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. Monday through Friday.
For your convenience, evening and weekend appointments are also available in selected specialties. To schedule, call the numbers below:
- Cardiology: 844-311-1234
- Internal Medicine: 844-311-1234
- Neurology: 646-426-3876
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: 212-326-5766
- Urology: 212-305-0114
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 myconnectnyc.org
- An iOS or Android mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or a desktop/laptop with a camera and microphone
- The Zoom app downloaded on your device
- Mobile Devices - The Zoom Cloud Meetings app can be found in the Apple app store or the Android Google Play store.
- Desktop/Laptop - The Zoom Client for Meetings can be downloaded at https://zoom.us/download
- A strong and stable internet connection
If you experience issues, please call Connect Technical Support at 646-962-4200.
How Do I Start My Virtual Visit With a Mobile Device?
To connect with a smartphone or tablet, you must create a Connect patient portal account and then download the MyChart app by searching “MyChart” within the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). You will also need to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app by searching “Zoom” within the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Open the MyChart app.
- Search for and select "Columbia University Irving Medical Center" as your primary institution.
- Log into your Connect account.
- If you have not done so already, download the Zoom app.
Once you’re logged in, you can find and begin your video visit appointment:
- Click on Appointments (do not click on E-Visit)
- Click on the correct video visit appointment
- Complete the eCheck-In steps
- Click the Begin Visit button at the bottom of your screen
Please be sure to join your video visit 15 minutes before your visit is due to start. If you need to reschedule, contact your provider’s office.
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 and then download and install the Zoom Client for Meetings application on your computer.
- Log into your Connect account in your web browser.
- If you have not done so already, download and install the Zoom Client for Meetings application on your computer.
Once you’re logged in, you can find and begin your video visit appointment:
- Click on Appointments (do not click on E-Visit)
- Click on the correct video visit appointment
- Complete the eCheck-In steps
- Click the Begin Visit button at the bottom of your screen
Please be sure to join your video visit 15 minutes before your visit is due to start. If you need to reschedule, contact your provider’s office.
Helpful Tips
- Chose a quiet, well-lit 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 MyConnectNYC.org.
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 urgent care.