For Patients: What Is Telemedicine?

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine uses video cameras and monitors to connect you to health care providers who are not located near you, meaning you don't have to travel to get the care you need.

You will be able to see, hear, and talk to a doctor or other health care professionals at their clinic through video-conferencing, allowing you to be at a medical facility, your home, or another location.

Just like with any face-to-face appointment, you can have a family member, care provider, or friend accompany you if you wish.

How Does a Telemedicine Appointment Work?

A telemedicine appointment is just like a regular appointment. You will sit in front of a camera where you will be able to see yourself and your health care provider on the screen once your session begins. These appointments are also called virtual visits.

Your health care team will ask you questions and work with you to develop a plan of care, providing the same quality of care you would get in a face-to-face visit.

You can start your Virtual Visit using:

a computer & webcam, or
a smartphone or tablet (mobile device)

2 Ways to Start Your Virtual Visit

You can start a Virtual Visit in 2 ways:

If you have a MyChart account, you can login to MyChart
If you don't have a MyChart account or don't want to use MyChart, you can use an app called InTouch Consumer

InTouch Consumer: Download Instructions on how to start your Virtual Visit using an iPhone, iPad, Android, or home computer with InTouch Consumer
MyChart: Download instructions for how to start your Virtual Visit with MyChart

How Does Telemedicine Benefit You?

Many patients who live in rural or medically underserved areas may not have access to the providers or specialists they need to monitor and treat their health. Telemedicine is a valuable and unique service to get you the care you need, no matter where you live.

Other benefits include:

The ability to stay in your home community
Reduced stress from the cost and time spent traveling
Reduced absence from work/school

Is Telemedicine Private?

Just like a regular doctor’s appointment, your telemedicine visit will be private and confidential. What you say during your visit can only be seen and heard by you and your health care team.

Is There a Cost for a Telemedicine Appointment?

You will be billed for your telemedicine appointment the same as if you were seeing your health care provider in person.

Many insurers cover telemedicine services. To find out if your insurance company will cover these services, please contact them directly or speak to your health care team.