Appointments

Maintaining health for you and your loved ones is always important, but decisions about getting care during this uncertain time can be confusing and even a little scary. At UNC Health, we’re constantly monitoring and adjusting to make sure we are safely and effectively providing the care you need.

• We have appointments available – You may have heard that health systems in some areas of the country are overrun. Fortunately, that is not the case in North Carolina. Physical distancing appears to be working to “flatten the curve” and extensive preparations across UNC Health means we currently have the ability to see our patients
• Virtual care is here – We’re using video visits along with other virtual options to offer high quality care without you needing to leave home
• In-person appointments as needed – We’re continuing certain in-person visits, when needed, and taking measures to protect patients and staff during these visits

Quick Links

• Should I keep my scheduled appointment?
• Can I schedule a new appointment?
• Are clinic or office visits safe right now?
• Which patients need to be seen in-person?
• What should I expect during an in-person appointment?
• What should I expect during a virtual visit?

Should I keep my scheduled appointment?

If you have an upcoming primary or specialty care appointment, we encourage you to keep it. Most appointments that don’t require a physical exam or contact are shifting to virtual visits using video. These video visits allow you to connect with your provider while staying safely and conveniently at home.

• Your provider’s office will contact you about setting up a video visit and to discuss other options if needed.
  
  • Learn more about video visits
• Video visits will be billed to your insurance. In most cases, your copay is the same as an in-person appointment. Coverage details vary by insurer, so please contact your insurance provider with questions and to confirm your out-of-pocket costs.
• Many practices and clinics remain open for in-person visits on an as-needed basis. We are taking extra safety precautions in our facilities if you and your provider decide it’s important for you to be seen in person. Be sure to check our visitor policy before coming in.
• If you are unable to keep your current appointment, please call your provider’s office to reschedule.

Can I schedule a new appointment?

Yes, please don’t put off your health needs.

• If you are new to UNC Health, you can use our online tools to find a nearby provider or practice and call the listed appointment number for scheduling options.
• If you’re an established UNC Health patient, call your provider’s office or use My UNC Chart to schedule a virtual visit with a provider you’ve seen in the past.

Which patients need to be seen in person?

Virtual visits allow UNC Health providers to offer quality care for many types of appointments. But some concerns require a physical examination and/or testing, as do some forms of treatment. Your provider will decide with you which type of appointment is best.

Are clinic or office visits safe right now?

We’ve taken many steps to protect your health during an in-person visit, including:

• Reducing in-person visits to ensure fewer patients come to our facilities
• Scheduling additional time between appointments to limit contact with other patients
• Enhancing cleaning between patients, including more frequent deep cleaning of our facilities
• Changing the setup of our waiting rooms to allow for physical distancing
• When possible eliminating time in the waiting room, allowing you to stay in your car until we’re ready to take you directly to an office or exam room
• Implementing a patient mask policy
• Ensuring all our patients wash their hands thoroughly as soon as they enter our facilities
• Assessing the wellness of each patient carefully before they enter our facilities
• Ensuring COVID-19 patients are receiving care from dedicated teams in physical locations separate from all other patients
• Providing our staff with adequate personal protective equipment
• Limiting visitors to reduce the risk of physical contact
  • Current visitor restrictions

What should I expect during an in-person appointment?

Specific procedures vary by location, but patients coming to a UNC Health facility for an appointment should expect:

• Wellness screening – Prior to coming in you’ll be asked a series of questions to make sure an in-person visit is still safe and appropriate
• Temperature – You may be asked if you’re running a temperature or have your temperature taken before entering a UNC Health facility as an added precaution to ensure your safety and that of our staff and healthcare providers
• Masks – Everyone entering a UNC Health facility will be given a face mask which must be worn securely during the visit. Masks lower the risk of spreading or catching the coronavirus through coughs and sneezes. Together with hand washing and physical distancing, these are the most important things we can all do to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Appearance – Your provider may be wearing more protective gear than you’re used to seeing – including a mask, gown and gloves.