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    Telehealth Visit Coach

    See a doctor from your couch in 30 minutes.

    When telehealth is great

    • Cold, flu, sinus infection.
    • Pink eye, mild rashes.
    • UTIs.
    • Med refills.
    • Mental health visits.
    • Follow-up with your usual doctor when stable.

    Don\'t use telehealth for: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms (face droop, weakness), serious bleeding, severe pain. Call 911.

    Your doctor via MyChart

    Insurance copay

    Best — keeps your usual doctor in the loop. Sees your records.

    Schedule via patient portal.

    Teladoc Health

    $0-$75 per visit

    Biggest 24/7 service. Often FREE through Medicare Advantage and employer plans.

    Wait time usually under 30 min.

    Amwell

    $79 urgent care

    Solid alternative. Many insurance partners.

    Strong dermatology and behavioral health.

    MDLive

    $0-$82 visit

    Owned by Cigna. Often the in-network option for Cigna and many BCBS plans.

    Especially strong on therapy and psychiatry.

    PlushCare

    $15/month + $0-99 visits

    Same primary care doctor every visit. Subscription-based.

    For people who want continuity.

    CVS MinuteClinic Virtual Care

    $59 cash; insurance accepted

    CVS's telehealth. Strong urgent care.

    Refills go to CVS pharmacy.

    Before the visit

    1. Find a quiet, well-lit room.
    2. Have your phone or laptop charged or plugged in.
    3. List your symptoms in order of severity.
    4. Have your medication list ready.
    5. Know your pharmacy name and address (they\'ll send any prescription there).
    6. If something visible (rash, swelling) — make sure the camera shows it clearly.
    7. Take your temp and blood pressure if relevant. Have those numbers ready.

    During the visit

    • Speak slowly and clearly.
    • If you can\'t hear well, ask the doctor to type the diagnosis in chat.
    • At the end, repeat back the plan: "So you\'re prescribing X for 7 days, and I follow up if Y?".
    • Ask: "When should I be seen in person?"

    Medicare Advantage often includes free telehealth

    Many Medicare Advantage plans include unlimited telehealth visits with $0 copay. Check your plan benefits — call the number on your card. Original Medicare also covers telehealth as of 2024 in most cases.