Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers virtual check-ins (also called “brief communication technology-based services”) with your doctors and certain other providers.
Your costs in Original Medicare
After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your doctor or other provider's services.
What it is
Virtual check-ins allow you to talk to your doctor or certain other providers (like nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or physician assistants), using audio and video communication technology, like your phone or a computer, without going to the doctor’s office. Your doctor can also conduct remote assessments using photo or video images you send for review to find out if you need to go to the doctor's office.
Your doctor or other provider can respond to you using:
- A phone
- Virtual delivery
- Secure text messages
- A patient portal
Note
Virtual check-ins can be used for the treatment for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from anywhere, including places of residence (like homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities).
Things to know
You can have a virtual check-in if you meet these conditions:
- You've talked to your doctor or other provider about starting these types of visits.
- The virtual check-in doesn't relate to a medical visit you've had within the past 7 days, and doesn't lead to a medical visit within the next 24 hours (or the soonest appointment available).
- 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.