The most common question about virtual primary care is what it can and cannot do. This page answers that directly — labs, imaging, referrals, prescriptions, records and secure messaging, in one place.
1 · You book a time. Pick a slot on the calendar — same-day and evening appointments are available seven days a week. Nothing is charged at booking.
2 · Our team confirms. You are contacted to confirm the visit, verify insurance if you are using it, and take payment. That way there is no billing conversation in the middle of your appointment.
3 · You join by video. No software to install. A link arrives shortly before your appointment; join from a phone, tablet or computer, somewhere private with a stable connection.
4 · The visit itself. A real conversation about what is going on, your history, your medications and what you want to change — then a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, usually within the same hour.
5 · Afterward. Anything needing a lab, an imaging study or a specialist is ordered from the visit, and follow-up happens through secure messaging or a short second visit.
This is where people expect telemedicine to stop. It does not, but the mechanics are worth understanding before you book.
Orders are sent electronically the same day to a lab near you. You go for the draw whenever it is convenient — no appointment with the practice required first. Results come back to Dr. Edwards and are reviewed with you: what the numbers mean, what they do not mean, and what changes, if any, are warranted.
X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs are ordered and sent to an imaging center in your area. The radiologist's report is reviewed with you in a follow-up visit. Some studies require a hands-on examination before they can be ordered, and you will be told that plainly rather than sent for a scan that cannot answer the question.
When a cardiologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist or surgeon is needed, the referral goes out with clinical notes already written, so you are not re-explaining your history from scratch. Where possible, help identifying someone in your network is included.
Ordering authority and facility requirements vary by state. If a test or referral needs something this practice cannot provide, you will hear that directly — along with a clear next step.
Prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy you already use, usually the same day. That includes refills of medications prescribed elsewhere, when it is clinically appropriate and safe to continue them.
Controlled substances require in-person evaluation under many state laws and are not available by telemedicine on request. If a medication needs something this practice cannot provide, you will be told directly.
Have the pharmacy name and address ready at your visit — it saves a round trip of messages afterward.
All clinical messaging runs through Spruce, a HIPAA-compliant platform built for care teams. No app required. Start at the secure portal or text 830-276-2166.
Records requests — labs, visit notes and prior documentation — go through the portal. Include the dates and facility involved so the request can be fulfilled without back-and-forth.
Please do not send clinical details through social media messages or ordinary email. Messaging is monitored during business hours; it is not a crisis line.
Coverage is verified after you book, so you know your exact cost before the appointment. Self-pay patients receive a superbill to submit for possible partial reimbursement. Text 830-276-2166 with your carrier and plan name and we will check before you book.
Dr. Edwards is licensed in 24 states: Texas, California, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Maryland, Minnesota, Colorado, Alabama, Louisiana, Connecticut, Kansas, Washington, Virginia and Nevada.
Telemedicine law requires that you be physically located in a state where the physician is licensed at the time of your visit. That is a legal requirement, not a preference. If you are traveling and will be somewhere outside that list, tell us before the appointment and it can be moved at no charge.
Yes. Orders go out electronically the same day to a lab near you, and you can go for the draw whenever it suits you. Results are reviewed with you in a follow-up visit rather than left for you to interpret alone.
Usually. Imaging orders are sent to a center in your area and the radiologist's report is reviewed with you afterward. Some studies require a hands-on examination first — in those cases you will be told directly and pointed toward local care.
Yes, when it is warranted, with the clinical notes already written so the specialist is not starting from zero. You will also be told honestly when a specialist is not needed.
Yes, when clinically appropriate — including medications originally prescribed elsewhere — sent electronically to your pharmacy. Controlled substances generally require in-person evaluation and are not available on request.
Through the secure portal at spruce.care/dredwards. Include the dates and facility involved so the request can be fulfilled without back-and-forth. Records are released in accordance with state and federal requirements.
No. Booking is free. Our staff contacts you to confirm the visit, verify insurance if you are using it, and take payment before the appointment.
For most primary care — infections, prescriptions, chronic disease management, mental health, women's health, lab review — yes. When something genuinely needs hands-on evaluation, you will be told, and helped toward appropriate local care.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This practice is not an emergency service, and messaging is not monitored around the clock.
Same-day video visits, seven days a week. $125 flat, no payment to book.