As an Avance patient, I have access to many unique services not often offered by primary care doctors. The ability to schedule appointments online is a benefit I’ve never seen before, especially with the option of booking a same-day visit. Their week and weekend hours are extended much later than most but without fail, there is always going to be an illness that sneaks up on you during times when they simply aren’t open.
Over the past weekend, I started to feel as if I was coming down with something. By the time I decided to see a doctor before the illness went any further, I realized that my Avance Primary Care location was already closed. My next option was the nearest urgent care facility, also closed. This was definitely not an emergency so the emergency room was out. I shuddered to even imagine the wait time and what my bill would look like after a trip to the ER. Heading back to Avance’s website to schedule an appointment for Monday, I noticed a new option for after-hours care. Established Avance Care patients have access to a local telemedicine service, called RelyMD, that is available 24 hours a day with a 10 minute or less wait time for only $40 per visit. I decided to give it a go.
Registering with RelyMD was quick and easy. After entering some basic information like name, birthday, and email address, my account was created and I was ready to see a doctor. I simply typed in my reason for the visit, entered my credit card for payment, and provided a brief medical history. This was all very similar to the way you would check-in when seeing a new doctor for the first time in a traditional setting. I made the selection that I preferred to be notified by text message and entered the online waiting room.
I stepped away from my phone but within a few minutes, I had an alert that the doctor was ready to see me. Once the consultation was initiated the doctor verified my identity and got started on the consult. The doctor was caring, professional, and you could tell that he was very experienced in both online and offline medical care. The doctor was so easy to talk with and his manners were extremely professional. Within 9 minutes the doctor had established my diagnosis, recommended next steps in handling the illness, and I was on my way to feeling better without having to wait until Monday.
Avance’s partnership with RelyMD saved me time and money. Instead of spending time in line at an urgent care facility and paying $150 to $200 for a 10-minute visit, I was able to see a doctor from my office for only $40 and in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. I was able to pick up the prescribed medicine from my pharmacy as I drove home. I was so pleased with the service that I have been bragging to everyone about the medical attention I received and how easy and convenient it was.
If you or a family member are feeling under the weather but your Avance Primary Care location is closed, don’t hesitate to try out this easy-to-use service. You won’t regret it!
-Avance Primary Care & RelyMD Patient