DuPage Medical Group Offering Doctor Visits By Email

CHICAGO (CBS) -- You don't have to leave the comfort of your home to see the doctor anymore, and your doctor doesn't have to leave the office to come see you.

WBBM Newsradio's Mariam Sobh reports a new E-Visit program is being offered by the DuPage Medical Group. The electronic visits cost $35, and give patients the chance to see a doctor for minor illnesses – including colds, coughs, back pain, or heartburn – or to refill prescriptions

Dr. Mark Nelson said he has been using the program since early Spring to provide virtual care for patients from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

"This is actually pretty basic," he said. "It is just an email, but we advertise the fact your doctor will answer you directly within four hours."

Nelson said the DuPage Medical Group hopes to add a video option to the program by December.

"Our group wants to really be technologically innovative, and we figure this is a good first step," he said.