Published on Feb. 2, 2026
When Jennifer Fine found herself facing a positive COVID-19 test while 10 weeks pregnant in her second pregnancy, she was immediately overwhelmed with questions and concerns. It was a Saturday evening in September 2025, and her doctor wouldn’t be available until Monday. With no prior experience with COVID-19 and being in her first trimester, Jennifer was understandably anxious. What medications were safe? Would the virus affect her baby? Was she more vulnerable because of her pregnancy?
Fortunately, Jennifer was aware of MemorialCare’s expanded virtual care options that recently re-launched with: Get Care Now, MemorialCare’s 24/7 virtual care. Within hours, she was able to speak with a nurse and schedule an appointment with a physician—without ever having to step foot in an emergency room.
A Stressful Situation Meets Compassionate Care
During pregnancy, visiting an emergency room or urgent care can pose additional risks. Jennifer also wanted to avoid exposing her young daughter at home to any potential illness. Hospitals and urgent care centers are often crowded, and pregnant patients may be exposed to infectious illnesses, which can lead to more severe complications compared to the general population.
“I was in a really vulnerable position. Early pregnancy is already stressful and adding a COVID-19 diagnosis to that made it even more intense. I didn’t know what to expect or what I was allowed to take. I just needed guidance.”
- Jennifer
Jennifer reached out to a registered nurse via MemorialCare’s 24/7 Ask a Nurse line, designed to provide immediate support and guidance to patients at any hour. The nurse took a full inventory of her symptoms and walked her through safe treatment options, such as reaffirming her use of acetaminophen for COVID-19-related headaches. She was told that if her breathing worsened, she should go to the emergency room, but for now, she could monitor her symptoms at home.
The nurse also offered to book a 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care appointment for her that same night at 10 p.m. Jennifer opted to schedule it herself through MyChart, choosing a time that better fit her schedule. “It was so helpful to know I had options,” she said. “Because it was the weekend, I didn’t have to wait until Monday to talk to someone. I could get answers right away.”
24/7 Virtual Urgent Care: Reassurance Without the ER
Jennifer’s 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care appointment provided her with additional peace of mind. The physician echoed the nurse’s advice and confirmed that she was managing her symptoms appropriately. This second layer of reassurance helped her feel confident in her care plan and validated the steps she was already taking to protect both herself and her pregnancy.
Before MemorialCare’s expanded 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care was available, Jennifer noted, her only option would have been to go to the emergency room. “I would’ve been sitting in an ER all night, potentially exposing others, and facing a big bill,” she said. “Instead, I got the care I needed from home.”
For expectant mothers, navigating where to seek care can be stressful, and unnecessary ER visits may increase anxiety, cost, and exposure to illness. That’s why having immediate access to virtual care—like MemorialCare’s 24/7 Get Care Now feature —offers a safer, more reassuring alternative, allowing pregnant patients to get timely guidance and avoid the risks associated with in-person emergency visits.
What Is “Get Care Now”?
With “Get Care Now,” Californians can access a range of virtual care options – no MemorialCare affiliation required – all fully HIPAA-compliant to protect patient privacy. Free services include a 24/7 symptom checker and AI-powered chat, as well as access to a live 24/7 call center for guidance from care associates. Care is provided by MemorialCare clinicians, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical doctors.
“Every virtual visit is led by MemorialCare physicians or nurses — never contracted third parties — ensuring personalized, high-quality care,” said Anne LaNova, executive director of digital customer experience at MemorialCare. “The pay-as-you-go program doesn’t require monthly or annual subscriptions like other health systems. MemorialCare’s virtual health care extends beyond physical care, offering virtual mental health support as well.”
Get Care Now key offerings
24/7 Telephone Advice Nurse (855) 389-5123 – No Cost
Available any time of day or night, this service connects patients with registered nurses who can assess symptoms, provide treatment recommendations, and help determine the next steps. It’s ideal for those who need quick guidance but aren’t sure if they require urgent care or an ER visit.
24/7 QuickCare Visit - $20
Submit your symptoms online and receive a personalized treatment plan via email—typically within one hour. This service is ideal for common health concerns, including colds, flu, and sinus infections, as well as eye and skin conditions, urinary tract infections, stomach issues, and other routine medical needs. It’s a fast, convenient way to get care without waiting or visiting a clinic.
Online Chat 24/7 – No Cost
MemorialCare’s virtual assistant is available 24/7 to help patients quickly and easily navigate their care options. At no cost, users can check symptoms, ask general health questions, find a provider or location, book appointments, and even chat live with a human when needed. Whether you're unsure where to start or need help scheduling, the online chat offers a fast, reliable way to get support—anytime, from anywhere.
24/7 Virtual Urgent Care – Co-pay or $75
Patients schedule same-day or next-day appointments with licensed MemorialCare Medical Group physicians via video call. This service is perfect for non-emergency situations like flu symptoms, minor injuries, or COVID-related concerns. It’s accessible from the comfort of home and helps avoid long waits and exposure risks. If you have a MyChart account, you can easily schedule a virtual urgent care appointment directly through the platform, choosing a time that works best for you.
In-Person Urgent Care – Co-pay
For urgent, non-emergency needs that require a physical exam or hands-on treatment, MemorialCare offers in-person urgent care. This option is ideal for conditions such as abdominal pain, wound care, minor injuries and fractures, asthma, and vaccinations. Hours may vary by location, so patients are encouraged to check availability before visiting.
The Value of 24/7 Virtual Care
In moments of uncertainty, especially outside of business hours, having immediate access to healthcare professionals can make all the difference.
“Being able to talk to a nurse at 8 p.m. and then the opportunity to talk to a doctor two hours later was everything,” Jennifer said. “Virtual care should be your frontline defense if you’re not having a true emergency. They help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary ER visits, which ultimately benefits the ER. Now the ER can be reserved for those who are truly in crisis and need emergent lifesaving care.”
She emphasized how this virtual care helped her stay calm and confident during a stressful time. “I wish more people knew about them,” she added. “Being able to call a nurse at any hour to help guide your decision-making is so helpful.”
MemorialCare’s “Get Care Now” can support patients during critical moments. For pregnant patients, those with chronic conditions, or anyone facing a sudden illness, having immediate access to professional guidance can prevent unnecessary stress and costly ER visits.
“Virtual care isn’t just convenient — it’s transformative,” LaNova said. “Advances in technology have made it a more powerful tool than ever before. It offers a new way to think about health care: one that’s proactive, patient-centered and accessible 24/7.”
That vision of accessible, patient-centered care is exactly what Jennifer experienced firsthand.
“I’m so grateful for the care I received. It made a scary situation feel manageable. I didn’t have to wait or wonder—I got answers right away. MemorialCare’s ”Get Care Now” gave me peace of mind when I needed it most.”
- Jennifer
Need Care Now? MemorialCare Is Here for You—24/7
Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder that compassionate, expert care is just a click or call away. Whether you're facing a sudden illness, managing a chronic condition, or simply need guidance outside of regular office hours, MemorialCare’s “Get Care Now” are designed to support you—anytime, anywhere.
