A telemedicine doctor is the same as a doctor you would go see in an office environment. This includes licensed MDs, DOs, and Chiropractors. In fact, they are most likely seeing patients in their regular on-site office but also providing telemedicine visits to patients as an additional convenience. He or She is also licensed in your state to provide additional services such as ordering local tests or prescribing medications that you can pick up at your local pharmacy.

Most insurances cover telemedicine visits similar to the way the cover a regular office visit. Copays are usually the standard fee, but not always the case. Call your insurance to discuss your telemedicine coverage if you have questions

Caring for a patient “virtually” is different than a physical exam as it relies heavily on observable and verbal indication. When you attend a telemedicine visit, your ability to relay your symptoms to the doctor, how symptoms started, how long they have lasted, medications you are taking, your medical history and any other specific details you can offer are very important. Make sure you have all these things in mind or down on paper before you login to your telemedicine exam will make it the most effective.

On average, telemedicine visits cost less than a visit to the doctor’s office because the time taken to perform the exam is often less but this is not always the case.

Yes, telemedicine visits are as confidential as a regular office visit. The doctor that you visit with will not share your private information and the software that is used is encrypted should you share or upload and medical records.