What kind of appointment do I need?

Person on tablet doing telemedicine at home

Please review the table below to decide whether you need a phone, video, or in-person appointment. If you are still unsure, feel free to contact the advice nurse.

Please note that the Primary Care appointments cannot help with the following:

  • Vaccine scheduling.  Please call Allergy/Travel at (510) 643-7177.

  • Administrative questions such as how SHIP insurance works, how much a service costs, or help to schedule an appointment with another UHS department. Please check the appropriate department webpage or send a message in eTang.
  • For appointments for Club Sports Physicals, please call (510) 642-2000.

What kind of appointment do you need?

Phone Visit

 Quick Single Issue
  • Medication refill
  • UTI/bladder infection
  • Contraception questions
  • STI concerns
  • Cough, cold
  • Acne
  • Small rash (with photo)
  • Eye or ear problems

Video Visit

Longer time

More complex

Does not need exam
  • Mental health concerns
  • Chronic back, neck or other muscle pain
  • Cough, cold
  • GI concerns: diarrhea, mild chronic abdominal pain

In-Person

In-person examination
by clinician
  • GYN concerns
  • Falls, injury
  • Musculoskeletal