Medicare covers telehealth visits the same way it covers in-person doctor appointments — you pay your usual copay or coinsurance, and Medicare pays its share.

Telehealth means seeing a doctor, therapist, or other healthcare provider through video, phone, or find messaging instead of going to their office. Medicare Part B (the part that covers doctor visits) treats most telehealth visits like regular appointments. You do not need special permission, and your provider does not need to be in your state — though some restrictions explore to certain types of care.

The main difference is where the visit happens. You can use telehealth from home, a pharmacy, a community health center, or a hospital outpatient department. Your doctor's office, a hospital, or a telehealth company can set up the video call. Medicare pays based on the type of visit and what your plan covers, not on whether the doctor is in the same room.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers most telehealth visits at the same cost as in-person appointments — you pay your copay or coinsurance, and Medicare covers the rest.
  • Your provider can be anywhere in the United States, but you must be in an approved location (usually your home, a pharmacy, or a healthcare facility) when you have the visit.
  • Mental health visits, therapy, and psychiatry are covered by telehealth under the same rules as office visits.
  • Some services — like physical exams, lab work, or imaging — still require you to go in person, though your doctor can review results by video.
  • Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may have different telehealth rules, so check your plan's coverage before booking a visit.

How Medicare Pays for Telehealth Visits

When you have a telehealth visit covered by Medicare Part B, you pay the same copay or coinsurance you would pay for an office visit with that doctor. If your doctor charges $100 for an in-person appointment and Medicare approves $80, you pay $20 (20% coinsurance) whether you see them in person or by video. The payment goes to your doctor or the telehealth provider, not to you.

You must have met your Part B deductible for the year before Medicare starts paying. Once you have, Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount for most telehealth visits. If you have a Medigap or Medicaid plan, it may cover some or all of your copay or coinsurance.

Some telehealth visits are covered at 100% with no copay — for example, annual wellness visits and certain preventive screenings. Your doctor's office or the telehealth company can tell you before the visit whether you will owe money.

Where You Can Be During a Telehealth Visit

Medicare requires you to be in an approved location when you have a telehealth visit. Most of the time, that means your home. You can also be at a pharmacy, a hospital outpatient department, a federally may have access to health center, a rural health clinic, or a community mental health center.

You cannot have a telehealth visit while driving or in a public place like a park or coffee shop. If you do not have internet or a device at home, ask your doctor's office or the telehealth company whether they can arrange a visit from a nearby clinic or pharmacy instead.

Your provider can be anywhere in the United States. They do not have to be licensed in your state for most types of care, though some states have their own rules for mental health providers. Ask your doctor before booking if you are not sure.

What Types of Care Are Covered by Telehealth

Doctor visits for common problems — like a cough, rash, or follow-up for a chronic condition — are covered. You can also have telehealth visits with specialists like cardiologists, endocrinologists, or rheumatologists.

Mental health care is fully covered by telehealth. This includes visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and counselors. Therapy sessions, medication management, and psychiatric evaluations all count.

Other covered services include nutritionist visits, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and some types of physical therapy. Palliative care (comfort-focused care for serious illness) and end-of-life planning are also covered by telehealth.

Services that still require an in-person visit include physical exams (like listening to your heart or checking your reflexes), blood draws, imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs), and procedures. However, your doctor can review test results with you by video and discuss next steps.

Telehealth Coverage Under Medicare Advantage Plans

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your telehealth coverage may be different from Original Medicare. Some Advantage plans cover telehealth visits with no copay, while others charge a copay or limit which doctors you can see by video. A few plans offer telehealth visits that are not available to Original Medicare members.

Check your plan's coverage document or call the plan's customer service number before booking a telehealth visit. The plan can tell you whether a specific doctor is in network for telehealth, what you will pay, and whether you need a referral.

How to Set Up a Telehealth Visit

Call your doctor's office and ask whether they offer telehealth visits. If they do, they will send you a link or instructions for the video platform they use — often Zoom, Cisco Webex, or the provider's own app. You do not have to read anything if you do not want to; many platforms work in a web browser.

Make sure you have a quiet, private space and a device with a camera and microphone (a computer, tablet, or smartphone). Test your internet connection and camera before the visit. Log in a few minutes early so the doctor can see you are ready.

If you have trouble with technology, tell your doctor's office. Many offices can help you troubleshoot or offer a phone visit instead. Some telehealth companies also have customer support staff who can walk you through the steps.

What to Bring and Know Before Your Visit

Have your Medicare card and any insurance cards nearby. The doctor's office will ask for your member ID number when you check in. If you have changed addresses or phone numbers recently, update your information before the visit.

Write down any symptoms, medications you are taking, and questions you want to ask. If this is your first visit with a doctor, have your medical history ready — previous diagnoses, surgeries, allergies, and the names of other doctors you see.

If you need a prescription refilled or test results sent to another doctor, ask during the visit. The doctor can send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy and records to other providers electronically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to have a telehealth visit?

Not usually. If you see a specialist, your primary care doctor may recommend a referral, but Medicare does not require one for telehealth. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether your plan requires a referral before you book.

Can I use telehealth if I do not have internet at home?

Yes. Ask your doctor's office whether you can have the visit from a nearby pharmacy, community health center, or hospital outpatient department instead. These locations have internet and private spaces for telehealth visits.

What if I miss my telehealth appointment?

Call your doctor's office as soon as you can to reschedule. Some offices charge a no-show fee if you do not cancel at least 24 hours ahead. The fee is your responsibility, not Medicare's.

Can my family member be in the room during my telehealth visit?

Yes, if you want them there. Let your doctor know ahead of time. If you have hearing or vision problems, a family member can help you understand information or take notes.

Does Medicare cover telehealth visits with my pharmacist or nurse?

Yes. Pharmacist visits for medication management and nurse visits for chronic disease management are covered. Some visits may be covered at 100% with no copay if they are part of a preventive or chronic care program.