PINEHURST — Like most college students, Gray Smith doesn’t have a lot of extra time.
The Pinehurst native and sophomore at Lees-McRae College spends his days in classes and on the soccer field competing for the Bobcats.
Getting sick doesn’t fit into the schedule, but during a recent illness Smith turned to FirstHealth On the Go to see a provider virtually and get on the road to recovery.
On the Go providers can treat many common medical conditions, including cold and flu symptoms, allergies, pink eye, respiratory infection, sinus problems, skin problems and other non-emergency medical conditions.
Smith said the process to see his provider was quick and painless.
“I downloaded the app when I needed the appointment and signed up during that process. The virtual visit was great, and I was able to get a prescription filled within an hour of the call,” Smith said. “FirstHealth On the Go saved me a lot of time and miles on my car.”
Since his initial experience with On the Go, Smith said he has used it again to address an eye issue.
Daniel Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group, said Smith’s experience is a perfect example of how On the Go can fill gaps in coverage for people who need to see a provider but may not be able to get to a clinic.
“Medical needs don’t always pop up during the business day, and Gray’s story is a prime example of how virtual visits ensure that patients can get the care they need when they need it from the comfort of their home, or in this case, school” he said.
“The idea of a virtual visit might sound intimidating at first but think of it this way — if you FaceTime with friends or family, you can use FirstHealth On the Go.”
More About On the Go
On the Go is available to every member of the family, from children to adults, and providers will be able to send necessary prescriptions to the pharmacy of choice.
Along with FirstHealth’s large network of primary care practices and convenient care locations, FirstHealth On the Go, which launched in December 2019, further expands access to key health care services. Patients can also share notes from their virtual visit with a primary care provider.
