Providence Southern California launched a virtual healthcare visit service called “Health eXpress” earlier this month in the Los Angeles area, officials announced Monday.

Health eXpress is designed to provide on-demand, secure video consultations for common medical conditions such as colds, sore throat, ear infections or rashes. A Providence nurse practitioner can review medical history, answer questions, diagnose, treat and even prescribe medication – with virtually no waiting.

“Health care visits have never been more convenient,” said Michael Bernstein, M.D., chief medical officer of Providence Southern California. “We’re bringing patients, providers and insurers together in new ways, making access to health care easier than ever before.”

Virtual visits with nurse practitioners can be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and save patients time and money while immediately providing the high-quality care expected from Providence – at home, work and on the road.

Providence Health eXpress is designed to help remedy non-acute conditions such as sore throats, sinus, ear and eye infections, coughs, colds and flu, rash and joint issues and provide most prescription refills.

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“Health eXpress is ideal for busy parents or perhaps young working people who can’t to get to the doctor for a nagging sore throat or another complaint that requires attention but isn’t necessarily urgent,” said Robert Sorrentino, M.D., chief medical officer of the Providence medical foundations in Southern California. “The providers can treat patients quickly and conveniently, but also encourage follow-up care if necessary.”

Providence Health eXpress visits are $39 and available to most people, with or without insurance. Some health plans cover telehealth visits as a reimbursable expense, and proposed legislation to make that the law has been introduced in the California State Legislature.

People without health insurance may use Providence Health eXpress and pay for a visit with a credit or debit card. The program is not covered by Medicare, MediCal or TRICARE.

For more information, click here or download the mobile Health eXpress app from the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android devices.

Ed. Note: This article is a press release provided by Providence Southern California.