Medicare covers virtual check-ins (also called “brief communication technology-based services”) with your doctor or certain other providers, like nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or physician assistants, using
audio and video communication technology, like your phone or a computer, without going to the doctor’s office. Your doctor can also conduct remote assessments using photo or video images you send for review to see whether
you need to go to the doctor’s office.
Your doctor or other provider can respond to you by phone, virtual delivery, secure text message, email, or patient portal.
You can use these services if you have met these conditions:
• You talked to your doctor or other provider about starting these types of visits.
• 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).
• 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.