Travel Medicine
Pre-travel consultations, vaccinations, and health planning for domestic and international travel.
At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, we understand that maintaining your health while traveling—or hosting visiting guests—can be challenging. That’s why we offer telemedicine and virtual care to ensure you receive continuous, high-quality care no matter where you are. Whether you’re across the country, abroad, or hosting visitors in town, your physician is available to provide consultations, monitor ongoing health conditions, and offer medical advice—all through secure, easy-to-use technology.
Telemedicine and Virtual Care Q & A
What is Telemedicine and Virtual Care?
Telemedicine and virtual care allow you to consult with your physician remotely via video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms. These services enable you to receive the same high level of personalized care without the need for in-person visits. Whether you need advice on a minor health concern, follow-up on a chronic condition, or help managing a new issue, we’re here to assist you, wherever you are.
How Does Telemedicine Work?
Telemedicine services are designed to be as convenient as possible. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. Simply schedule an appointment with your physician, and we’ll conduct a virtual consultation via secure video conferencing or phone. During the appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and determine the best course of action for your care.
When Should I Use Telemedicine While Traveling or Hosting Guests?
Telemedicine is ideal for situations where you need medical advice, follow-up care, or prescription refills while away from home, or for your guests who are visiting you in town. Some common uses for telemedicine include:
- Evaluating minor injuries or illnesses (such as a cold, stomach issues, or rashes)
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
- Getting advice for a new symptom that arises unexpectedly
- Discussing medication adjustments or refills
- Providing mental health support or stress management techniques
- Coordinating care with local healthcare providers if necessary
For your guests, we offer temporary medical care that ensures they get the attention they need during their stay. If they experience any health issues while visiting, your physician can provide remote consultations and direct them to local resources as needed.
How Do I Access Virtual Care While Traveling or Hosting Guests?
Once you’re a patient at Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, accessing virtual care while traveling or hosting guests is simple. All you need to do is contact us to schedule a telemedicine appointment. We’ll ensure that your consultation is tailored to your health needs, and provide you with instructions on how to connect securely from any location. Whether you're in a different time zone, managing travel logistics, or hosting family, we’ll work with you to ensure your health needs—and those of your guests—are met.
Will My Insurance Cover Virtual Visits?
We offer flexible virtual care options that may be covered by insurance, depending on your policy and location. Our team will help you navigate your insurance benefits and verify coverage for virtual visits, ensuring that your care remains affordable, no matter where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my doctor while traveling?
Yes — as a Three Rivers Concierge Medicine member, you have access to Dr. Shoemaker via telemedicine from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you're across the country or abroad, you can schedule a virtual consultation for acute concerns, medication questions, chronic condition management, or general medical advice. Your physician relationship doesn't stop at the St. Louis city limits.
How does telemedicine work at Three Rivers?
You connect with Dr. Shoemaker via secure video conferencing, phone call, or messaging from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. She reviews your symptoms, accesses your complete medical record, and provides the same quality of clinical guidance as an in-person visit — including prescriptions, referrals, and care coordination when needed. It's the same doctor, same relationship, same medical depth — just remote.
Can you treat my visiting guests?
Yes — Three Rivers offers temporary medical care for guests visiting you in the St. Louis area who need physician attention during their stay. Dr. Shoemaker can provide remote consultations, evaluate symptoms, and direct guests to appropriate local resources if in-person care is needed. It's a unique benefit of the concierge model that extends your membership's value to the people around you.
What can telemedicine handle while I'm traveling?
Common uses include evaluating minor illnesses or injuries (colds, stomach issues, rashes, minor infections), managing chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension), medication adjustments or refills, mental health support, and coordinating care with local providers at your destination. The CDC's Travelers' Health division recommends having an established physician relationship before international travel — and Dr. Shoemaker can provide real-time medical guidance for travel-specific concerns like altitude sickness, jet lag, or dietary issues abroad.
Do you provide pre-travel health consultations?
Yes — Dr. Shoemaker can review your travel itinerary and recommend appropriate vaccinations, prophylactic medications (antimalarials, altitude sickness prevention), and health precautions based on your destination and health profile, consistent with CDC and WHO travel health guidelines. This is especially valuable for international travel to regions with endemic diseases or limited healthcare infrastructure. Schedule your pre-travel consultation at Three Rivers in Creve Coeur well before your departure date.
Is telemedicine included in my membership?
Yes — virtual visits are included in your Three Rivers concierge membership at no additional cost. Direct access to Dr. Shoemaker by phone, text, or video is a core feature of the concierge model, not an add-on service. This means you're covered whether you're at home in St. Louis, traveling for business, or on vacation across the globe.
