Telehealth Basics

What you can do on telehealth

• Cold, flu, sinus, UTI — get a prescription.
• Skin issues — rash, mole, acne (send a photo).
• Mental health — therapy, anxiety/depression med management.
• Refills, follow-ups for chronic conditions.
• Diabetes management, blood pressure check-ins.
• NOT for: chest pain, broken bones, severe symptoms, anything urgent.

Best apps

• Your own doctor's portal (MyChart, FollowMyHealth) — best option. Same doctor, video visit. Often free with insurance.
• Teladoc — biggest. Often included free with employer or Medicare Advantage plans.
• Amwell — same idea. Visit fee around $79 without insurance.
• MDLIVE — same idea. Often free through Medicare Advantage.
• Doctor on Demand — therapy and psychiatry strong.
• K Health — $40/visit. Strong on chronic care.

Medicare coverage

• Medicare Part B covers telehealth as of 2025 — same as in-person visit (~$0-30 copay).
• You must use a doctor enrolled with Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage often INCLUDES Teladoc/MDLIVE for free.
• Prescription drug coverage works the same as in-person.

How a visit works

1. Open the app or website. Pick a doctor or take "next available".
2. Wait 5-30 minutes (like a waiting room).
3. Video call starts. Doctor asks questions. Listens to symptoms.
4. If needed, asks you to point camera at the rash, throat, etc.
5. Diagnosis. Prescription sent to your pharmacy electronically.
6. Pick up at CVS/Walgreens/Costco usually within an hour.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Test the camera/microphone 10 minutes before.
• Sit in good light, near a window.
• Have a list of medications ready.
• Have temperature and blood pressure if relevant.
• Have your pharmacy name and address ready.
• Headphones reduce echo and improve audio.