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 briefly communicate with your doctor or certain other health care providers using real-time audio or video communication technology (like your phone or a computer) without going to the doctor’s office.
During a virtual check-in, your health care provider can conduct remote assessments using photos or videos you send to decide if you need an office visit or another service. Your provider can respond to you by 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.
Both e-visits and virtual check-ins are specific types of telehealth.
Who's eligible
You must meet these conditions:
- You talked to your provider about starting these types of visits.
- You verbally consent to the virtual check-in, and your provider documents your consent in your medical record. Your provider 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.
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