Medicare Telehealth: How to See Your Doctor From Home

Medicare has dramatically expanded telehealth coverage -- allowing beneficiaries to receive a wide range of medical services via video or telephone from the comfort of home. For seniors with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or concerns about exposure to illness, telehealth is a game-changer.

Telehealth (also called telemedicine) allows you to have a medical visit with your doctor or other healthcare provider using video conferencing technology -- your smartphone, tablet, or computer -- instead of traveling to an office.

Medicare covers telehealth visits at the same cost-sharing as in-person visits: 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible.

Medicare covers a broad range of services via telehealth:

Primary care:

• Office visits (evaluation and management)
• Annual Wellness Visits
• Chronic care management
• Medication management

Mental health:

• Psychotherapy (individual and group)
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management for mental health conditions
• Substance use disorder treatment

Specialty care:

• Cardiology consultations
• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Dermatology (photos reviewed by dermatologist)
• Ophthalmology (certain services)
• Oncology follow-up

Other services:

• Nutrition counseling
• Diabetes self-management training
• Physical therapy evaluation
• Speech therapy evaluation

For video visits:

• Smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
• Reliable internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
• A quiet, private space

For audio-only (phone) visits:

• Any telephone
• Medicare covers audio-only visits for many services when video is not available

No special equipment required -- most telehealth visits use standard video calling apps (FaceTime, Zoom, Doxy.me, or your provider's patient portal).

1. Call your doctor's office and ask if they offer telehealth visits
2. Schedule the appointment -- specify you want a telehealth visit
3. Receive instructions -- your provider will send a link or phone number
4. Test your technology before the appointment -- check your camera, microphone, and internet connection
5. Join the visit at the scheduled time from a quiet, private location

Prepare as you would for an in-person visit:

• Have your medication list ready
• Write down your symptoms and questions in advance
• Have your insurance card available

Set up your space:

• Good lighting (face a window or lamp)
• Quiet environment
• Stable surface for your device

During the visit:

• Speak clearly and look at the camera (not the screen)
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand something
• Request a summary of the visit and next steps

Telehealth is not appropriate for all situations:

• Emergencies: Always call 911 for emergencies
• Physical examination: Some conditions require hands-on examination
• Procedures: Injections, wound care, and other procedures must be done in person
• Lab work and imaging: Must be done at a facility

Most primary care doctors and many specialists now offer telehealth. Ask your current providers if they offer virtual visits. If your doctor doesn't offer telehealth, Medicare also covers visits with telehealth-only providers.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.