Northwestern Medicine Expands Hours For Virtual Visits

CHICAGO AREA, IL — Northwestern Medicine has expanded its hours for virtual visits at immediate care locations throughout the Chicago area. The decision to offer four additional hours of virtual care each day — with visits now being scheduled until midnight instead of 8 p.m. — came after seeing an uptick in demand for virtual services during the pandemic, according to a news release from Northwestern Medicine.

Heather Keirnan, vice president of immediate care at Northwestern Medicine, said many patients expressed a desire for more scheduling flexibility. In-clinic visit hours will remain the same.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have received great feedback from patients who appreciated our telehealth appointments,” Keirnan said. “We began to offer virtual visits as a way to keep patients and staff safe from the virus that causes COVID-19, and we expanded the hours to help patients get the care they need at times that are most convenient for them.”

Patients who choose the virtual visit option can reserve appointments online. During a virtual visit, the patient speaks to an immediate care physician or advanced practice provider over the phone or via video chat.

Virtual visits may be made for patients as young as 2 years old who experience:

• Cold and cough symptoms, flu symptoms, allergies, sinus pain or a sore throat
• Minor injuries and accidents
• Nausea vomiting or diarrhea
• Headache
• Pink eye
• Urinary tract infection
• Lower back pain

"In some cases patients will need to come in for an in-person appointment, lab tests or medical imaging, but most medical needs can be met through the virtual visits," Keirman said. "This is a great response to patient feedback, and we know it will help many members of our community.”

More via Northwestern Medicine's website.