Medicare.gov

E-visits

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers e-visits

  • Covered by Part B
  • After the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount  

Description

E-visits are non-face-to-face communications you have with your doctor or other health care provider using an online patient portal (instead of going to their office). 

E-visits, a type of telehealth,  are different than virtual check-ins (brief, real-time communications that usually last 10 minutes or less). 

Coverage details

Health care providers that can give these services include:  

  • Doctors
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Clinical nurse specialists
  • Physician assistants
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech-language pathologists

Medicare also covers e-visits with the following providers if you're getting mental health care services: 

  • Licensed clinical social workers
  • Clinical psychologists
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Mental health counselors

Provider requirements

To get an e-visit, you must ask your provider for one. 

Costs

After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the  Medicare-approved amount for your provider's services. 

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.

Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.

Specific amounts you could owe depend on:

  • Other insurance you may have

  • How much your doctor charges

  • If your doctor accepts assignment

  • The type of facility

  • Where you get your test, item, or service