What Is Telemedicine and How Does It Work?
Virtual Care That's Actually Medical Care
Telemedicine means getting medical care through video technology instead of an in-person visit. You connect with your doctor using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You talk, they listen, they examine what they can see, and they make medical decisions based on that assessment.
It's not meant to replace all doctor visits—some things require hands-on examination or testing equipment. But for many common situations, virtual appointments work just as well as traditional ones.
What We Can Handle Through Telehealth:
- Acute illness (colds, flu, infections, stomach issues)
- Chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders)
- Medication refills and adjustments
- Lab result reviews
- Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression)
- Minor injuries and skin conditions
- Follow-up appointments after procedures
- Wellness checkups for established patients
- Second opinions
- Insurance forms and paperwork
What Requires In-Person Visits:
We're honest about telehealth's limitations. You'll need to come to our clinic for physical exams requiring touch, complex diagnostic testing, procedures, severe symptoms needing immediate evaluation, or situations where we need to see you face-to-face to make safe decisions.
Benefits of Virtual Appointments at Core Primary Care
Why Patients Choose Our Telehealth Services
Same Doctor, Different Location:
You're not seeing a random provider who knows nothing about you. Our virtual care connects you with your regular physician who understands your medical history, current medications, and ongoing health issues.
Saves Time:
No commute. No waiting room. No taking half a day off work for a 15-minute appointment. Most virtual visits happen within minutes of your scheduled time.
Access When Sick:
When you're feeling terrible, the last thing you want is to get dressed, drive across town, and sit in a waiting room. Connect from your couch in your pajamas if that's easier.
Reduces Exposure:
During flu season or when contagious illnesses circulate, telehealth keeps you away from other sick patients. This matters especially for people with weakened immune systems.
Convenient for Follow-up Care:
Checking in after starting new medicine? Reviewing lab results? Discussing how your chronic condition is progressing? These conversations work perfectly through video.
Works for Busy Schedules:
Parents with young kids, people with demanding jobs, caregivers who can't easily leave home—virtual appointments fit into complicated lives better than traditional scheduling allows.
📞 Ready for easier healthcare? Call (713) 636-2621 to schedule your first virtual visit.
How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Consultation
Making Your Virtual Appointment Successful
Before Your Appointment:
- Test your technology beforehand (camera, microphone, internet connection)
- Download any required apps if not using a web browser
- Find a quiet, private space with good lighting
- Have your insurance card and ID ready
- Write down your current symptoms or questions
- Gather all medications you're taking (bring bottles to the screen)
- Check your blood pressure at home if you have a cuff
- Take your temperature if you're feeling unwell
During Your Visit:
Your provider will ask questions just like in an in-person appointment. Be prepared to:
- Describe your symptoms in detail
- Show visible problems (rashes, injuries, throat)
- Answer questions about your medical history
- Discuss medications and allergies
- Follow any examination instructions
After Your Visit:
We'll send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy, order any necessary lab work or imaging, schedule follow-up appointments if needed, and provide visit notes through your patient portal.
💻 First time using telemedicine? Schedule an appointment, and we'll walk you through it.
Common Conditions We Treat Through Telehealth
When Virtual Care Works Best
Acute Illness:
Upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, ear pain, stomach problems, minor allergies, pink eye, and other sudden health issues that aren't emergencies.
Chronic Disease Management:
Diabetes monitoring, blood pressure management, thyroid condition follow-up, cholesterol management, asthma control, and other ongoing conditions require regular check-ins with your provider.
Mental Health Support:
Anxiety, depression, stress management, medication adjustments for psychiatric conditions, and mental wellness concerns. Sometimes talking through a screen feels less intimidating than sitting across from someone.
Skin Conditions:
Rashes, suspicious moles, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other visible skin problems. You can show them to the camera, and we can assess whether you need an in-person evaluation or treatment.
Minor Injuries:
Small cuts, sprains, minor burns, insect bites, and other injuries can be evaluated visually. We'll determine if you need to come in or if home care is sufficient.
Medication Management:
Refills, dose adjustments, side effect discussions, and questions about how your prescriptions are working.
Women's Health:
Birth control consultations, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and other concerns that don't require physical examination.
Virtual Care vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
Choosing the Right Type of Care
Use telemedicine services when:
- You have non-emergency health concerns
- You're an established patient with our practice
- Your condition is visible or describable over video
- You need medication refills or adjustments
- You want a follow-up after the recent treatment
- You prefer the convenience of staying home
Go to Urgent Care When:
- You need an immediate in-person evaluation
- You require X-rays or other diagnostic testing
- You have moderate injuries needing treatment
- Your symptoms are concerning but not life-threatening
- We're closed, and you can't wait for an appointment
Go to the Emergency Room When:
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing
- You experience sudden, severe symptoms
- You have major injuries or trauma
- You suspect a stroke, heart attack, or other emergencies
- Any life-threatening situation
Not sure which you need? Call us. We'll help you decide if an online meeting works or if you should seek different care.
📞 Questions about whether remote healthcare is right? Call (713) 636-2621 - we'll guide you.
Our Telemedicine Technology and Patient Portal
Simple, Secure, HIPAA-Compliant
We use secure, encrypted video technology that protects your privacy and complies with all healthcare regulations. Your conversations and medical information remain confidential.
How to Connect:
You'll receive a link via email or text before your meeting. Click it at your scheduled time, and you'll connect directly with your provider. No complicated downloads or technical expertise required.
Patient Portal Access:
Beyond video visits, our portal lets you:
- Schedule appointments (Online or in-person)
- Message your doctor with non-urgent questions
- View lab results and visit summaries
- Request prescription refills
- Update insurance and contact information
- Access your medical records
Everything you need to manage your healthcare in one secure place, available 24/7 from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Insurance Coverage for Virtual Visits in Texas
Remote Healthcare Services Are Covered
Most insurance plans now cover online medical consultation at the same rate as office visits. Since COVID changed healthcare delivery, insurance companies expanded coverage significantly. Your copay is typically the same whether you see us virtually or in person.
We accept most major insurance plans serving Sugar Land and the Houston area. Our staff verifies coverage before your visit and handles all billing.
Self-Pay Options:
Don't have insurance? We offer transparent pricing for virtual sessions. Healthcare shouldn't be only for people with insurance coverage.
Why Choose Core Primary Care for Virtual Healthcare Services
Experience and Trust Since 1976
Board-Certified Physicians:
Our doctors completed extensive training in family medicine and internal medicine. You're getting real medical expertise, not someone with minimal qualifications reading from a script.
Your Established Medical Home:
We've been caring for families in Sugar Land, Katy, Houston, and Needville for nearly five decades. Virtual care is just another way we serve our patients—not a separate service from a different company.
Continuity of Care:
See the same provider whether you visit virtually or come to our clinic. Your doctor knows your history, your medications, and your concerns. That continuity leads to better medical decisions.
Same-Day Availability:
When you're sick, you don't want to wait three days. We offer same-day telehealth appointments for urgent concerns. Many patients connect with us within hours of calling.
Complete Primary Care Services:
Beyond virtual visits, we provide comprehensive family medicine—annual physicals, chronic disease management, preventive care, weight loss programs, cosmetic services, and mental health support. Everything under one roof (or one screen).
Secure, Private Technology:
Your medical information stays protected through encrypted, HIPAA-compliant platforms. We take privacy seriously.
Getting Started with Telemedicine at Core Primary Care
Your First Virtual Visit Is Easy
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
Call (713) 636-2621 or book online through our patient portal. Tell us what you need—acute illness, chronic condition check, medication refill, or something else. We'll schedule you with the appropriate provider at a convenient time.
Step 2: Receive Confirmation
You'll get an email or text with your reservation details and the link to join your virtual visit. If you're new to our practice, we'll send the intake paperwork to complete beforehand.
Step 3: Connect at Your Session Time
Click the link a few minutes before your scheduled session. Make sure you're in a quiet, private space with good lighting. Have your insurance card, ID, medication list, and any questions ready.
Step 4: See Your Doctor
Your provider will connect at your session time. The visit proceeds just like an office visit—questions, discussion, examination of what they can see, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
Step 5: Get Your Prescriptions and Follow-up
We send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Any lab orders or imaging requests go through automatically. Follow-up appointments get scheduled if needed. Visit notes appear in your patient portal.
💻 Book your first online medical consultation - Available 24/7
What Patients Ask About Virtual Appointments
Common Telemedicine Questions
Is video quality good enough for diagnosis?
Modern video technology provides clear, high-definition images. For many conditions, visual assessment combined with your description of symptoms gives us everything we need for an accurate diagnosis.
What if my doctor needs to examine me physically?
We'll tell you. If we determine during the visit that you need a hands-on examination, we'll schedule an in-person meeting. We never compromise on providing safe, appropriate care.
Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine?
Yes, for most medications. We send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. There are some restrictions on controlled substances, but we handle the vast majority of prescriptions virtually.
Does my insurance cover virtual visits?
Most plans cover online medical consultation at the same rate as office visits. We verify your coverage and let you know about any costs before your booking.
What if I'm not tech-savvy?
Our team walks you through the process. If you can make a phone call, you can handle a video visit. We keep it simple.
Can I use telemedicine for my kids?
Yes. We see children through virtual sessions when appropriate. A parent or guardian must be present during a pediatric online medical consultation.
What happens in an emergency during a virtual visit?
If your provider determines you need emergency care, they'll direct you to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Your safety always comes first.
Beyond Virtual Visits: Complete Healthcare Access
Additional Services at Core Primary Care
While online medical consultation makes healthcare more convenient, we offer complete medical services when you need in-person care:
Primary Care Services:
- Annual wellness exams
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive screenings
- Immunizations
- Physical examinations
Specialty Services:
- Mental health and psychiatry
- Weight loss programs
- Cosmetic treatments (Botox, fillers)
- Minor procedures
- Women's health
Support Services:
- Laboratory testing
- Diagnostic services
- Insurance coordination
- Prescription management
We coordinate all aspects of your healthcare, whether you're seeing us virtually or in person.