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Health & Wellness Tech

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2 min read 5 stepsApril 16, 2026Verified April 2026

How to Use Telehealth for Doctor Visits

See a doctor by video call from home for non-emergency health concerns — saving time and a trip to the clinic.

At a Glance

Check if your doctor offers telehealth

~16s

Call your primary care doctor's office or check their website to see if they offer video visits. Many practices have a patient portal where you can request a telehealth appointment directly. This is the best first option because your doctor already knows your medical history.

Use an on-demand telehealth service

~15s

If your doctor does not offer telehealth or you need to see someone quickly, services like Teladoc (teladoc.com), MDLive (mdlive.com), or Amwell (amwell.com) connect you with a licensed doctor in minutes. Many are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Check your insurance coverage

~15s

Before booking, call the number on your insurance card and ask whether telehealth visits are covered and what your copay will be. Medicare covers most telehealth services. Many plans cover telehealth at the same rate as an in-person visit.

Prepare for your appointment

~15s

Find a quiet, well-lit private space for your video call. Have your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and your pharmacy's phone number ready. Test your phone or computer camera and microphone a few minutes before the appointment.

Join the visit and follow up

~16s

You will receive a link or a code to join the video call — usually through your patient portal, email, or the telehealth app. After the visit, prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy and follow-up notes will appear in your patient portal.

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Telehealth lets you see a doctor, nurse practitioner, or specialist through a video call on your phone or computer without leaving home. It is a good option for non-emergency issues like colds, skin concerns, prescription refills, or mental health appointments. Most insurance plans including Medicare now cover telehealth visits, often at the same cost as an in-person visit.

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Official Resources

Medicare.gov MedlinePlus — Health Info AARP Health & Technology

Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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