A “must have” addition to a packing list for this summer’s family trip won’t take up any suitcase space. It’s an app for a smart phone that gives users access to a board certified telemedicine physician from wherever you happen to be sightseeing.

“The ideal situation for getting medical care is when a patient sees his or her own doctor in person,” said Dr. Richard Vienne, Univera Healthcare vice president and chief medical officer. “But when the family is away and somebody feels under the weather, a telemedicine visit can salvage the vacation for everyone!”

Telemedicine is a speedy alternative to going to an urgent care center or even a hospital emergency room for minor medical conditions. It allows people who are away from home to see a qualified physician when they need to address a problem for themselves or their children.

Remote medical care, known as telemedicine, is when the patient and the provider are in two different locations but linked by telephone or a secure two-way video connection.

While telemedicine services are available to anyone with or without health insurance, easy-to-use platforms are included in most health insurance offerings. MDLIVE is the in-network telemedicine provider offered by Univera Healthcare to all privately-insured and Medicare Advantage members.

“If you’re away from home this summer on a family trip, and somebody in your group needs immediate treatment for a minor medical condition, telemedicine providers can address most of the common conditions and even prescribe medicine when medically indicated,” said Vienne. “I urge everyone to learn more about telemedicine by asking their health insurer, or by visiting the telemedicine provider that Univera Healthcare recommends for its members at www.MDLIVE.com.