# Seeing a doctor by video: how to get ready > Telehealth works well for follow-ups, prescriptions and many questions. Ask your doctor’s office and insurer whether video visits are available and covered; Medicare covers many, though rules have changed over time. Charge your device, find a quiet, private, well-lit spot, and have your medicines and questions ready. Join a few minutes early from the official link or portal. For emergencies, call 911. Never give your Medicare number for “free” tests offered by callers. - URL: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=seeing-a-doctor-by-video ## Step by step 1. **Seeing your doctor by video?** Telehealth can save a trip for follow-ups, prescriptions and many questions. Here’s how to get ready. 2. **Ask your doctor’s office and your insurance.** Ask whether the visit can be by video, what it costs, and whether your plan covers it. Medicare covers many telehealth visits, though rules have changed over time. 3. **Get ready before the visit.** Charge your device, find a quiet private spot with good light, and have your medicines, pharmacy name and questions ready. 4. **Join a few minutes early, from the official link.** Use the link or patient portal your doctor’s office sends. Join 10 minutes early in case the app needs an update. 5. **It’s OK to have help.** A family member can join to help with the technology or take notes. Ask the doctor to repeat anything you didn’t catch. 6. **Emergencies aren’t for video visits.** Chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs or a bad fall: call 911. 7. **Watch out for telehealth scams.** Be wary of calls offering “free” tests, braces or equipment in exchange for your Medicare number. Only share it with your own doctors. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Ask the office and your insurance - Charge your device; find a quiet, well-lit spot - Have medicines and questions ready - Join early from the official link - A helper can join you - Emergencies: call 911 ## What it’s good for Follow-up visits, medication checks, many minor problems, and mental health care can often be done by video. ## Check first Ask your doctor’s office if a video visit is possible, what it costs, and how to join. Check with your insurance. Medicare covers many telehealth services, though rules have changed over time. ## Get ready - Charge your phone, tablet or computer and test the camera and sound. - Find a quiet, private place with light in front of you. - Have a list of medicines, your pharmacy, and your questions written down. - Have a thermometer or blood pressure cuff nearby if you use them. ## Joining Use the link or patient portal from your doctor’s office, not a link from a stranger. Join about 10 minutes early in case an update is needed. ## Help is welcome A family member or caregiver can join to help with technology or take notes. ## Not for emergencies For chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs or serious injuries, call 911. ## Avoid scams Be wary of calls or ads offering “free” genetic tests, braces or equipment in exchange for your Medicare number. ## Common questions ### Is a video visit private? Doctors use systems meant to protect your privacy. Choose a private spot and use the official link or portal. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/is-a-video-visit-private ### Can I do a telehealth visit by phone only? Sometimes. Some visits can be done by audio only. Ask your doctor’s office. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/can-i-do-a-telehealth-visit-by-phone-only ### What can a telehealth visit be used for? Often follow-ups, medication checks, minor illnesses, skin concerns with photos, and mental health care. Your doctor decides what’s appropriate. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/what-can-a-telehealth-visit-be-used-for ### Does Medicare cover telehealth? Medicare covers many telehealth services, but the rules have changed over time. Check with Medicare or your plan before your visit. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/does-medicare-cover-telehealth ### What do I need for a video doctor visit? A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and internet, a quiet private spot, and your medicine list and questions. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/what-do-i-need-for-a-video-doctor-visit ### How do I join a telehealth appointment? Use the link or patient portal from your doctor’s office. Join a few minutes early to test sound and video. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/how-do-i-join-a-telehealth-appointment ### When should I not use telehealth? For emergencies like chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs or serious injuries. Call 911. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/when-should-i-not-use-telehealth ### What are telehealth scams? Calls or ads offering “free” tests, braces or equipment in exchange for your Medicare number, which can lead to fraudulent billing. Source page: https://explained.page/seeing-a-doctor-by-video/questions/what-are-telehealth-scams ## Official sources - [Medicare.gov: telehealth](https://www.medicare.gov/) - [HHS: telehealth for patients](https://telehealth.hhs.gov/) - [FTC consumer advice: health scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your doctor] patient portal login" - "Medicare telehealth coverage" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.