IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The University of Iowa Health Care has begun offering a virtual clinic that lets people use their computers, tablets or smartphones to check with health care providers. The Iowa City Press-Citizen says UIeCare.com is designed to gain help on minor illnesses and injuries that might be urgent but not life-threatening. The fee is $50 per visit, and users must have Internet connections and web cameras on their computers or mobile devices.

After each visit to the virtual clinic, patients will be sent detailed email summaries of what was discussed. A provider will check back five days later. Dr. Patrick Brophy with University of Iowa Health Care says a Nebraska company offers similar virtual clinics in western Iowa, but UIeCare would be the first such Iowa-based service.