How to Have a Doctor Visit by Video Call from Home (Telehealth)

A telehealth visit is a real doctor appointment that happens on your phone, tablet, or computer instead of in an exam room. You see and hear your doctor through a video call — the same way you might video chat with a family member — and your doctor can review your symptoms, answer questions, prescribe medications, and send referrals, all without you leaving home.

Telehealth is not a lesser version of care. For many conditions, it is just as effective as an in-person visit and a lot more convenient — no driving, no waiting rooms, and no arranging transportation.

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What telehealth is good for

Telehealth works well for conditions a doctor can evaluate by seeing and hearing you and reviewing your description of symptoms:

• Colds, flu, sore throats, and upper respiratory infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). You describe your symptoms, the doctor evaluates them, and prescribes antibiotics if appropriate
• Skin rashes, redness, or irritation — many telehealth platforms let you send a close-up photo that the doctor reviews before or during the call
• Pink eye and ear infections
• Medication refills for ongoing prescriptions (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes medications — your doctor may be able to renew these during a routine telehealth check-in)
• Mental health appointments — therapy and psychiatry appointments are among the most common telehealth visits. Many patients prefer the privacy of home
• Follow-up appointments after a procedure or hospital stay
• Questions about test results your doctor has already reviewed

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What still requires an in-person visit

Telehealth cannot replace everything:

• Physical examinations that require the doctor to touch, listen with a stethoscope, or feel for lumps
• Blood draws, lab tests, and urine samples
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other imaging
• Vaccinations and injections
• Wound care, stitches, and procedures
• Dental and vision care

If you describe symptoms that need in-person evaluation, your telehealth provider will tell you and can often help you schedule an in-person appointment.

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Medicare covers most telehealth visits

Since 2020, Medicare has greatly expanded telehealth coverage. As of 2026, Medicare covers telehealth visits for:

• Video visits with your primary care doctor or specialist when you are at home
• Mental health services via video
• Certain chronic condition management visits
• Follow-up visits after a hospital stay

You usually pay the same cost-sharing for a telehealth visit as you would for an in-person visit — usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible is met. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your plan may cover telehealth differently — check your plan's Evidence of Coverage or call the number on your Medicare card.

For the most current Medicare telehealth coverage details, visit **medicare.gov** and search "telehealth."

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Three ways to access telehealth

Option 1 — Through your existing doctor's patient portal

Many primary care practices and specialist offices now offer telehealth appointments through their patient portal (the website or app you use to send messages to your doctor, view lab results, or request prescription refills). This is often the most convenient option because your own doctor already knows your medical history.

To check whether your doctor offers telehealth: log into your patient portal (MyChart, Athenahealth, or whichever system your doctor uses), look for a "Schedule Appointment" or "Video Visit" option, or call your doctor's office and ask.

Option 2 — Teladoc (teladoc.com)

Teladoc is one of the largest telehealth services in the United States. You can see a doctor within minutes for urgent care, or schedule a specific appointment for primary care or mental health visits.

To use Teladoc: go to **teladoc.com**, create a free account, fill out your health history, and request a visit. A doctor will call you back by video (or phone, if video is not available in your area). Most insurance plans, including many Medicare Advantage plans, cover Teladoc visits.

Option 3 — MDLive (mdlive.com)

MDLive is similar to Teladoc and offers urgent care, primary care, dermatology (skin concerns), and behavioral health. Go to **mdlive.com**, create an account, and request a visit. You can upload photos of skin conditions before your appointment so the doctor can review them.

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How to prepare for a telehealth visit

A smooth video visit depends on a few minutes of preparation beforehand.

Step 1 — Charge your device fully

Before your appointment, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer has enough battery — or plug it in. A video call that disconnects because the battery died is frustrating for you and your doctor.

Step 2 — Find good lighting

Sit facing a window or a lamp so your face is well lit from the front. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you — this puts you in shadow and makes it hard for the doctor to see you clearly.

Step 3 — Test your camera and microphone

On iPhone: the camera and microphone work by default in video calls. To test them, do a quick FaceTime call with a family member.

On Android: open your phone's camera app to confirm the front-facing camera works. Most video call platforms have a test screen when you join the call.

On a computer: go to **zoom.us/test** to test your camera and microphone. Many telehealth platforms use Zoom or a similar system.

If your microphone sounds muffled, try removing your phone case, which can block the microphone on some phones.

Step 4 — Gather your medication list and symptom notes

Write down (or open your Notes app) and list: - All medications you currently take, including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements, with the dosage and how often you take them - Your main symptom: when it started, what makes it better or worse, whether you have had it before - Your pharmacy name and address (the doctor will need this to send a prescription) - Any allergies to medications

Having this information ready means you will not have to stop and search for it during the appointment.

Step 5 — Find a private, quiet space

Choose a room where you can talk comfortably without others hearing sensitive health information. Close the door if possible. Turn off the TV or radio in the background.

Step 6 — Join the call 5 minutes early

Most telehealth platforms send you a link by email or text before your appointment. Open that link a few minutes before the scheduled time so you have time to get settled and check that your camera and microphone are working.

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Joining a telehealth visit on your phone

1. 1Open the email or text from your telehealth provider with the appointment link.
2. 2Tap the link. It will open in your phone's browser or in a specific app (such as Zoom or Doxy.me).
3. 3If the app asks for permission to use your camera and microphone, tap "Allow."
4. 4You will enter a virtual waiting room. The doctor will join when ready.
5. 5Speak normally — you do not need to lean in to the phone. Hold the phone at arm's length so the doctor can see your face.

Joining a telehealth visit on a computer

1. 1Open the email from your telehealth provider and click the appointment link.
2. 2Your browser will open the telehealth platform. You may be asked to download a small app or plugin — follow the on-screen instructions.
3. 3Click "Allow" when the browser asks to use your camera and microphone.
4. 4Wait in the virtual waiting room. The doctor will appear on screen when ready.

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After your visit

Following a telehealth appointment, your doctor may:

• Send a prescription directly to your pharmacy electronically
• Order lab tests at a local lab near you
• Refer you to a specialist for an in-person visit if needed
• Send a visit summary to your patient portal

Check your email and patient portal within a few hours for any follow-up instructions.