Penn Medicine OnDemand provides short-term prescriptions and immediate care for select medical conditions. The program is staffed by providers in the Penn Center for Connected Care and should not be used for life-threatening emergencies. For medical emergencies, please call 911.
On this page you'll learn:
The requirements for a Penn Medicine OnDemand visit
How to prepare for your visit
How to test your device and connect to your visit
Requirements for a Virtual Visit with a Penn Medicine OnDemand Provider
Patients 14 and older are eligible for virtual appointments with Penn Medicine OnDemand providers.
If you do not have health insurance or if telemedicine services are not a covered benefit under your insurance plan, you may be required to make a copay. Please check with your insurance carrier to see if Penn Medicine OnDemand visits are covered as part of your specific plan.
To participate in a Penn Medicine OnDemand virtual visit you must:
- Have a MyChart by myPennMedicine account.
- Have a video and audio-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet or computer with a front-facing camera and update your operating system. Smartphones and tablets are strongly recommended for Penn Medicine OnDemand virtual visits.
- Download the MyChart by myPennMedicine app if using a smartphone or tablet.
- Be physically present in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware or Maryland at the time of your virtual visit.
If you do not have a MyChart by myPennMedicine account and are a Penn Medicine patient, you can sign up for one online.
Sign up for a new MyChart by myPennMedicine account >
If you have questions about scheduling a Penn Medicine OnDemand virtual visit, please call 215-615-2222. Staff at the Penn Medicine Center for Connected Care are available to help 24 hours a day. If you prefer, you can also self-schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
If you are a MyLGHealth user, learn more about PennMedicine OnDemand visits at Lancaster General Health >
How to Prepare for a Penn Medicine OnDemand Virtual Visit
You can connect to Penn Medicine OnDemand virtual appointments using a video and audio-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer with a front-facing camera.
In the days before your visit, please do the following:
- If using a smartphone or tablet, download the MyChart by myPennMedicine app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Ensure your device’s operating system is up-to-date. The minimum operating requirements for Penn Medicine OnDemand virtual visits are iOS 11 or higher for iPhone and iPad, and 5.0 or higher for Android.
- Check your data and Wi-Fi connection.
- Complete pre check-in via MyChart by myPennMedicine one to four days before your video visit. You can access pre check-in from your appointment within MyChart by myPennMedicine to verify and update your address, medications and allergies.
How to Connect to a Penn Medicine OnDemand Virtual Visit
To ensure you can participate in your Penn Medicine OnDemand visit, please test your device in advance.
View and download a cheat sheet of device requirements and detailed instructions for MyChart by myPennMedicine users >
At Least 30 Minutes Before Your Penn Medicine OnDemand Virtual Appointment
- When opening the MyChart by myPennMedicine app for the first time, your device will request permission for “myPennMed” to access your camera and microphone. To avoid complications with your video visit, be sure to press “OK.”
- In the MyChart by myPennMedicine app, go to “Appointments” and press “Test Video” to verify your device supports video visits. If you can’t find the appointment, contact your provider’s office to confirm your video visit has been scheduled.
- When the test video has successfully completed, you will see the “You’re all set!” message.
- If you receive an error, try the following:
- Find MyChart by myPennMedicine in your smartphone or mobile device’s app store and make sure you have the latest version.
- Verify that your smartphone or mobile device’s operating system is up to date.
- If you are still having trouble or unable to log into MyChart by myPennMedicine on your mobile device, contact the MyChart by myPennMedicine support desk 24/7 at 866-614-7606.
- If you receive an error or are unable to verify that your smart phone or mobile device supports video visits, contact your provider’s office to discuss other appointment options.
This video from Epic also details how to connect to a virtual appointment.
The Day of Your Penn Medicine OnDemand Virtual Appointment
- Select a quiet, private, well-lit location for your video visit.
- Make sure the location has a strong Wi-Fi signal. Be aware that if you use mobile data, phone carrier charges may apply.
- Make sure the mobile device is fully charged.
- Please make sure you are online and available 10 minutes before your appointment time.
View other tips for a successful telemedicine visit >