Telehealth Explained: What It Is, How a Visit Works, and When to Use It

Telehealth means seeing a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider over the internet instead of traveling to an office. You use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, and the visit happens through a video call — similar to the way you might video chat with a family member. The provider can see and hear you and ask you questions. In most cases, they can also look at visible symptoms and prescribe medication if needed.

Telehealth became widely available during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits were not possible. Many patients and providers discovered it worked well for a wide range of everyday healthcare needs. Today, millions of Americans use telehealth regularly. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover at least some telehealth services.

Telehealth works best for non-emergency conditions that do not require a physical examination, lab work, or imaging. Common examples include cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, ear pain, pink eye, and urinary tract infections. It also works well for rashes, mild back pain, prescription refills for stable chronic conditions, mental health counseling, and follow-up visits after hospital discharge.

Telehealth is not appropriate when you need hands-on care. For example, skip it if a doctor needs to listen to your lungs closely, look inside your ear with a special tool, draw blood, or perform any kind of procedure. It is also never appropriate for emergencies. Any time you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, a sudden severe headache, signs of a stroke, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms, call 911 right away.

Most telehealth services are straightforward to use. If you can make a video call on a phone or computer, you have everything you need to do a telehealth visit.