Video Visit Now FAQ
Video Visit Now is an easy, convenient way to schedule an online visit with a Cedars-Sinai healthcare expert. Whether you are a new or existing patient, you can quickly connect with one of our healthcare providers to discuss non-urgent medical issues such as colds, flu and mild infections.
A member of the Cedars-Sinai healthcare team will meet with you to discuss such non-urgent health conditions as:
- Allergies
- Bug bites
- Colds and cough
- Diarrhea (loose stools)
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Flu (influenza)
- Medication questions
- Minor skin rashes or infection
- Pink or red eye
- Sinus infection
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and upset stomach
- Women’s bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI)
Video Visit Now is not intended for serious or life-threatening health issues.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Request a Video Visit Now
To request Video Visit Now, follow these steps to set up and join your video visit:
- First, install the Cedars-Sinai and Zoom apps if you don't already have them. Search for "Cedars-Sinai" and "Zoom" in the App Store or Google Play, then click on the apps to install them. During installation, you must allow the app to access your camera and microphone.
- If you already have the Cedars-Sinai app, open it and log into My CS-Link™ using your ID and password.
- If you don't have a My CS-Link account, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 or tap "Create an Account" on the app to get an activation code.
- Once you set up your My CS-Link account, you can use the mobile app to request a video visit.
After logging into your My CS-Link account, tap Menu.
Then tap Video Visit Now in the Find Care section.
Follow the prompts to complete your eCheck-In and schedule a video chat. To start your visit, tap Begin Visit.
Once you are joined by a healthcare provider, they can make a diagnosis, order medication, and suggest home remedies. They also may tell you to seek appropriate care in-person if your health problem cannot be fully dealt with during your video visit.
Video Visit Now is available to patients ages 18 and older who have a My CS-Link account. Due to legal requirements, you also must be physically located in California at the time of the video visit.
Yes, Video Visits are on Zoom and can be set up on your computer. However, you will have a better experience on the mobile app. If you are having trouble connecting to your video visit from the mobile app, you can connect to mycslink.org from your desktop. Make sure you have a webcam on your computer and log in to your My CS-Link account using either Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.
You can ask for a video visit 7 a.m.–7 p.m. PT, Monday–Friday, and 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday–Sunday.
Video visits are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal (see below for more detailed information). If you do not have insurance, self-pay fees range from $85 - $125.
For COVID-19 related video visits:
We will not be collecting co-payments or co-insurance from patients with respect to COVID-19 related telehealth consultations provided during the national emergency. This applies to patients with commercial insurance, as well as patients with governmental payors such as Medicare and Medi-Cal. We will continue to bill insurance, including government payors, for all COVID-19 telehealth services to the extent billable.
For non-COVID-19 related video visits:
We will be collecting co-payments and/or co-insurance from patients with respect to non-COVID-19 related telehealth consultations. This applies to patients with commercial insurance, as well as patients with governmental payors such as Medicare and Medi-Cal, if the service is covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal and to the extent Medicare or Medi-Cal has assigned any co-insurance costs to the patient. We will also bill insurance, including government payors, for all non-COVID-19 telehealth services to the extent billable. Please check with your insurer if you have any questions.
Once you enter the virtual waiting room, you will be connected to the first available member of the Cedars-Sinai healthcare team, which may be a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or primary care physician. Wait times may vary by time of day.
Please note that video visits are not intended to replace any in-person visits you may have scheduled with your doctor or other healthcare provider.
To schedule a visit please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771).