need an in-person visit. Walk in to any Instant Urgent Care clinic for injuries, X-rays, and procedures that require hands-on care.

Controlled substances (such as certain pain, anxiety, and stimulant medications) are heavily restricted by law and generally cannot be prescribed via telemedicine. The provider will discuss appropriate alternatives.

The provider will tell you and help you transition to one of our clinics or the right level of care. Your telemedicine assessment still helps guide that next step.

Yes. When a prescription is appropriate, the provider sends it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice, usually within minutes of your visit.

Any pharmacy you choose. Have your preferred pharmacy's name and location ready during the visit.

Yes, for many ongoing medications, especially for established patients. The provider reviews your history before refilling.

Not always. The provider prescribes only when it's medically appropriate. Some conditions are best treated without medication, and antibiotics aren't used for viral illnesses.

Usually shortly after your visit, once your pharmacy processes the electronic prescription. Timing depends on your pharmacy's queue.

Yes, when your condition is bacterial and antibiotics are appropriate. Providers follow safe prescribing guidelines and won't prescribe antibiotics for viral infections.

In many cases, yes, after the provider reviews your history. For certain medications, they may ask you to follow up with your regular prescriber.

Costs depend on whether you use insurance or self-pay. Call (408) 687-4806 for current pricing, and we'll explain your options before the visit.

Most major insurance plans are accepted for telemedicine. We'll verify your coverage and let you know any expected out-of-pocket cost.

We offer self-pay telemedicine visits with transparent pricing. You'll know the cost upfront, with no surprise bills.

Self-pay telemedicine is often a convenient, affordable option for everyday concerns. The exact cost depends on the visit, and we share it before you're seen.

No. We tell you your expected cost before the visit. If you're using insurance, your final responsibility depends on your plan's terms.

When you use insurance, we submit the claim on your behalf. Any copay or deductible is based on your individual plan.

Yes. Telemedicine visits are typically eligible for HSA and FSA payment. Keep your visit receipt for your records.

Yes. We use a HIPAA-secure video platform, and your visit and records are protected under the same privacy laws as an in-person appointment.

Any modern smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop with a camera and microphone works — iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC.

Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge all work. No downloads are required — you just click the secure link we send you.

Call (408) 687-4806 and our team will help you get connected or reschedule. Check your camera and microphone permissions in your browser first.

Yes. Your visit is documented in your medical record, and visit notes are typically shared with you afterward, just like an in-person visit.

Your health information is protected under HIPAA and only shared as you authorize or as required for your care, billing, or by law.

Yes. A family member, caregiver, or translator can join you. For minors, a parent or guardian must be present.

Our telemedicine service is available to patients anywhere in California. You must be physically located in California at the time of your visit.

You need to be physically present in California during the visit, since the provider is licensed to practice in California. You don't need to live in the South Bay.

Providers are licensed in California, so visits are for patients located in California at the time of care. If you're out of state, seek local care for that visit.

We see patients of many ages. Minors must have a parent or guardian present for the visit.

No. New patients are welcome. You don't need a prior relationship with us to book a telemedicine visit.

Yes. Beyond urgent concerns, telemedicine can support primary care needs like follow-ups, medication management, and ongoing care. We'll bring you in person when an exam is needed.

Yes. Visit notes, instructions, and any orders are typically sent to you after the appointment for your records.

Follow up with us. We can reassess, adjust your treatment, or arrange an in-person visit if your condition needs hands-on evaluation.

Yes. You can book a follow-up by video whenever you need one, or visit a clinic in person if that's more appropriate.

If labs were ordered, your provider follows up with your results and next steps, usually by message or a brief follow-up visit.

The provider can give you a referral and guidance on next steps when specialist care is appropriate.