AveraNow
24/7 Access to Virtual Care
You’re too busy to get sick, so we’re making it easy to connect with an experienced provider via laptop, smartphone or tablet – no matter the time of day or location.
Download the App to See a Doctor Now
When you download the AveraNow app on iTunes or Google Play, you’ll have immediate access to care in the palm of your hand. AveraNow virtual doctor visits are a faster, easier way to get treated for common illnesses. Each visit includes a consultation, diagnosis and prescriptions (when appropriate). It’s easy, private and secure.
You’ll also save money compared to a traditional appointment because the only cost is a $49 AveraNow visit fee.
AveraNow is available to everyone (ages 2* and up) – you don’t even have to be an Avera patient to talk with one of our providers. It’s also available throughout all 50 states within the U.S. All that you need is an internet connection and a free AveraNow account.
If you live near Sioux Falls, SD, you can also visit an AveraNow kiosk clinic located inside Hy-Vee locations.
Expert Care for Common Illnesses
Benefit from an AveraNow visit if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
- Acid reflux
- Cold
- Cold sores
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Flu
- Headache
- Pink eye
- Rashes
- Seasonal allergies
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infections (for females ages 16-65)
- Vomiting
Please note that AveraNow is not intended to replace visiting your primary care provider on a regular basis for chronic and routine care. If you request prescription refills, lab orders or other testing during your AveraNow visit, you’ll be referred to see your primary care provider and may still be responsible for the $49 AveraNow visit fee.
If you need emergency care, call 911.
Talk with a Cancer Care Expert 24/7
You can also talk with a cancer navigator at the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center via AveraNow. Cancer navigation video visits are available to anyone impacted by cancer – even if you’re not an Avera patient.
No Smartphone? No Problem.
If you don’t have access to a smartphone, you can still use AveraNow if you have a computer with a webcam. Simply create a free AveraNow account here and login to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does AveraNow work?
To use AveraNow simply follow these steps:
- Download the app on iTunes or Google Play or visit Averanow.org on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
- Create a free account. You don’t need to be an established Avera patient to create an account. Once it’s created, your information is securely stored for future visits.
- Fill out a questionnaire about your symptoms, medications and health history.
- Select a provider who is currently available to see patients.
- Talk to your provider via a video visit. Conversations typically last about 10 minutes during which symptoms, family history, diagnosis and treatment will be discussed. If necessary, the provider will send a prescription to your pharmacy.
- After your visit, a summary will be sent to your AveraNow profile inbox with the details of your visit including the date and time, provider, provider notes and any new prescription information for your records.
What does an AveraNow appointment cost?
Each AveraNow visit costs a flat fee of $49 payable by credit or debit card. AveraNow may be covered by your insurance. Check with your insurance company to verify your benefits. However, it’s not necessary to have insurance to use AveraNow.
AveraNow does qualify for medical reimbursement as an allowable expense, so you can use your flexible spending account for payment. Check with IRS regulations or your flex benefits administrator every year as eligible items and services can change.
A record of your AveraNow billing activity is stored in your profile under the ‘My Health’ tab. From there you can access your previous visit records, including a claims receipt you can email and print for flex spending reimbursement.
Is my information secure?
Yes, AveraNow is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a health care provider online.
Can I use AveraNow when I'm traveling?
Yes, if you’re traveling throughout the United States, you can use AveraNow. It’s available in all 50 states. However, it’s not available internationally.
What kind of prescriptions can I receive from an AveraNow visit?
AveraNow providers can prescribe most prescriptions for common illnesses. However, they’re unable to prescribe controlled substances and certain lifestyle medications such as Viagra.
If you have questions about a prescription you received on AveraNow:
- Check the visit summary in your AveraNow inbox to see if a Pharmacy Hotline phone number is available in your area.
- Reconnect online with an AveraNow provider for your follow-up questions. The $49 visit fee will be waived for all prescription follow-up questions.
If your AveraNow prescription is missing or wasn’t received by your pharmacy:
- Contact the AveraNow Service Line Manager for assistance at 855-269-3551 (option 2), Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CT)
- Reconnect online with an AveraNow provider to have your prescription resent to your pharmacy. The $49 visit fee will be waived for all prescription follow-up questions.
South Dakota residents with questions about Naloxone, please contact the AveraNow Service Line Manager at 855-269-3551 (option 2) for more information.
Will I see my regular doctor if I use AveraNow?
Will I see my regular doctor if I use AveraNow?
If your health care provider offers visits via AveraNow, you may log in and request to see them if they’re available. At any time, you can log in and see a doctor who is part of Avera’s larger network of health care providers.
Can I invite another person to join my AveraNow video visit?
Can I invite another person to join my AveraNow video visit?
Yes, you can invite another person – such as a parent or caregiver – to join your video visit through our multi-way video capabilities.
How do I add my spouse or child(ren) to my AveraNow account?
How do I add my spouse or child(ren) to my AveraNow account?
Your spouse should create a separate AveraNow account to enroll.
Parents and guardians can add their children (under age 18) to their account and request visits on their behalf. Enroll yourself first and then add your child or dependent to your account. Consumers will be prompted to log in under the appropriate patient account prior to connecting with a provider to ensure that all visit notes and any necessary prescriptions are recorded under the correct patient name and date of birth.
What do I do if I have a child over 18 who is still on my health insurance?
What do I do if I have a child over 18 who is still on my health insurance?
All children, ages 18 and older, should enroll as an adult and create their own separate account.
How do I obtain my AveraNow health care information?
How do I obtain my AveraNow health care information?
Your AveraNow visit summaries are saved in your profile under the My Health tab. From there you can access your previous visit records, including a claims receipt you can email and print for flex spending reimbursement.
How do I request a change or update to my record?
How do I request a change or update to my record?
If you wish to change or update to your record, please contact us at AveraNow@avera.org or 855-269-3551 and we will set up a time for you to speak with your provider about your request.
What are the technical requirements to use AveraNow?
Mobile Access
Connectivity
For the best experience when using the AveraNow app on your Android or iOS device, a Wi-Fi connection is recommended, and may be required by your operator in order to have a visit. If Wi-Fi is not available, you have to use data.
Access
You can access AveraNow from your Android or iOS mobile device using the native app. Simply visit iTunes or Google Play to download the app and follow the instructions to get started.
AveraNow is not currently available using the web browser on your mobile device.
Device Requirements
To use American Well on your mobile device, ensure that your device meets the requirements below.
- AveraNow app installed (see above)
- To support two-way video visits, your device must have a front-facing camera
- Operating System - iOS (v7.0 or later required)
- NOTE: support for iOS7 will be discontinued starting with the v9.2 mobile app; iOS 8 or later will be required. For devices running iOS7, users will be required to update the device to iOS 8 or 9 before they are able to download the 9.2 mobile app.
- iPhone 4S or later*
- iPad 2 or later, iPad Mini, or iPad Air
- iPod Touch 5th generation
- Operating System - Android (Gingerbread v4.0.0 or above)
- Android Phone
- Android Tablet
- Not supported: HTC myTouch, and the PantechP9070
Web Access
PC/Laptop
For the best experience when using AveraNow on the web, high-speed broadband Internet access (e.g., cable, DSL) is recommended, including:
- A minimum bandwidth of 1 Mb/s upload/download is required. However, bandwidth of 3 Mb/s is recommended for optimal experience
- For the best video quality, connect via a “wired” Internet connection.
Supported Browsers
You can access AveraNow from the web using any of the browsers listed below. You will also need to ensure that both JavaScript and Cookies are enabled in your browser settings.
In order to support TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2, Windows 7 or newer is required. Review the Enabling TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 in Internet Explorer article to enable TLS 1.1 or higher encryption. Windows Vista and older operating systems, such as Windows XP, are not compatible with TLS 1.1 or higher encryption.
Video Recommendations
To take advantage of the enhanced video capabilities, ensure that there is no conflicting software running in the background. There may be other software installed on your workstation that can cause issues with enhanced video. This includes other applications that may try to use your webcam (e.g., WebEx, GoToMeeting, Skype, etc.). Be sure that you have completely quit or exited any of these applications prior to having a visit.
If you experience issues connecting with enhanced video, contact your network administrator to ensure the network is configured correctly to allow enhanced video to operate.
Hardware/Software Requirements
For access via the web, ensure that your workstation meets the requirements below.
- Operating Systems:
- Windows: 7, 8, and 10
- Mac: OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” or later (Intel CPUs only)
- NOTE: Linux OS (including Chromebook devices) are not supported
- Adobe Flash Plug-In v10.1 or greater installed
- * Firefox users must have the latest version of Flash installed. Visit the following website to check for the latest version available: http://get2.adobe.com/flashplayer/
- Adobe Reader 7 or greater installed
- USB or built-in webcam (required for two-way video during web visits)
- Audio – to minimize feedback use headphones, or a headset with built-in microphone
How do I provide feedback about AveraNow?
How do I provide feedback about AveraNow?
To provide feedback, please contact us at AveraNow@avera.org or 605-322-8191.
To register a complaint with organization, medical board or licensing boards, please visit the state website in the state where you reside:
* In some circumstances, pediatric patients with exclusion criteria and/or those who are classified as high risk may be referred on to be seen by a physician for an in-person appointment.
