ColumbiaDoctors - Virtual Visits
A Fast, Convenient Way to Connect With Our Expert Physicians
Virtual Visits allow you to connect with your provider from the comfort, convenience, and safety of your own home. Virtual Visits are available with a range of specialists for adult, pediatric, and adolescent patients and are a secure way to manage your healthcare needs. Your ColumbiaDoctors clinician will offer you the same high level of expert, compassionate care that you expect in an office visit.
To schedule a Virtual Visit, please call your provider’s office. Or get connected with a Columbia provider by calling 1-877-426-5637. Appointments can be scheduled during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
For a Virtual Visit, you’ll need:
- A scheduled appointment
- A Connect patient portal account
- If you do not have a Connect patient portal account, you can sign up at connect.doctors.columbia.edu
- An iOS or Android mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or a desktop/laptop with a camera and microphone
- A strong and stable internet connection
- A private, quiet, well-lighted location
If you experience issues, please call Connect Technical Support at 646-962-4200.
How Do I Start My Virtual Visit on a Mobile Device?
To connect with a smartphone or tablet, you must create a Connect patient portal account and then download the Columbia Connect app by searching for "Columbia Connect" on Google Play (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). (You may use the MyChart app in place of the Columbia Connect app when using your smartphone.)
We highly recommend logging into your Columbia Connect app 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to review your personal information and complete the necessary check-in steps.
Follow the steps below to connect to your video visit appointment on a smartphone:
- Make sure you are at a quiet location with a good internet connection
- Open the Columbia Connect app (or MyChart app) on your smartphone
- Select "Scheduled Video Visit" from the home screen
- Log into your Connect account
- Select Appointments to get to your scheduled video visit appointment
- Select eCheck-In to review the required check-in portion of your visit
- A green camera icon will appear, click on your appointment
- Begin the video visit by clicking on Begin Visit
- Once you join the video visit, you will be automatically directed to a virtual waiting room. You are ready for your visit and your provider will connect to get started.
How Do I Start My Virtual Visit on a Computer or Laptop?
To connect with a desktop or laptop computer, you must create a Connect patient portal account.
We highly recommend logging into your Connect account on your computer/desktop 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to review your personal information and complete the necessary check-in steps.
Follow the steps below to connect to your video visit appointment on a computer/laptop:
- Make sure you are at a quiet location with a good internet connection
- Log into your Connect account on your web browser
- Select "Visits" from top of the screen
- Select the video visit from your list of “Upcoming Visit”
- Select eCheck-In to review the required check-in portion of your visit
- A green camera icon will appear, click on your appointment
- Begin the video visit by clicking on Begin Visit
- Once you join the video visit, you will be automatically directed to a virtual waiting room. You are ready for your visit and your provider will connect to get started.
Helpful Tips
- Choose a quiet, well-lighted room with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Make sure you are using the latest version of the app on your phone or tablet.
- You or your physician can start the video visit up to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
- Remember, if you minimize the app during your visit, the camera will pause but the microphone will still be on.
- If your connection gets lost, you can restart the video visit by following the steps listed above.
Questions and Support
For any questions or additional support, please call Connect Technical Support at 646-962-4200 or visit connect.doctors.columbia.edu.
For appointment issues, please reach out to your provider's office.
Virtual Urgent Care
Adults and children can see board-certified emergency medicine doctors for quick diagnoses and treatment from home. Find out more about on-demand virtual urgent care.