How to Use Telehealth
See your doctor from the comfort of home — using your phone, tablet, or computer. No driving, no waiting rooms, no stress. This guide walks you through every step.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth (also called a "virtual visit" or "video appointment") is simply a video call with your doctor or nurse. Instead of driving to an office, you connect from home. Most insurance plans — including Medicare — now cover telehealth visits.
Why Seniors Love Telehealth
Stay Home
No driving, no parking, no waiting rooms. See your doctor from your favorite chair.
Save Time
Most telehealth appointments start on time and take 15–30 minutes — much faster than an office visit.
Any Weather
No need to go out in rain, snow, or extreme heat. Perfect for routine check-ins and follow-ups.
Easy Prescriptions
Your doctor can send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy during the video call — no paper needed.
Medicare Covers It
Most telehealth visits are covered by Medicare Part B. Check with your doctor's office to confirm.
Family Can Join
A family member can sit with you — or even join the call from their own home — to help you remember information.
🛠️ Before Your Appointment — Step by Step
Step 1 — Ask Your Doctor's Office Which App to Use
When you book a telehealth appointment, ask: "What app or website do I use?" Common answers are Zoom, Doxy.me, MyChart, or a link sent by email or text. Write it down.
💬 Tip: Ask them to send you written instructions too
Step 2 — Download the App the Day Before
If they use an app, download it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) the day before — not 5 minutes before the call. This gives you time to sort out any issues.
Step 3 — Find a Good Spot with Good Light
Sit near a window or under a lamp so your face is clearly visible. Make sure your background isn't too cluttered. A kitchen or living room works perfectly.
💡 Tip: Light should be in FRONT of you, not behind you
Step 4 — Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
Make sure you are connected to your home Wi-Fi (not just cellular data). Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and confirm it shows your home network name. A strong connection prevents freezing or dropping.
Step 5 — Do a Quick Camera & Microphone Test
Open the front camera on your phone or the app itself and make sure you can see and hear yourself. If the app asks for permission to use your camera and microphone — tap "Allow."
Step 6 — Have Your Information Ready
Keep nearby: your list of current medications, any questions you want to ask, your insurance card, and a pen and paper to take notes during the visit.
Joining the Call — By Device
📱 iPhone
- Open the link or app your doctor sent
- Tap "Join" or "Start Visit"
- Tap "Allow" for camera & microphone
- Wait in the virtual waiting room
- Your doctor will appear on screen
📱 Android Phone
- Open the link from your text or email
- Tap "Join Visit" or "Open App"
- Tap "Allow" for camera & microphone
- Wait — the doctor will join shortly
- Speak normally — you don't need to shout
💻 Computer
- Click the link in your email
- It will open in your web browser
- Click "Allow" when asked for camera/mic
- Type your name and click "Join"
- Wait for your doctor in the virtual room
📲 iPad / Tablet
- Open the app or tap the link
- Prop the tablet so you're hands-free
- Tap "Allow" for camera & microphone
- Tablets have a bigger screen — great choice!
- Speak clearly — the built-in mic works well
❓ Questions People Ask Most
What if the video freezes or drops?
Don't panic — this happens sometimes. Close the app and reopen the link. If it keeps happening, call your doctor's office directly and they can finish by phone instead.
Can my doctor really examine me over video?
Yes, for many things — colds, rashes, medication questions, mental health, follow-ups, and more. For things that need a physical exam (like listening to your heart), they may ask you to come in.
Is it private? Can anyone else see my appointment?
Yes — telehealth platforms used by doctors are required by law to be private and secure (HIPAA-compliant). Just make sure you're in a private room during the call.
What if I don't have Wi-Fi or a smartphone?
Ask your doctor's office if you can do the appointment by regular phone call instead. Many offices offer audio-only visits. Medicare covers these too.
Does Medicare pay for telehealth?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers most telehealth visits. Your regular copay may apply. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you have questions about your specific plan.
For Family Members — How to Help Your Parent Use Telehealth
- ✅ Set up the app or bookmark the link on their device before the day of the appointment
- ✅ Do a practice "test call" with them the day before so they know what to expect
- ✅ Make sure their device is charged to at least 50% before the appointment
- ✅ Sit with them for the first visit — you can even join remotely from your own device
- ✅ Help them write down their questions and medication list in advance
- ✅ After the visit, help them note what the doctor said and any follow-up steps