Electronic Visits for Minor Acute Illnesses: Analysis of Patient Demographics,Prescription Rates,and Follow-Up Care Within an Asynchronous Text-Based Online Visit

Abstract

Introduction:

Patients can obtain medical advice and treatment from a healthcare provider asynchronously through an electronic visit (eVisit) within a secure online portal.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective record review of Mayo Clinic Rochester primary care empaneled patients who had an eVisit for a minor acute illness and were reviewed for 30-day outcomes of follow-up.

Results:

Of the 1,009 eVisits analyzed, a total of 340 (34%) had follow-up within 30 days, with a follow-up rate of 154 (20%) when those who were advised to follow-up were excluded. Factors significantly associated with any type of follow-up care included specific advice for follow-up given by the eVisit provider and lack of a prescription given at the eVisit. The majority of eVisits were requested by females (88%), although gender was not associated with likelihood of having follow-up care. Fourteen patients received follow-up care in the emergency department, one patient was hospitalized, and zero deaths occurred within 30 days of the eVisit. Most eVisits (70%) were requested during regular clinic hours. Four diagnoses (urinary tract infection, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, and conjunctivitis) comprised 87% of all eVisits.

Conclusion:

Most eVisits for minor acute illnesses can be completed without any further interaction with the healthcare system.