Virtual check-ins
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers virtual check-ins with your doctor or certain other providers using audio or video communication technology like your phone or a computer, without going to the doctor's office.
Your costs in Original Medicare
After you meet the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your health care provider's services.
What it is
Virtual check-ins allow you to talk to your health care providers using audio and 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 photo or video images you send for review 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.
Virtual check-ins are different from a telehealth visit because they're usually 10 minutes or less and aren't done in real time.
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 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.
- The virtual check-in doesn't relate to a medical visit you've had within the past 7 days, and doesn't lead to the medical visit within the next 24 hours (or the soonest appointment available).
Medicare Advantage Plans may offer more virtual check-in services than Original Medicare. Check with your plan to find out what they offer.