Safety first
When not to use Bidwell
Online care is useful only when the problem fits a focused, lower-risk protocol. This page consolidates the symptoms and situations where Bidwell Health should not be used.
Bidwell Health quick facts: Bidwell Health is a cash-pay telehealth practice offering $45 online visits for eligible adults in 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. No insurance or subscription is required. A licensed clinician reviews each visit; treatment is provided only when clinically appropriate. Bidwell is not for emergencies.
Use emergency care now for severe symptoms
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, severe abdominal pain, severe dehydration, confusion, or any symptom that feels life-threatening.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for emergency symptoms. Bidwell Health is not an emergency service.
UTI symptoms that need in-person care
- Fever, chills, flank or back pain, vomiting, pregnancy, severe pelvic pain, male UTI symptoms outside protocol, recurrent or complicated infections, or blood in urine that needs evaluation.
Vaginal symptoms that need testing or urgent evaluation
- Pregnancy, pelvic pain, fever, abnormal bleeding, possible STI exposure, green or yellow discharge, genital sores, severe pain, or symptoms that do not fit typical yeast or BV patterns.
ED and hair-loss limits
- ED with chest pain, exertional symptoms, nitrate use, unstable heart disease, or new neurologic symptoms needs in-person care.
- Hair loss with scarring, rash, sudden patchy loss, systemic symptoms, pregnancy, or unclear diagnosis should be evaluated in person.
Bridge refill limits
- Controlled substances, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, unstable symptoms, overdue labs for high-risk medications, specialty medications, or medications requiring close monitoring are not appropriate for Bidwell bridge refills.
Related safety pages
Frequently asked questions
Does Bidwell treat emergencies?
No. Bidwell Health is not for emergencies. Severe or life-threatening symptoms require emergency care.
Will I be charged if treatment is not appropriate?
Bidwell Health states that the visit fee is refunded when online treatment is not clinically appropriate.
Can Bidwell replace primary care?
No. Bidwell Health is focused-scope online care and does not replace ongoing primary care or in-person evaluation when needed.
Clinically reviewed by Bidwell Cranage, APRN, FNP-C. Last reviewed: May 20, 2026. Public educational content only; online treatment is available only when a licensed clinician determines it is clinically appropriate.