Victoria Leybov, MD
Health
The best medicine
By Victoria Leybov, MD
Published
Feb. 5, 2024, 5:59 a.m. ET
Frequently, when individuals require immediate medical care—especially at night or on weekends—there has only been one choice: Visit an emergency department or urgent care facility and be prepared for a wait.
Now, there’s another alternative: NYU Langone Virtual Urgent Care, allowing both existing and new patients to consult with a medical professional online, where they can diagnose and treat most cases. We spoke with Victoria Leybov, MD, Medical Director for Virtual Urgent Care at NYU Langone Health to find out more.
I’ve heard about Virtual Urgent Care, but can it really assist me if the doctor is not physically examining me?
Yes, there are numerous conditions that we can effectively assess virtually. As an emergency medicine physician, I observe many patients who could have chosen a virtual urgent care visit instead of coming in-person, saving themselves a trip and potentially the wait.
With NYU Langone Virtual Urgent Care, we have a highly trained team of excellent providers capable of evaluating patients— including children—remotely for a wide range of symptoms, making diagnoses and recommending treatments just as effectively as they could in-person.
This includes treatment for most upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold, flu and COVID-19. Managing these assessments virtually also prevents patients from spreading infection to others or having to leave the house while they’re unwell.
Victoria Leybov, MD is the Medical Director for Virtual Urgent Care at NYU Langone Health. NYU
Help is only a call away. Here’s what you should know about seeking help through virtual urgent care. Shutterstock
Other conditions, such as food poisoning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or urinary tract infections can also be evaluated and treated through Virtual Urgent Care. Even sprains, strains, rashes or other minor injuries can be assessed, allowing you or a family member to remain in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you visit us in person or virtually, you can expect consistently high standards of care in every interaction with our highly experienced and qualified team. Our physicians will review each patient’s medical history, conduct a virtual physical exam and even prescribe medications or order testing as necessary.
Moreover, should patients have any questions following their visit, they can always reach a provider through messaging. Since Virtual Urgent Care is part of our broader system, every patient’s medical information is securely stored within the NYU Langone Health portal. This allows us to seamlessly refer patients to well-trained specialists within our network.
Doesn’t it make more sense to just go to the ED and wait? When SHOULD I go to the ED in person?
There are certainly instances where immediate evaluation in the emergency department is essential. For instance, chest pain or stroke-like symptoms, such as slurred speech or weakness on one side of the face or body, should be promptly assessed in the emergency department. Traumatic injuries, like a severe fall, also always require in-person evaluation.
The majority of our Virtual Urgent Care providers are emergency medicine physicians who are well-versed in recognizing what requires evaluation in the emergency department and what can be addressed virtually. If in-person evaluation is necessary, they will make sure to inform you.
Rest assured, even after ending a session, we will assist you in obtaining follow-up care as necessary. Patients can seek further care or ask questions through our app, similar to any other doctor’s appointment. It’s crucial to us that Virtual Urgent Care not only offers a convenient option for patients but also ensures a high-quality, effective patient care experience.
Other conditions, such as food poisoning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or urinary tract infections can also be evaluated and treated through Virtual Urgent Care. Shutterstock
If you or your child have a minor medical concern and require care today, you can schedule a Virtual Urgent Care video visit with a provider. Adults and children aged 5 and above can video chat with a care provider from the convenience of their home, workplace, or while on the go—from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida.
For emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency care location. Learn more about what to expect during a visit by going online or calling 929-455-6409.
Victoria Leybov, MD, is the medical director of Virtual Urgent Care, and the system chief of Emergency Medicine Telehealth at NYU Langone Health. She is also a clinical assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She oversees Virtual Urgent Care and emergency department telemedicine across NYU Langone Health.
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