Let’s start with the ideal scenario: having an established primary care provider. That initial face-to-face meeting is invaluable — it allows your provider to fully understand your medical history, perform a thorough exam, and build a relationship that can guide your care for years to come.
Once you’ve built that foundation, virtual visits become far more effective for follow-ups and minor issues. Because your provider already knows you and your health needs, care can be delivered quickly, effectively, and conveniently.
Of course, not everyone has a primary care doctor or the ability to do in-person visits first. That’s where virtual care can still play an important role.
New patient visits or annual wellness exams, especially if tests like a breast exam or pap smear are required
Severe or worsening symptoms
Injuries that require imaging or hands-on evaluation
Conditions needing lab work or procedures (e.g., UTI testing or mole removal)
Medical emergencies such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding
Many traditional health plans and Direct Primary Care memberships now include telehealth options. Even without an established provider, virtual visits can be a fast, convenient way to address non-emergency concerns, such as:
Common illnesses like colds, flu, sinus infections, or allergies (except when a swab is needed for diagnosis)
Minor skin conditions such as rashes or insect bites
Prescription refills for ongoing medications (when appropriate)
Travel medicine consultations
Quick medical questions that don’t require an in-person exam
Virtual visits can save hours of travel and waiting time — and help you avoid unnecessary exposure to other illnesses.
Unlike primary care, behavioral health often doesn’t require an initial in-person visit. Virtual behavioral health makes it easy to connect with licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists from the comfort of your home.
This can make it easier to open up, reduce stress around seeking care, and remove barriers like transportation, time off work, or childcare needs. Whether you’re looking for ongoing support or short-term guidance, virtual behavioral health meets you where you are, making quality mental health care more accessible than ever.
If your health plan doesn’t include telehealth or behavioral telehealth, Freshbenies offers affordable, easy-to-use solutions:
Telehealth
24/7/365 access to U.S.-based, board-certified doctors
Unlimited phone or video visits with no per-visit fee
Family coverage included (children to seniors)
Average doctor response time of 10 minutes
Common treatments include cold, flu, sinus problems, allergies, UTI, pink eye, and poison ivy
Prescriptions and doctor’s notes for work or school when medically necessary
Behavioral Telehealth
Phone or video visits with licensed therapists or psychiatrists
Convenient, discreet access at a fraction of typical in-person costs
Support for anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, grief, family issues, and more
Option to establish ongoing care or address a specific concern
With Freshbenies, you can access quality care from anywhere — whether it’s a quick consult for a sinus infection or ongoing support for mental health needs. Learn more and sign up here.
The best healthcare strategy blends the trust and thoroughness of in-person care with the convenience of virtual visits. An initial face-to-face appointment builds the foundation for effective follow-ups, while telehealth and behavioral telehealth services — through your health plan or options like Freshbenies — make it easier to get timely care without sacrificing quality. Together, they help you save time, lower costs, and get the right care when you need it.