General Information
What is Cottage Virtual Care?
Cottage Virtual Care is an easy way to be treated for common conditions. You can find out how the service works here.
What Can I Be Treated For?
You can be diagnosed and treated for a variety of common conditions through Cottage Virtual Care. See the full list here.
Who Can Use Cottage Virtual Care?
Anyone over 18, and located in California, can create an account. You can also add adult dependents and minor children to your account. Visits for minor children must be completed by a parent.
Hours and Timing
When is Cottage Virtual Care Available?
You can complete an online telemedicine eVisit at any time. Our telehealth providers will respond 24/7.
How Soon Will I Get a Response?
If you do not receive a treatment plan within one hour, you will not be charged for the Cottage Virtual Care eVisit.
How Long Does an eVisit Take?
Each eVisit takes about five minutes to complete and submit. The total number of questions you answer will depend on your condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Who Makes the Diagnosis?
Once you've answered all the interview questions, a licensed nurse practitioner (NP) or doctor (MD) will review your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and develop your treatment plan.
What If You Can’t Provide a Diagnosis?
We do our best to treat you online, but not every condition can be treated via Cottage Virtual Care. If your health concern cannot be addressed through Cottage Virtual Care, our telemedicine provider will assist you with other medical care options. If this is the case, you will not be charged for your Cottage Virtual Care eVisit.
Prescriptions
Can I Get a Prescription?
Cottage Virtual Care providers are licensed and able to prescribe certain medications as part of your care plan, if clinically appropriate. We do not provide prescriptions for pain medications or narcotics. Cottage Virtual Care is not an online pharmacy and we cannot fill prescriptions. If a prescription medication is part of your treatment plan, you can send it to the pharmacy of your choice. You are responsible for the cost of any prescriptions, over-the-counter treatments, or follow-up visits you may need related to prescriptions.
How Can I Get My Prescription Filled?
If a prescription is clinically appropriate, your treatment plan will include a link to have your prescription filled. Just click the link, select the pharmacy of your choice, and send the prescription – it's that easy.
Will My Prescription Be Covered By My Insurance Policy?
Most pharmacies accept most insurance plans. That said, please verify that the pharmacy you select is within your covered network before sending your prescription. If needed, you can request a pharmacy change by calling Cottage Virtual Care support at (805) 246-7774.
Cost and Insurance
How Much Does an eVisit Cost?
Cottage Virtual Care costs vary depending on your preferred visit method:
• Online Health Interviews: $29
• Video Interviews: $29
Online health interviews are $29 - similar to an insurance co-pay. You can pay with a credit card or a health savings account (HSA) card.
Is My eVisit Covered By Insurance?
You may submit your receipt to your insurance company, but we cannot guarantee you will be reimbursed.
Do You Take Medicare?
Medicare patients are welcome to use Cottage Virtual Care; however, your eVisit is not currently reimbursable.
Records and Security
Is My Personal Information Safe?
All the information you provide is encrypted and protected. Our Terms of Service gives more information on how we protect the personal information provided through our website.
Do I Have Access to Records of My eVisit(s)?
Yes. You can access your eVisit records at any time through your account.
Will My Provider Know I've Done a eVisit?
If you are a Cottage Health patient, your eVisit records will be saved as part of your medical record. If you want to share your records with a physician outside of Cottage Health, you can print or email your records. Or call (805) 246-7774 to have us send a copy of your Cottage Virtual Care records to your provider.
Technology
What Browsers Do You Support?
Cottage Virtual Care requires you to use a modern browser to ensure your data is secure and your experience is positive. You can use any of the following browsers for your eVisit: Internet Explorer 11 or newer, Chrome, or Firefox. If you don't have one of these browsers, you can download Chrome or Firefox for free.
How Can I Access Cottage Virtual Care?
You can access Cottage Virtual Care from any web-enabled device – smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.