Infectious Disease Telemedicine Services at UPMC

Those who are waiting for a transplant or have recently had one can use UPMC’s telemedicine services as well. Our transplant doctors offer consults and follow-up appointments online.

You or your doctor can request a transplant infectious disease telehealth appointment. Your doctor will decide if a video visit is right for you.

People with certain symptoms (e.g., a fever, a new rash, or a wound) will still need an in-person visit.

HIV-related telemedicine services can be accessed through video visits arranged on a UPMC patient portal or by making an appointment at one of three outpatient telemedicine clinics. At these clinics, people with HIV are seen by a physician located in Pittsburgh through an audio-video interface and with the help of a trained nurse tele-presenter.

UPMC Outpatient Telemedicine Centers offering HIV telemedicine services, include:

• Altoona Intervention Project
• UPMC Bedford
• UPMC Outpatient Center at Westgate Plaza

People with HIV often receive both their primary care and HIV care from their HIV doctor.

Most people with HIV see their doctor twice a year to discuss:

• Prescribed drugs.
• Lab tests.
• Any other health concerns.

Video visits offer a convenient option for this ongoing care.

Doctors can also order lab work and any other tests during the visit.

To have your lab work done, you can:

• Make an appointment at the PACT on-site lab.
• Go to any UPMC lab.
• Request the lab order by mail or online so you can take it to the lab you choose.

Here are some other ways we help via virtual care:

• Suffering side effects you can't tolerate.
• Needing a new HIV drug regimen.
• Discussing primary care issues, including any upcoming routine screenings you may need.
• Answering questions about diet.
• Offering routine mental health appointments. 

There are many benefits of online video visits:

• Receive high-quality care, even if you live far from Pittsburgh, lack your own transportation, or have trouble getting around.
• Save time driving to and from the clinic and finding parking.
• Avoid taking time off from work for an appointment.
• Avoid driving in bad weather.
• Save money in gas, parking, and meals.

People who get the most from video visits with the UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases include those who:

• Live far from Pittsburgh and don't have other access to infectious disease care.
• Don't have a way to get to the clinic for in-person care.
• Feel it's more comfortable and convenient to meet with their doctor in their own setting, such as at home.

Before your appointment, you should:

• Make sure you have a good internet connection and a fully charged or plugged-in device.
• Log in about 15 minutes before your visit to make sure your device works. Just like an in-person visit, please keep in mind that your doctor may be running late but will join as soon as they are available.
• Sit in a quiet and private place with good lighting and a low chance of interruption.
• Place your camera or device at eye level so you and your doctor can see each other well.
• Wear something you can easily pull up or remove if you will need to show the doctor a rash or wound.

All UPMC video visits are HIPAA-compliant and use secure software to protect patients' privacy. Learn more about how to prepare for your video visit. 

UPMC accepts most health plans. Billing procedures for video visits change often.

If have any billing questions, call:

• UPMC Patient Financial Services Center at 1-800-371-8359.
• UPMC Customer Service at 1-844-591-5949.