Virtual Care

About Our Virtual Care Services  

Telemedicine  

Telemedicine is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using technology. It enables our physicians to connect directly with patients who need specialized care — whether you live across town or across the state.  

It is a great choice for patients who want to continue their care from the comfort and safety of their homes. Telemedicine can also save patients time and money by reducing travel time.  

Our physicians will determine which visits are eligible for telemedicine.

What to expect from a telemedicine visit

Learn more about how the telemedicine process works and what patients can expect from their visit.

• Patients will receive an email confirmation after Texas Oncology schedules their appointment in the VSee app.
• Patients will receive step-by-step instructions on utilizing the VSEE application.
• A few minutes before a patient’s designated appointment, they will receive an email inviting them to join their appointment by clicking on a link to enter a “virtual waiting room.”
• Click “Enter Waiting Room As Guest” to be directed to your appointment and follow the prompts in the VSee app.
• During the telemedicine appointment, or after logging into VSee, a medical assistant will join the patient on the virtual visit to gather the patient’s most recent medical information.
• Once intake is complete, patients can begin their visit with their provider.

At many Texas Oncology locations, select telemedicine appointments are supported by our dedicated virtual care team. This enhanced experience is designed to closely mirror an in-person visit, offering patients added support and convenience. If your telemedicine appointment is supported by the virtual care team, you can expect the following enhancements:

• When logging in for an appointment, patients are welcomed by a virtual greeter for check in, similar to what happens when patients arrive for an in-person visit. The virtual greeter confirms insurance, contact information, and collects the patient’s copay, if applicable.
• Patients will then see a virtual medical assistant, who completes the intake process by gathering the patient’s most recent medical information, like what happens once patients are situated in a virtual exam room.
• Once intake is complete, patients can begin their visit with their provider.

Virtual advanced practice provider (APP) clinic

In addition to medical oncologists and nursing staff, Texas Oncology care teams may include advanced practice providers, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists. They provide many services in partnership with physicians, including assessments, diagnosis, developing and/or coordinating treatment plans, ordering diagnostic tests and labs, and prescribing medications.

Texas Oncology’s virtual care team is expanding patient access to advanced practice providers (APPs) through a virtual APP clinic that supports Texas Oncology locations across the state. Virtual APPs are an extension of the patient care team and provide supplemental support to clinics when they need additional staff to serve patient needs. Virtual APPs make up one part of Texas Oncology’s approach to delivering high-quality, high-touch care.

Texas Oncology’s virtual APP clinic provides patients access to:

• Virtual urgent care visits within one to two hours of patient need
• Special support services, including advance care planning, genetics counseling, new benign hematology visits, treatment follow-up, and more.  

All appointments for the virtual APP clinic are booked through the primary Texas Oncology clinic overseeing patient care and treatment or through a triage nurse. The virtual APP clinic currently supports most TXO locations. Texas Oncology Virtual APP services will expand patient access to the clinic, with the goal of providing support to all Texas Oncology locations statewide.

Virtual APPs

• Patricia Serna, MHS, PA-C, CGRA  
• Sarah Howard, MSN, APRN, NP-C, AOCNP
• Erin Wilson, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP, CGRA
• Colette Haigler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C  Medical Oncology, Hematology, Genetic Evaluation  
   

Virtual care triage program

At Texas Oncology, our Virtual Care Triage Program connects patients with experienced oncology nurses — virtually.  This program is designed to provide timely, expert support — even outside of regular clinic visits — helping us respond faster, reduce wait times, and ensure you feel supported throughout your cancer journey.

What we do:  

• Our virtual triage nurses respond to symptom concerns, medication questions, and urgent calls or alerts submitted through our patient portal or electronic reported outcomes platform in Canopy.
• We help manage side effects, guide you on next steps, and coordinate with your care team when in-person follow-up is needed.
• Our goal is to provide safe, fast, and compassionate care, wherever you are.

When you might hear from us:  

• If you report new or worsening symptoms through Canopy electronic reported outcomes (ePRO) tool, patient portal, or via phone call.
• If your ePRO flags a concern that needs prompt attention.
• If you have questions about medications or need help understanding your care instructions.

What to expect:  

• A licensed oncology nurse will contact you by phone or secure message.
• We will assess your symptoms, offer guidance, and coordinate with your clinic if needed.

Our Virtual Care Triage Program is supported by a dedicated team of over 85 highly experienced oncology nurses who are committed to delivering timely and personalized care whenever you need it.