Virtual orthopedic urgent care: What to expect

Virtual orthopedic urgent care may sound like an oxymoron because “virtual” and “orthopedic urgent care” can seem contradictory. So, let's break down how virtual orthopedic urgent care works. 

What is virtual orthopedic urgent care?

Virtual orthopedic urgent care makes quickly diagnosing and treating orthopedic injuries easier. You can access same-day care without commuting or spending time in a waiting room.

What to expect at your appointment 

• You can start a virtual appointment on your smartphone or computer.
• A nurse practitioner or a physician assistant will be alerted while you answer a few quick questions, and you’ll get placed in a queue. We’ll verify you're in Minnesota or parts of western Wisconsin due to licensing restrictions.
• Once our video chat, much like a FaceTime or Zoom call, begins, we discuss symptoms and medical history. 
• We explore diagnostic and treatment options.
• Your care coordinator will arrange any X-rays or in-person appointments if necessary.

Who should use virtual orthopedic urgent care?

Patients often use virtual orthopedic urgent care to learn if they should seek in-person care that requires imaging, a brace, crutches or surgery. We have patients who say this is the quickest and easiest way to figure out how serious their injury is. 

Symptoms and conditions we treat 

• Contusions (bruises).
• Muscle strains. Guidance for rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) techniques. 
• Muscle, bone, or joint injuries. From sprained ankles to minor fractures, orthopedic specialists can evaluate your injury virtually and recommend next steps.
• Suspected broken bones without an open wound. 
• If you suspect a fracture, a virtual consultation can help decide if further evaluation or imaging in person is necessary.

What virtual orthopedic urgent care does not treat

Online care has limitations. Please seek in-person care for orthopedic injuries that involve open wounds, your spine or back. We will not assess the spine or back. That cannot be adequately assessed virtually. 

Virtual orthopedic urgent care provides convenience

Orthopedic injuries are scary. You deserve the care you need as quickly as possible. With virtual orthopedic urgent care, you don’t have to get in a car, you bypass the long lines of an emergency room or brick and mortar urgent care, and you get the answers and care that you need quickly. This option helps relieve any fear or anxiety that could come from trying to self-diagnose and brings the comfort of knowing there is a care team at your fingertips willing to help.