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What Firefly Can Do for You in a Video Visit

by Carolyn Chandler, NP

Published January 25, 2021

young man waving during a video call

We know what you might be thinking - how much can my PCP do for me without actually seeing me in-person? The answer may surprise you. In fact, there is a whole range of conditions that can be treated without ever having to go into an office, saving you an unnecessary trip. A simple video visit is more often than not all that’s needed to collect the information your doctor can use to identify next steps in your care. Being an all virtual primary care provider, we wanted to walk you through a few of the things we can address during a video visit.

The Annual Physical Doesn’t Cut It

Traditionally, people only see their primary care provider (PCP), which can be both a physician and/or a nurse practitioner (NP), for their annual physical. But studies have shown that doing an annual physical exam on a healthy person may not actually improve their health in the long term (ref 1). We believe in a more continuous approach to healthcare - one that gives patients the opportunity to continue the conversation with their PCP all year round. Video visits give both the patient and their clinician an opportunity to conveniently connect whenever necessary. You don’t have to take time off work and fight traffic to make your appointment in time or sit around a waiting room only to see their provider for 10 minutes. With easy access to more continuous healthcare support, you can address any concern or question you have when you have it - not just once a year.

Hands-On Primary Care Can Actually Be Hands Off

When you think of a visit to your provider, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re picturing tongue depressors, stethoscopes and that thin paper covering on an exam bed, you’re not alone. We tend to think of primary care as a very hands-on practice but in reality, there are a lot of situations in which an in-person visit isn’t necessary. We can even order blood tests and labs through a virtual visit.

Check out all the conditions our care team can help you with in a video visit:

  • Cold and flu
  • Rash and bug bites
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Stress
  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Acute sinusitis
  • STI screening
  • HIV prophylaxis
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Pink eye or styes
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Weight management
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Family planning and oral contraception

Managing Chronic Conditions Virtually

When you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, it can feel like most of your time is spent in a doctor’s office. While in-person specialist visits are still needed from time to time, video visits can significantly reduce the amount of trips to an office without sacrificing the level of care you need. Plus, our in-app messaging makes it even easier to give your care team a quick update on your blood sugar or blood pressure readings and refill your prescriptions. In return, your care team can easily follow up on labs or simply check in on your progress.

In-Person Care is Always Within Reach

Virtual primary care is a convenient tool to address a wide range of issues but there are times when a patient needs to be seen in-person. That’s why we’ve built a trusted network of partners to lean on when our members need in-person care. Whether you need a pelvic exam or strep throat swab, we will set you up with the right partner from our network. Afterwards, your care team will be sure to follow up with you to discuss any results or next steps.

‍The Care Team Will See You Now

From the common cold to chronic conditions, virtual primary care allows you to take back control of your health at your convenience. Be sure to reach out to your care team with any questions through the Firefly app. Not a member yet? Get started by signing up on our website, or giving us a call at (855) 869-9284.

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References:

1. Krogsbøll Lasse T, Jørgensen Karsten Juhl, Grønhøj Larsen Christian, Gøtzsche Peter C. General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis BMJ 2012; 345 :e7191