Essentia Health's first virtual visit was March 16, a change in care that was soon followed by about 76,000 more. More than 3,000 visits occur most days, and at any given moment, there could be 100-plus appointments happening simultaneously, according to a news release from the health care provider.
A virtual visit occurs via video directly between a provider and a patient. Patients can attend the appointment from home on their own devices, such as a computer, tablet or smartphone. The change in care is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to stop the spread of the virus by keeping people apart.
