What telehealth is and how it works for seniors
Telehealth means talking to a doctor or nurse through a video call, phone call, or find messaging on your computer, tablet, or smartphone instead of going to an office. You sit at home, connect to the internet, and meet with a real healthcare provider who can listen to your concerns, answer questions, and sometimes send a prescription to your pharmacy.
For seniors, telehealth removes the need to drive to appointments, wait in crowded waiting rooms, or arrange transportation. Many conditions that don't require a physical exam—like managing blood pressure, discussing medication side effects, getting a mental health check-in, or treating a urinary tract infection—work well over video. Some providers can even look at a rash or wound if you point your camera at it.
You don't need to be tech-savvy. Most telehealth visits use straightforward video platforms like Zoom or a provider's own app. If you're unsure how to start, your doctor's office, insurance company, or a family member can walk you through it step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth visits happen by video, phone, or messaging and work best for follow-ups, medication checks, and conditions that don't need a hands-on exam.
- Medicare covers telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits, and most private insurance plans cover them too, though coverage varies by plan.
- You need internet access (broadband or mobile data), a device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a quiet private space for the visit.
- Your doctor's office, a telehealth platform like Teladoc or Doctor on Demand, or your insurance company's website can help you schedule a visit.
- Write down your symptoms, medications, and questions before the visit so you use the time well and don't forget anything important.
How Medicare and insurance cover telehealth visits
Medicare covers telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits, meaning you pay the same copay or coinsurance. This coverage applies to visits with your regular doctor, specialists, mental health providers, and other may have access to healthcare professionals. The visit must happen through an approved video platform or phone call—not email or text alone.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage may differ slightly, so check your plan documents or call the member services number on your insurance card. Private insurance plans also cover telehealth, but the copay and which providers are in-network can vary. Some plans cover telehealth at no cost, while others charge the same as an office visit.
Before your first telehealth visit, confirm with your doctor's office or insurance company that the visit will be covered. Ask whether there are any limits—for example, some plans cover telehealth only for certain types of visits or only with in-network providers.
What you need to get your free guide with telehealth
You need three things: internet access, a device, and a quiet space. Internet can be broadband at home, mobile data on a phone or tablet, or even a public Wi-Fi network at a library (though a private space is better for privacy). A device means a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone. Most devices made in the last five years have both built in.
Test your setup before the visit. Open the video platform your doctor uses (your office will tell you which one), check that the camera shows your face clearly, and make sure the microphone picks up your voice. If you're using a computer, sit so the camera is at eye level—prop the device on a book or stand if needed. Good lighting helps too; sit facing a window or lamp so the provider can see you clearly.
Find a quiet, private room where you won't be interrupted. Close the door, turn off the TV, and let family members know you're on a medical visit. This protects your privacy and helps the provider hear you.
How to schedule and prepare for your first visit
You can schedule a telehealth visit through your regular doctor's office, through a telehealth platform, or through your insurance company's website. If you see a doctor regularly, call their office and ask if they offer telehealth. Many do, and the office staff will send you a link or instructions. If your doctor doesn't offer it yet, ask whether they plan to start.
Telehealth platforms like Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and Amwell let you book a visit with any available provider in their network without needing a referral. You create an account, choose a time, and pay the copay or fee. Your insurance may cover these visits if the platform is in-network; check before you book.
Before the visit, write down your symptoms, when they started, any medications you take (including over-the-counter ones and supplements), and questions you want to ask. Have your insurance card and photo ID ready. If the visit is with a new provider, write down your medical history—past surgeries, conditions, and allergies. This takes five minutes and helps the provider understand your situation quickly.
What to expect during a telehealth visit
Log in a few minutes early so you have time to troubleshoot if something isn't working. The provider will greet you, confirm your identity and date of birth, and ask why you're visiting. This part is the same as an in-person visit. They'll ask questions, listen to your answers, and may ask you to describe symptoms in detail or show them something on camera.
If the provider needs to examine you, they'll guide you through it. For example, they might ask you to look at your throat while they watch, or to move your arm to check range of motion. They can't do everything a hands-on exam can, so if they think you need to be seen in person, they'll tell you and may refer you to an urgent care or your local doctor.
At the end, the provider will discuss next steps. They may send a prescription to your pharmacy, order lab work, schedule a follow-up visit, or refer you to a specialist. Ask questions if anything is unclear. The visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
When telehealth works well and when you need to see someone in person
Telehealth works best for follow-up visits, medication refills, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, mental health check-ins, and treating minor acute illnesses like a cold or urinary tract infection. It's also good for getting a second opinion, discussing test results, or talking through side effects.
You'll need an in-person visit if the provider needs to examine you closely—for example, to check your heart with a stethoscope, feel your abdomen, or do a physical exam. Telehealth doesn't work for procedures, stitches, or injuries that need imaging like X-rays. If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or other emergency symptoms, go to the emergency room or call 911 instead of scheduling a telehealth visit.
Some seniors use telehealth for routine visits and in-person visits for complex problems. This combination often works well and saves time and travel for the visits that don't need hands-on care.
Troubleshooting common telehealth problems
If your internet is slow or keeps dropping, move closer to your Wi-Fi router, close other apps and browser tabs, or switch to mobile data if available. If the video or sound isn't working, restart your device and the app, check that your camera and microphone are turned on in your device settings, and make sure nothing is blocking the camera lens.
If you can't figure out how to log in, call your doctor's office or the telehealth platform's support line before your appointment time. Most have phone support, and staff can walk you through it. If you're running late, call the office right away so the provider knows. If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as you know, so the time slot can go to another patient.
If the visit doesn't go well—for example, the provider seems rushed or you don't feel heard—you can request a different provider next time or go back to in-person visits. Telehealth should feel like good care, just from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to use telehealth?
It depends on your insurance and the type of visit. For visits with your regular doctor, you usually don't need a referral. For specialist telehealth visits, some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor, just as they would for an in-person visit. Call your insurance company or doctor's office to check.
What if I don't have a computer or smartphone?
Many telehealth visits can happen by phone call instead of video. Call your doctor's office or the telehealth platform and ask for a phone visit. You'll still talk to a real provider, just without the video. Some libraries and senior centers also have computers you can use if you need video.
Is telehealth private and find?
Yes. Telehealth platforms used by doctors and insurance companies are required by law to protect your privacy the same way they do for in-person visits. Your video and audio are encrypted, meaning they're scrambled so only you and the provider can see and hear them. Don't use public Wi-Fi for sensitive visits if you can avoid it; use your home internet or mobile data instead.
Can my family member sit in on my telehealth visit?
Yes, if you want them to. Many seniors have a family member in the room to help take notes or ask questions. Tell the provider at the start that someone else is there. If you prefer privacy, ask your family member to step out.
What happens if the provider thinks I need to be seen in person?
The provider will tell you during or right after the visit and will usually give you a referral or recommendation for where to go. They might refer you to your local doctor, an urgent care, a specialist, or the emergency room depending on what they find. You'll then schedule that visit separately.