Final answer:
E-visits are initiated by patients through a healthcare provider's electronic system, such as a patient portal or a telehealth platform, to receive non-urgent medical advice and services without an in-person visit.
Step-by-step explanation:
An e-visit is a virtual interaction between a patient and a healthcare professional via an electronic platform. E-visits are typically initiated by patients when they have a healthcare question, concern, or need a consultation that does not require immediate, in-person medical attention. These virtual visits can be initiated from various activities or features within a healthcare provider's electronic system, such as through a patient portal, a healthcare app, or a dedicated telehealth platform. The process generally starts with the patient logging into the secure platform and requesting an appointment or submitting a query, which a healthcare provider will respond to based on their assessment of the information provided. E-visits offer a convenient alternative for receiving medical advice, prescription services, and other forms of non-urgent care without the need to physically visit a healthcare facility.