Express Care Video Visits
You can now get quality care for minor health concerns without leaving home.
Try the convenience of UC San Diego Health's Express Care video visits right from your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Connect virtually with an experienced board-certified nurse practitioner or physician assistant to get expert diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions for a variety of symptoms and conditions, including cough, fever, red eye and minor burns.
Video Visit Highlights
- Available for patients 18 years or older
- Available seven days a week
- Same-day or next-day video appointments available
- Many insurance plans and self-pay accepted (except for Medi-Cal)
- No referral needed, but appointment is required
Schedule an Express Care Video Visit
It's easy to book a same-day or next-day appointment by phone or online.
Who Can Use Express Care Video Visits?
You get the same excellent service that you've come to expect from our in-person Express Care clinics.
You must be 18 years or older to get virtual care via Express Care video visits.
A friend or family member can join you during the telehealth appointment, but they must be physically in the same room as you. Please let your provider know who else is present during your visit.
In-person care: If you'd rather be seen in person or if you need Express Care for a child, save your spot online at one of our locations throughout San Diego. If you walk in to a clinic, there may be a delay in seeing a provider, depending on the number of patients waiting and the need to treat those with more serious conditions first.
Emergency Care
If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Our ER locations in San Diego County are open 24 hours every day.
Symptoms & Conditions Treated Via Video Visits
Get expert diagnosis and virtual treatment for several minor health conditions via Express Care video visits for the following symptoms or conditions:
- Allergies (seasonal)
- Burns (minor)
- Cold, cough and flu symptoms
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Constipation
- COVID-19 treatment
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Insect bites and stings
- Painful urination
- Prescription refill (excluding controlled substances)
- Rashes
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) counseling
- Sinus problems
- Sore throat
- Wound check
Payment, Prescriptions and Other Info
Paying for Express Care Video Visits
You can use any of these options to pay for your virtual appointment:
- Your health insurance plan (except for Medi-Cal)
- UC SHIP health insurance (for UC San Diego students)
- Cash pay, or self-pay price of $49 (pay by credit or debit card)
- Your employer-provided flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) — check with your plan first
Prescriptions During Video Visits
Prescriptions can be obtained or renewed during an Express Care video visit. Your health care provider can write the prescription or send it electronically to your pharmacy.
Note: We can't prescribe controlled substances — such as narcotic and pain medicine and medications for anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep and weight loss — through this telemedicine service.
Tips on Video Visits
See Video Visits for more information about video appointments, including FAQs, tips and a step-by-step guide on how to start and conduct a smooth telehealth visit.
Language Services
Interpreters are available to join video visits. You don't need to arrange this in advance. Simply ask your provider to invite an interpreter to join the call.