Virtual ER · 24/7 Emergency Telemedicine & Virtual Urgent Care

When to Use 24/7 Telemedicine vs. Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room.

Video care is useful when a conversation and clinical history can move the next step forward. Some concerns need an examination, equipment or emergency treatment that a video call cannot provide.

Video visits · Open 24/7 · Board-certified MDs & NPs · Backed by Bellaire ER

For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, or major bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

How 24/7 Virtual ER telemedicine compares with walk-in urgent care clinics and in-person emergency rooms across Texas and Louisiana.
Decision FactorVirtual ER 24/7 Video VisitWalk-In Urgent Care ClinicIn-Person Emergency Room (Bellaire ER)
Hours & Wait LocationOpen 24/7/365 from home, work, or hotel on your phoneTypically 8 AM – 8 PM; drive + lobby waitOpen 24/7/365 at 5306 Bellaire Blvd or nearest hospital ER
Clinician CredentialsLicensed emergency physicians, PAs & nurse practitioners from Bellaire ERWalk-in clinic mid-level or rotating staffOn-site emergency physicians & trauma nurses
Cost & Insurance CheckCommercial insurance or exact self-pay confirmed up front before exam beginsIn-clinic urgent care copay + point-of-care test feesEmergency department facility & physician billing
Prescriptions (e-Rx)Same-day electronic Rx to any TX or LA retail pharmacy (no DEA controlled substances)Sent after in-clinic visitIV medications on site + discharge prescriptions
Labs, X-Ray & CT ImagingDirect continuity handoff to Bellaire ER or local imaging center when neededBasic rapid swabs & limited X-rayFull on-site CT, ultrasound, digital X-ray & STAT laboratory

When a video visit may be a useful start.

A non-emergency question about a cough, urinary discomfort, a rash, an existing prescription or a care plan may be appropriate to discuss by video. The clinician decides whether the available information is enough to assess and treat the concern.

When hands-on care matters.

An ear examination, X-ray, wound treatment or certain tests needs an in-person setting. A video visit should not promise to replace those steps. Ask where to seek care when the concern needs equipment or a physical examination.

When not to wait for an online visit.

Severe trouble breathing, chest pain with concerning symptoms, new stroke-like weakness or speech difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding or loss of consciousness needs emergency help. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

This is not a complete list of emergencies. The symptom guides include additional context, but severe or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt assessment.

Use an appropriate service where you are.

Bellaire ER’s physical emergency center is in Bellaire, Texas. A person elsewhere in Texas or Louisiana should use appropriate local emergency or in-person services when needed; a video coverage page does not mean a nearby Virtual ER building exists.

Verified Clinical Team · Backed by Our 24/7 Physical Emergency Room

Meet the Physicians & Nurse Practitioners Behind Your Care

Every video visit is conducted by our licensed physicians, physician assistants, and emergency nurse practitioners from Bellaire ER — combining 24/7 telemedicine convenience with the clinical depth of a real emergency department.

  • Dr. Mario Quintanilla, MD — Chief Medical Director · Emergency Medicine Physician
    Dr. Mario Quintanilla, MDChief Medical Director · Emergency Medicine PhysicianRice University & UTMB · Chief Medical Director, Bellaire ER
  • Dr. John K. Weinberg, MD — Emergency Medicine Physician
    Dr. John K. Weinberg, MDEmergency Medicine PhysicianCornell University & Montefiore Medical Center
  • Dr. Michelle Hong Chan, MD, PharmD, MPH — Emergency Medicine Physician
    Dr. Michelle Hong Chan, MD, PharmD, MPHEmergency Medicine PhysicianBaylor College of Medicine Chief Resident & UTHealth Houston
  • Dr. Anthony Hoang Phi, MD — Internal & Emergency Medicine Physician
    Dr. Anthony Hoang Phi, MDInternal & Emergency Medicine Physician25+ Years Clinical Practice · UTHealth Houston Residency
  • Dr. Syed Navaid Zaidi, MD — Family & Geriatric Medicine Physician
    Dr. Syed Navaid Zaidi, MDFamily & Geriatric Medicine PhysicianFamily Healthcare & Geriatric Acute Care
  • Dr. Thuy-Khanh Ha Bui, DO — Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Thuy-Khanh Ha Bui, DOFamily Medicine PhysicianKirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine & Hermann Hospital
  • Erika Navarro, APRN, ENP-C — Family & Emergency Nurse Practitioner
    Erika Navarro, APRN, ENP-CFamily & Emergency Nurse PractitionerBilingual (English & Spanish) · Emergency & Trauma Care
  • Margaret Witt, MSN, APRN — Urgent Care & Telehealth Nurse Practitioner
    Margaret Witt, MSN, APRNUrgent Care & Telehealth Nurse PractitionerTexas & Louisiana Telehealth · UT Arlington MSN

Backed by Our Brick-and-Mortar 24/7 Emergency Room & CT Imaging Suite

Unlike app-only telehealth directories, Virtual ER is operated by our licensed 24/7 freestanding emergency center at 5306 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 — equipped with on-site CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and STAT laboratory suites.

Meet all 15 physicians & nurse practitioners on our team →
Bellaire ER 24/7 physical emergency center exterior at 5306 Bellaire Blvd
24/7 Emergency Center · Bellaire, TX
On-site CT scanner and advanced diagnostic imaging suite at Bellaire ER
On-Site CT & Advanced Imaging Suite
Private emergency examination room at Bellaire ER
Private Emergency Exam Suites

Your next step

Let’s talk about getting you care.

Start with a video visit. Your clinician can help you understand what can be addressed online and what needs care in person.

Sources and service information

Dr. Mario Quintanilla, MD
Medically reviewed byDr. Mario Quintanilla, MDChief Medical Director, Bellaire ER · Rice University & UTMBLast reviewed: October 2026

Virtual ER public service overview

MedlinePlus: Ear infections

MedlinePlus: Sprains and strains

Signs and symptoms of flu

MedlinePlus: Headache

MedlinePlus: High blood pressure

Information updated October 3, 2026. General information does not replace your own clinical evaluation.