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Telehealth Appointments: See Your Doctor from Home

A plain-English guide to telehealth — what it is, when to use it, how to schedule and prepare, what to expect during the visit, and how to troubleshoot common tech problems. Covers Medicare coverage, popular platforms like Teladoc and MDLive, and patient portal visits.

25 min read 10 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026

What is telehealth?

~2 min

Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine, a video visit, or a virtual visit — simply means having a doctor's appointment without being in the same room as your doctor. Instead of driving to their office, you see each other and talk through a video call on your phone, tablet, or computer. Some appointments are phone-only, especially if you are not comfortable with video. How it actually works: • You schedule the appointment just like a regular one, either by calling the office or booking through their website or app. • At your appointment time, you open a secure video link or app on your device. • Your doctor appears on the screen, you appear on theirs, and you have a normal conversation. • The doctor can ask questions, look at something you show them (a rash, a swollen ankle, an eye), review your history, order tests, and send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. • Most visits last about the same time as an in-person visit — typically 15 to 30 minutes. What telehealth is NOT: • It is not a random stranger on the internet. You see your own doctor (or a licensed doctor from a trusted service), and the visit is private and secure. • It is not lower quality. For many issues, research shows telehealth visits are just as effective as in-person ones. • It is not hard to use. If you can make a phone call, you can do a telehealth visit. Most systems are designed to be as simple as clicking one link. Telehealth has been around for years, but it became widely available to everyone during the pandemic — and the rules have stayed in place because patients and doctors both love it. It is now a normal, accepted way to see your doctor.

Quick Tip

If the word "telehealth" sounds intimidating, just think of it as "a doctor visit by video call." That is really all it is.

When to use telehealth vs in-person

~3 min

Telehealth is great for many things, but not everything. Here is a simple way to decide which is right for your situation. Great for telehealth: • Follow-up appointments — Checking in after a recent in-person visit, reviewing test results, or confirming a treatment plan is working. • Medication questions and refills — Adjusting dosages, discussing side effects, requesting refills, or switching medications. • Minor illnesses — Colds, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, pink eye, rashes, allergies, sore throats, and other common issues where the doctor mostly needs to talk with you and maybe look at something on camera. • Mental health — Therapy and counseling visits are extremely well-suited to video. Many people actually prefer it — no parking, no waiting room, and the comfort of being in your own home. • Chronic condition check-ins — Managing diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, or similar conditions where the main task is reviewing numbers and adjusting medications. • Getting a second opinion or specialist consult — You can sometimes see specialists who are far away without any travel. • Post-surgery check-ins — Many surgeons now do the first follow-up visit by video. • Dermatology — Showing a skin issue on camera works surprisingly well for many common concerns. Better to see in person: • Anything requiring a physical exam — Listening to your heart or lungs, checking your ears, feeling for lumps, testing reflexes, and similar hands-on exams. • Lab work or imaging — Blood draws, X-rays, MRIs, EKGs, and other tests that require equipment. • Serious or worsening symptoms — Chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain, sudden weakness, signs of stroke, or anything that feels like an emergency. (For emergencies, call 911 or go to the ER — do not do telehealth.) • Annual physicals and Medicare wellness visits — These usually include hands-on exams and are better in person. • Vaccinations — You cannot get a shot through a video call. • Procedures — Anything that needs to be done with instruments, like removing a mole or stitches. When in doubt, call your doctor's office and ask whether your issue is a good fit for telehealth. They will often tell you honestly, and many offices now ask this question automatically when you schedule.

Quick Tip

A good rule of thumb: if your issue mostly involves talking, reviewing, and looking, telehealth is usually fine. If it involves touching, measuring, or taking samples, you probably need to go in.

Warning

Telehealth is NOT for medical emergencies. If you are having chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, a serious injury, or any other emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

What you need for a telehealth visit

~3 min

The good news: you probably already have everything you need. Here is the complete list. A device with a camera and microphone — any one of these works: • Smartphone (iPhone or Android) — The easiest option for most people. The camera, microphone, and speakers are all built in. You can hold it, prop it up, or use a stand. • Tablet (iPad or Android tablet) — Great because of the larger screen. Easier to see the doctor and easier for the doctor to see you if you need to show them something. • Laptop computer — Most laptops have a camera and microphone built in. Works well if you prefer sitting at a desk. • Desktop computer — Works if it has a webcam (a small camera usually on top of the monitor) and a microphone. Many newer all-in-one desktops have these built in; older ones may need a separate plug-in webcam. An internet connection — You need WiFi or cellular data strong enough to support a video call. If you can do a FaceTime or video call with a grandchild, you have enough internet for telehealth. • WiFi is best for stability. Sit where your home WiFi signal is strong. • If you only have a phone with cellular data, that usually works too — but avoid public WiFi (coffee shops, libraries) for privacy reasons. A quiet, private room: • Pick a room where you can close the door and not be interrupted. • Good lighting matters — sit facing a window or a lamp so the doctor can see your face clearly. Do not sit with a bright window behind you, or you will appear as a dark silhouette. • Make sure the room is quiet — turn off the TV, close the door, and let family members know you will be on a doctor's call so they do not interrupt. • Privacy matters: you will be discussing health information. You want a room where others cannot overhear. Helpful to have nearby: • Your medication bottles or an up-to-date list of what you take. • A pen and paper for taking notes. • Your insurance card. • A glass of water. • Reading glasses if you use them. • Your phone (even if doing the visit on a computer) — in case the doctor needs to text you a link or call you.

Quick Tip

If you have never done a video call before, ask a family member or friend to do a practice call with you a day or two before your appointment. That way you can work out any camera or microphone issues when there is no pressure.

Popular telehealth platforms

~2 min

There are many ways to do telehealth, and which one you use depends on who your doctor is and what service you are using. Here are the most common. Your doctor's patient portal (the most common): • If your doctor is part of a health system like Kaiser, MyChart (Epic), FollowMyHealth, HealthLink, Cerner, or a hospital group, they most likely use their own built-in video visit system through the patient portal. • You log into the same app or website where you already see test results and message your doctor, and the video visit is one of the options. • Examples of patient portal apps: MyChart, Kaiser Permanente, FollowMyHealth, athenaPatient, MyHealthONE, Patient Fusion. • This is usually the easiest option because you are using a system you already know. Teladoc: • One of the largest standalone telehealth services in the United States. • Connects you with licensed doctors 24/7, even at 2 AM on a Sunday. • Good for urgent but non-emergency issues (like a sinus infection or pink eye) when your own doctor is not available. • Often covered by insurance as a convenient in-network option. • Visit teladoc.com or download the Teladoc app. MDLive: • Similar to Teladoc — 24/7 access to doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists. • Frequently included as a benefit with Medicare Advantage plans, Cigna, and other insurers. • Good for minor medical issues, mental health, dermatology, and some follow-ups. • Visit mdlive.com or download the MDLive app. Amwell: • Another major service, often built into employer insurance plans or Medicare Advantage. • Covers urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, nutrition counseling, and more. • Visit amwell.com or download the Amwell app. Which should you use? Start with your own doctor's patient portal when possible — they already have your medical history and you have an established relationship. Use Teladoc, MDLive, or Amwell when you need care quickly, outside of office hours, or your regular doctor is not available. Many insurance plans make one of these services available to you for free or at a low copay as part of your coverage.

Quick Tip

Check with your insurance company (the phone number is on the back of your insurance card) to ask which telehealth services are covered under your plan. They will usually tell you exactly which apps or websites to use.

Scheduling your first appointment

~2 min

Scheduling a telehealth visit is almost exactly like scheduling a regular appointment — you just pick "video visit" or "telehealth" as the option. Here is how it works with each type of service. Through your doctor's office: • Call the office like normal, and when they offer you an appointment time, ask, "Can this be a telehealth visit?" • Or log into your patient portal, find "Schedule an Appointment," and look for a "Video Visit" or "Telehealth" option. • The scheduler will confirm the date, time, and the platform you will use (usually the patient portal itself). • You should receive a confirmation email or text with the appointment details and any instructions. Through Teladoc, MDLive, or Amwell: • Download the app or visit the website. • Create an account — you will need your name, date of birth, insurance information, and some basic health information. • Choose the type of visit you need (general medical, mental health, dermatology, etc.). • Pick an available doctor and time, or for urgent needs, click "See a doctor now" to be connected within minutes. • Pay any required copay. Many insurance plans cover the full cost. What to ask when scheduling: • "Will this be a video visit or a phone visit?" Some visits are phone-only, which is easier if you are not comfortable with video. • "What platform or app do I need?" Make sure you know whether to log into the patient portal, download a specific app, or click a link in an email. • "Will I get a test link or practice session beforehand?" Many offices now offer a test connection the day before to make sure your camera and microphone work. • "What is my copay?" Most insurance plans charge the same copay as an in-person visit, sometimes less. • "How early should I log in?" Most offices recommend logging in 10-15 minutes early. After scheduling, you will usually get a confirmation by email or text, and a reminder 24 hours before with the link you will click at your appointment time.

Quick Tip

Save any appointment confirmation emails or texts — they contain the link or instructions you will need to join the visit. If you do not get a confirmation within a day, call the office to make sure the appointment is on the books.

Preparing for the visit

~3 min

A few minutes of prep before your telehealth visit can make the whole experience much smoother and help you get more out of your time with the doctor. 15-30 minutes before: • Write down your symptoms. What is bothering you? When did it start? What makes it better or worse? Have you tried anything so far? Doctors appreciate clear, organized information. • Have an up-to-date medication list ready. Include the name, dose, and how often you take each one. Even better, have the actual bottles within reach so you can read labels if asked. • Gather your insurance card and any relevant paperwork — like blood pressure readings you have been tracking, glucose numbers, or a recent lab report the doctor sent home. • Write down your questions. It is very easy to forget things in the moment. Make a list on a piece of paper or in your phone's notes app. Common questions include: "What do my test results mean?" "Do I need to change anything about my medications?" "When should I be seen again?" • Know your pharmacy. If the doctor might prescribe something, they will ask which pharmacy to send it to. Have the name and location ready. 5-10 minutes before: • Go to the bathroom. Once the visit starts, you will not want to step away. • Get water. A glass of water within reach helps if your throat gets dry talking. • Put on your reading glasses if you need them to see the screen. • Log in and test the connection. Most telehealth systems let you join a few minutes early and wait in a virtual "waiting room." This is a great time to make sure your camera and microphone are working. • Close other apps and programs. On a phone or tablet, close anything else running (like a music app or a game) so the video call has all the available resources. On a computer, close browser tabs you do not need. • Silence notifications. Put your phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode so text messages and alerts do not interrupt the visit. • Turn off the TV, radio, and anything else making noise. Set up your camera: • Prop your phone or tablet on a stable surface — a stack of books, a cookbook stand, or a phone holder works great. • Position yourself so your whole face is visible, not just your forehead or chin. • Sit facing a light source (a window or lamp in front of you, not behind you). • Make sure the camera is at eye level or just slightly above. You do not want the doctor looking up your nose.

Quick Tip

A handy trick: before the visit, open your camera app in "selfie" mode to see exactly what the doctor will see. Adjust the angle, lighting, and your position until you look natural and well-lit.

During the appointment

~3 min

Here is what to expect once the visit actually starts. Joining the visit: • At your appointment time (or a few minutes before), click the link in your confirmation email, open your patient portal app and look for the active visit, or open the Teladoc/MDLive/Amwell app. • You may be placed in a "virtual waiting room" — this is normal and means the system is ready, the doctor just has not joined yet. • The app will likely ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. You must allow both, or the doctor will not be able to see or hear you. Tap "Allow" or "OK." • When the doctor joins, you will see them appear on your screen and they will see you. How a typical visit flows: • A nurse or medical assistant often joins first for a few minutes. They will confirm your name, date of birth, and the reason for your visit, just like at an in-person appointment. They may ask about your symptoms or check your medications. • Then the doctor joins. They will greet you, confirm what you are there for, and ask questions. • You discuss your issue. This is your time — share your symptoms, concerns, and questions. Refer to your notes so you do not forget anything. • The doctor may ask you to show them something on camera — a rash, a swollen area, your eyes, the inside of your mouth. They will guide you through what to do. • They will make a plan — this might include a prescription, ordering lab work, scheduling a follow-up, or recommending an in-person visit. • You confirm what pharmacy to use, ask any last questions, and end the call. Camera tips during the visit: • To show something on camera, hold your device steady or prop it up so you can use both hands. If you need to move the camera to a specific body part, move slowly and tell the doctor what you are doing. • For skin issues, make sure lighting is bright. Natural daylight near a window is best. • If the doctor asks you to move closer, tip the camera slightly, or angle your face, do not be shy. They do this all day and are used to guiding patients. Asking questions: • Just like in-person, this is your time — ask everything you wanted to ask. • If the doctor uses a word you do not understand, ask them to explain it. Good doctors welcome this. • Take notes as you go. You can write them by hand or in your phone. • Before ending the call, repeat back the plan: "So just to make sure I understand — I am going to take this medication twice a day for 10 days, and come back if I am not feeling better by Friday. Is that right?" Repeating the plan catches any misunderstandings. • Ask, "Is there anything else I should know?" This often prompts the doctor to mention something helpful. If something feels rushed or unclear, it is completely okay to say, "Can we slow down for a minute — I want to make sure I understand."

Quick Tip

Write down the key plan from the visit as soon as it ends — what you were told, any prescriptions, when to follow up — while it is still fresh in your mind.

After the visit

~3 min

The visit is over, but there are a few important things that happen afterward. Prescriptions: • If the doctor prescribed medication, it is usually sent electronically to your pharmacy right away — no paper prescription to pick up. • Ask the doctor during the visit how long it will take to be ready. For most medications, it is ready within an hour or two at your pharmacy. • Before going to pick it up, call the pharmacy or check their app to confirm it is ready. This saves you a wasted trip. • If the prescription has not arrived at the pharmacy after a few hours, call the doctor's office — sometimes there is a small delay or an insurance issue that needs to be resolved. Follow-up appointments: • If the doctor recommended a follow-up, you can often schedule it right after the visit through your patient portal, or the office may call you to set it up. • Write the next appointment on your calendar immediately — both a paper calendar and your phone if you use one. Accessing visit notes and summaries: • Most telehealth visits generate a "visit summary" or "after visit summary" that you can read in your patient portal within a day or two. • These summaries include what was discussed, the doctor's recommendations, any prescriptions, and follow-up instructions. They are like a receipt of your visit. • Log into your patient portal and look for "Visit Summaries," "After Visit Summary," or "Encounters." • You can also download or print these summaries for your records or to share with family or other doctors. Paying your copay: • If you owe a copay, you will either pay during scheduling, be charged automatically to a saved card, or receive a bill in the mail or through the patient portal. • Most bills can be paid online through the portal — no need to mail a check. Messaging your doctor afterward: • If you think of a question after the visit, most patient portals let you send a secure message to your doctor or their office. • This is the right place for follow-up questions, not the emergency line. • Expect a response within 1-3 business days. Lab work or imaging ordered: • If the doctor ordered blood work, an X-ray, or another test, you will usually get a message or phone call with instructions about where and when to go. • Results will appear in your patient portal when they are ready, often along with a note from the doctor explaining what they mean.

Quick Tip

Check your patient portal the day after your visit for the after-visit summary. Even if the visit went well, it is worth reading through to make sure you remember everything correctly.

Insurance and costs

~3 min

One of the best things about telehealth today is how widely it is covered by insurance. In most cases, a telehealth visit costs you about the same as (or less than) an in-person visit. Medicare: • Medicare covers most telehealth visits, including visits with your primary care doctor, specialists, mental health providers, and many others. • For most visits, you pay the same 20% coinsurance after your deductible as you would for an in-person visit. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, it typically covers that 20%. • Medicare Advantage plans often cover telehealth with even lower copays, and many include free access to services like Teladoc or MDLive as a benefit. • Some specific telehealth benefits may depend on where you are located and whether there is a public health emergency in effect, but the vast majority of routine telehealth is covered. Private insurance: • Almost all major private insurance plans cover telehealth visits, often at the same copay as in-person visits. • Many employer plans include free or low-cost access to services like Teladoc, MDLive, or Amwell as part of the benefits package — check with your HR department or member services. • Mental health visits (therapy and psychiatry) are especially well-covered by most plans. Medicaid: • Medicaid programs in all 50 states cover telehealth, though the exact services covered vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office or check their website to see what is included. How to find out your specific cost: • Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask, "What is my copay for a telehealth visit with my primary care doctor?" and "Are services like Teladoc or MDLive included in my plan?" • Check your insurance company's website or app — many have a telehealth section that lists covered services and copays. • When you schedule the visit, ask the office staff — they can often tell you your expected cost based on your insurance. What if I do not have insurance? • Most services like Teladoc and MDLive will tell you the out-of-pocket cost before you schedule. It is often $75-$100 for a basic visit — less than most urgent care visits. • Some community health centers offer telehealth on a sliding scale based on income. Costs to watch out for: • If the doctor orders lab work or an X-ray as a result of the visit, those additional services will have their own costs. • Specialist visits may have higher copays than primary care visits (just like in person). • Out-of-network telehealth services may cost more — always check before scheduling.

Quick Tip

Before your first telehealth visit, take 5 minutes to call your insurance company and ask about coverage. This avoids any surprise bills, and you will know exactly what to expect financially.

Troubleshooting tech issues during a visit

~4 min

Technology is wonderful when it works, but occasionally things go wrong. Here is how to handle the most common issues calmly and quickly. No video (you cannot see the doctor, or they cannot see you): • Check that the camera is enabled. Look for a camera icon on your screen — if it has a slash through it, tap it to turn it on. • Make sure you allowed camera permission when the app asked. If you accidentally denied it, you may need to close the app, go into your device's Settings, find the app, enable Camera access, and rejoin. • Check that nothing is blocking the camera — a case flap, a finger, or a sticker. • Try closing and reopening the app or link. • If none of that works, switch to phone-only mode — most visits can continue as a phone call while you try to fix the video. Audio problems (cannot hear or be heard): • Check that the microphone icon is on (not muted). Tap it to unmute if needed. • Check that your device's volume is turned up (use the volume buttons on the side of your phone or the volume keys on your computer). • Make sure you allowed microphone permission when the app asked. • If you are wearing headphones or earbuds, make sure they are connected. Try taking them out and using your device's built-in speakers and microphone. • Close any other apps that might be using the microphone (voice recorders, other video apps). Getting disconnected mid-visit: • Do not panic. This happens, and doctors know how to handle it. • Most systems will automatically reconnect you if you tap the original link again. Try that first. • If you cannot reconnect, the doctor will usually call your phone within a minute or two to either continue the visit by phone or schedule a quick reconnection. Make sure your phone's ringer is on. • If several minutes pass and you have not been reconnected, call the office yourself. The number is in your confirmation email. Frozen or blurry video: • This is usually an internet speed issue. Move closer to your WiFi router. • Close other apps and devices using your internet (streaming services, large downloads, other video calls). • If you are on cellular data and the signal is weak, try moving to a different room or near a window. • Turning off your own video (while keeping audio on) can help — it uses less bandwidth and often fixes the freezing. Cannot find the link or log in: • Check your email's spam or junk folder — sometimes confirmation emails end up there. • Search your email for the doctor's name, the health system, or "telehealth." • Call the office. They can resend the link or sometimes just convert the visit to a phone call. • Log into your patient portal directly — many systems have a "Join Visit" button visible once the appointment time is close. The screen is too small or hard to see: • If you are on a phone, rotate it sideways (landscape mode) for a bigger video. • On tablets or computers, look for a full-screen icon (often a small box with arrows) to enlarge the video. • Increase your device's text size in Settings before the visit if reading on-screen text is hard. Golden rule: if something goes wrong, it is rarely your fault, and the solution is almost always simple. Call the office if you are stuck — they want you to have a successful visit and are used to helping patients through these situations.

Quick Tip

The single most common fix for telehealth problems is to close the app completely, wait 10 seconds, then open it and rejoin. This is the tech equivalent of "turn it off and on again" and it works a remarkable amount of the time.

Warning

If you experience a new or worsening medical symptom during the visit (chest pain, severe dizziness, trouble breathing), tell the doctor right away. If the call drops and you feel it is an emergency, hang up and call 911 — do not wait to reconnect.

You Did It!

You've completed: Telehealth Appointments: See Your Doctor from Home

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Telehealth is one of the best things to happen to healthcare in decades — especially for anyone who finds it hard to get to the doctor's office. Instead of driving across town, finding parking, sitting in a waiting room, and then waiting some more in an exam room, you can see your doctor right from your living room on your phone, tablet, or computer.

The technology has improved dramatically in the last few years, and millions of people now use telehealth regularly. Medicare covers most telehealth visits, private insurance does too, and many health systems have built video visits right into the same patient portal you already use to see test results or message your doctor.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what telehealth is and is not, when it is the right choice (and when to go in person), what equipment you need, how to schedule and prepare, what to expect during the visit, and exactly what to do if something goes wrong with the technology during your appointment.

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What is telehealth?

When to use telehealth vs in-person

What you need for a telehealth visit

Popular telehealth platforms

Scheduling your first appointment

Preparing for the visit

During the appointment

After the visit

Insurance and costs

Troubleshooting tech issues during a visit

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