Wisconsin opens virtual clinics: Medical assistance at the touch of your fingers

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's Easter weekend and you feel yourself coming down with something, and all the doctors offices are closed for the holiday. How about a virtual clinic?

Before getting sick on a holiday or after hours might mean an expensive and often unnecessary trip to the ER. Now, Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin have come up with a way you can see a doctor without ever leaving home -- a virtual clinic.

"Basically it's the idea of taking a clinic and putting it in the hands of the consumer on any device they choose to use," said Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Vice President of Digital Health, Michael Anderes.

The point of the virtual clinic is you can use it from anywhere. Whether you are sitting in front of your computer, or you can use it right on your phone.

"This is now open to anyone in Wisconsin at any age -- with the exception of anyone covered by government payer like Medicare or Medicaid," said Anderes.

The link is right on Froedtert's main page, Need Care Now. Once you are in, it explains the basics -- like how there's no appointment needed, and the cost is $49.

"It takes you through a few questions to make sure you don't have to go to the emergency room," said Anderes.

After you type in some basic information about yourself, you explain your symptoms, and then choose how you want to have your visit.

Within 30 minutes you will be speaking with a doctor via Skype or on the phone.

"That's basically it. That's how easy it is to get into this virtual clinic," said Anderes.

As the clinic is being launched, you pay for the services with a credit card. But as time goes on it may be something insurance companies get involved in.