Virtual Convenient Care FAQ

Find the answers to commonly asked questions about Lakeview Clinics Virtual Convenient Care.

Click on the questions below to view answers to any questions you may have.

As always, our friendly front office team is happy to assist with questions or appointment scheduling.

What is virtual convenient care?

With the use of technology, you can visit a healthcare provider at Lakeview Clinic without physically leaving your
house. Our Virtual Convenience Care (VCC) providers practice family medicine diagnosing and providing
treatment for common illnesses or nonemergent medical conditions for patients. You will receive quality medical care
Lakeview Clinic is known to provide, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

What types of issues can be treated by a VCC provider?

Acute Musculoskeletal Pain (Sprains, Strains & Joint Pain)
Acne
Allergies
Cold or Flu-like symptoms
Cough/Respiratory
Ear Pain (Adults only)
Headaches/Migraines
Head Lice
Laryngitis/Voice Loss
Mastitis (Nursing mothers only)
Mild Asthma
Minor Burns
Motion Sickness
Mouth Sores/Cold Sores
Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea
Pertussis/Whooping Cough Exposure
Pink Eye
Rash/Skin Conditions
Sinus/Congestion
Smoking & Tobacco Cessation
Sore Throat
Stye
Tick Bite
Urinary Symptoms (Females aged 18 years & older only)
Vaginal Yeast Infection

Any medical concerns that are not listed above will require an appointment in one of our clinics. Call (952) 442-4461 if scheduling an in-clinic appointment, or schedule online. Controlled substances will not be prescribed during virtual care appointments.

What if my symptom isn't listed as a covered service?

Prior to scheduling, we recommend that patients check the list of covered services on our website. Patients
scheduling online will be prompted to indicate which symptom is the main reason for their visit. If you don’t see
your symptoms on either list, you will likely need to be seen in clinic. Don’t hesitate to contact our front office team
with any questions. (952) 442-4461

Are VCC visits covered by my insurance or Medicare?

VCC visits are billed in the same way as standard office visits are billed. While most insurance companies or
Medicare plans cover telehealth services, you should call your plan for confirmation of coverage details. Prior
authorization or precertification and copays may be required.

What is the difference between Virtual Convenient Care and Provider Telehealth?

Much like urgent care, Virtual Convenient Care can be used to diagnosis a limited scope of common ailments. This service gives our patients quick easy access to same or next day appointments with a Lakeview medical provider with no need to leave the comfort of home. Hours extend into weekday evenings and daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday, making Lakeview medical care more accessible.

Scheduled Provider Telehealth gives patients the option to see their preferred primary care provider virtually during regular
clinic hours. Most Lakeview medical providers offer telehealth options, but it is important to note that your provider may want to see you in person for certain concerns or medical issues.

Can I choose which provider I see for VCC appointments?

No. VCC service is intended to provide quick easy access to a medical provider. In order to provide timely virtual service we have certain providers dedicated soley to VCC appointments on days they choose. These providers will still be available for in-clinic appointments on other days.

If you prefer to see a specific provider for your concern, please call the clinic to schedule an appointment.

What are VCC service hours?

Monday – Thursday: 10:30 AM –7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM

(Closed Holidays)

Who can be seen for VCC appointments?

• Ages 18 months and older
• Virtual Patients must be located in the state of Minnesota at the time of the VCC visit

*VCC appointments are available to ALL patients, including those with no prior visits to Lakeview Clinic.

How do I schedule a VCC appointment?

Scheduling is easy! Online scheduling for same day apppointments is available anytime during clinic and VCC hours. Scheduling for next day appointments becomes the previous day. Both Saturday and Sunday appointments will be available for scheduling begining each Friday.

Schedule →

Appointments can also be made by calling Lakeview Clinic at (952) 442-4461 during VCC and regular clinic hours.

How do I prepare for my VCC visit?

Step by step instructions on preregistration, check in, and entering the virtual waiting room can be found on Lakeview’s Virtual Convenient Care webpage.

In order to ensure the best possible virtual visit experience, we recommend preparing with the following:

Test your webcam and microphone. Make sure everything is in working order before your scheduled
appointment.
• Make sure your device is sufficiently charged.
• Set your phone or tablet on a flat surface. Make sure the VCC provider can clearly see your face
and upper chest.
• Write down your questions or concerns you’d like addressed during your visit.
• Find a quiet, private place to conduct your VCC visit. For your safety, DO NOT drive while you have
a VCC visit. For best use of your VCC time please keep in mind children and pets can be
distracting.
• Avoid sitting in front of a bright window or light for your appointment so the VCC provider can see
you appropriately.
• Have a list of your current medications, the doses you are taking, any over-the-counter
medications, allergies and your preferred pharmacy.

What are the computer requirements for virtual visits?

Webcam/Camera is a requirement.

*** 5MB or more internet connection or LTE Cellular Service Required***

*** Please STOP all streaming services before your Telehealth appointment on all other computers and devices in your house – (ex. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu…) ***

Supported Computer Browsers:

Google Chrome
Safari
FireFox
(IE and Edge does not work)

Supported Mobile Browsers:

Apple Safari
Android – Google Chrome
(Apple Google Chrome does not work)

What if I need a prescription?

Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide the name and city of your preferred pharmacy. Providers will
verify this information during your visit. If the VCC medical provider does prescribe a medication, it will be sent
electronically to the pharmacy you indicated. Controlled substances such as narcotics will not be prescribed
during Virtual Care appointments

What if I need a lab test?

Your VCC medical provider may require a lab test in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. In this case, the
provider will have Lakeview’s Virtual Care Coordinator contact you to schedule the appropriate lab test at one of
our four clinic locations. WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS AFTER MY VCC VISIT?
If you have questions for your provider, you can contact them via your patient portal account or by calling the clinic
at (952)442-4461.

Will my primary care provider be notified of my VCC visit?

All information from your VCC visit will be in your chart for future reference. The provider you see at your visit will
handle your follow-up care and communication. If the VCC provider feels there are special circumstances or
questions that should be addressed by your primary care provider, they may communicate that information to your
provider.

Does my VCC visit replace my routine visit?

VCC (Virtual Convenient Care) visits do not replace routine medical care. Lakeview strongly recommends that
patients routinely see their primary care physician for annual wellness visits, physicals, and medication refill visits.
VCC is intended to help patients access more immediate health concerns, such as cold and flu symptoms, sore
throats, and urinary issues.

Is the connection between myself and VCC providers safe and secure?

For patient’s privacy and confidentiality, a private internet connection and device encryption is recommended for
our patients. We practice the same highest quality standards of care for telemedicine VCC visits as in-person clinic visits.