Telehealth Care

Telemedicine appointments connect patients to their healthcare providers through a live video conferencing platform, such as FaceTime or Skype, on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Telemedicine appointments can be conducted over the phone (telephonic) if video is unavailable.

Telemedicine visits allow you to receive healthcare services from the comfort of your home. Receiving care while at home is the best way to improve and maintain your health while limiting your exposure and slowing the spread of COVID-19.

You may experience technical difficulty with your internet connection, device, or the telemedicine platform. If this is a problem, your provider may conduct your appointment over the phone.

You can schedule a telemedicine appointment by calling your provider or their practice directly.

You need a mobile device, tablet, or computer with internet access and video functionality.

Telemedicine appointments are billed and paid for the same way as regular office visits — either through insurance or by self-pay. Co-pay and co-insurances are only waived for COVID-related appointments. You may still need to pay any applicable co-payments that you would typically pay for an office visit.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial health insurance plans typically cover many telehealth services, though there may be some policy-specific limitations. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine coverage has been expanded through federal and state waivers and executive orders. You can also contact your insurance company directly to ask about their coverage of telemedicine appointments.

Telemedicine is subject to the same privacy rules and regulations as in-person healthcare services. Elliot Health System’s telemedicine platform is safe, secure, and HIPAA compliant. You can protect your privacy at home by using a secure internet connection and completing your appointment in a private location.