Virtual check-ins
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers virtual check-ins with your doctor or certain other health care providers if you’re eligible
Description
Virtual check-ins allow you to talk to your health care providers using real-time audio or real-time audio-video communication technology (like your phone or a computer) without going to the doctor’s office. During a virtual check-in, your provider will decide if you need an office visit or another service. They can:
- Conduct remote assessments using photo or video images you send to decide if you need to go to the doctor's office.
- Respond to you using a phone, virtual delivery, secure text message, email, or a patient portal.
Coverage details
Virtual check-ins are different from an e-visit because they're usually 10 minutes or less and happen in real time. An e-visit is a non-face-to-face communication that usually happens through an online patient portal.
Who's eligible
You can have a virtual check-in if you meet these conditions:
- You talked to your health care provider about starting these types of visits.
- You verbally consent to the virtual check-in, and your doctor documents your consent in your medical record. Your doctor may get one consent for a year’s worth of these services.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your health care provider's services.