More than half of working adults go to work when they’re sick with the cold or flu, and at least half of individuals surveyed work in public places like restaurants, according to a study released this week. In an effort to make basic healthcare more convenient, Providence Health & Services is now offering virtual visits and house calls to patients.

Providence has options — a telehealth program provides virtual health care visits to patients anywhere in California and a home care visit pilot program is available on the Westside.

Last month, Providence introduced Health Express Online  designed to provide on-demand, secure video consultations for common medical conditions such as colds, sore throats, ear infections or rashes.

A Providence nurse practitioner can review medical history, answer questions, diagnose, treat and even prescribe medication – with virtually no waiting.

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

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; people without health insurance can use Providence Health eXpress and pay for a visit with a credit or debit card.

Related: Providence Launches Virtual Healthcare Visit Service ‘Health eXpress’

Providence is further simplifying health care with its new Express Care at Home, convenient service that sends a nurse practitioner to your home, office or even your hotel room.

This “house calls” service is available from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays, a schedule that is expected to expand in the coming months.

Patients can request a home visit by downloading the Providence Express Care at Home app, logging on here or by calling (844) 414-9000.

Providence-employed Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners will visit patients in their homes to provide exams, diagnoses and prescriptions for non-acute illnesses.

The program is available in the Westside communities served by Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

Visits cost $199 per patient, plus additional costs for lab tests and additional treatment. The services is covered by most insurance, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry and United Healthcare. Medicare is not accepted at this time.

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