Your Telehealth Guide

The use of telehealth services and virtual care has grown dramatically in recent years, offering patients new ways to access healthcare from home. According to industry data, the global telehealth market was valued at $128.12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to over $500 billion by 2030. This rapid expansion is driven by the convenience and accessibility of virtual care options. Patients can now connect with providers via video, phone, or text for many types of appointments, from routine check-ups to specialty consultations. Virtual visits save time and travel costs for patients while allowing providers to reach more people, especially in rural or underserved areas. As telehealth technology continues to advance, it's becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape, complementing traditional in-person care.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth (also called telemed) is a virtual doctor's visit using your computer or phone. Telehealth allows you to talk to a real doctor—they can be located anywhere—about your symptoms any time, any day, without having to leave home. Simply log on to a portal or app and video chat or text with a licensed healthcare professional.

Why telehealth for COVID-19

Telehealth minimizes your contact with other people, including healthcare staff and possibly sick people in the waiting room. This is particularly important during an outbreak like COVID-19, which can be very contagious.

If you are feeling sick (especially with symptoms of cough, fever, or shortness of breath), it’s important to understand your risk for COVID-19 so you can get tested (if available) and possibly self-isolate. Self-isolation (also known as self- or home-quarantine) means avoiding contact with other people, even family members. Self-isolation reduces the spread of COVID-19.

Buoy will help you decide next steps based on many factors, including symptoms, age, and who you’ve been in contact with. If there’s a chance you have COVID-19 but your symptoms aren’t severe enough to go to the ER or call 911, then a consult through telehealth may be one of the recommendations.

How to use

Most insurance plans include virtual visits through telehealth. These could be with your primary care physician or another in-network doctor.

If your insurance doesn’t offer a telehealth option or you don’t have health insurance, plenty of other telehealth services are still available, like CirrusMD and PlushCare.

Dr. Sovndal suggests looking for an established company with a good reputation. Be sure to check online reviews and credentials (type of medical training, area of specialty, etc.) for the medical professionals you’d be speaking with.

Telehealth platforms are easy to use. Generally, you log on to the website or download the app and set up an account. Next, choose a time. Your appointment will be via video chat or text.

What you need to know

If the telehealth company takes insurance, have your information ready to input. If not, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or, in some cases, HSA card.

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, any medications you’re taking, and key details about your medical history. This way, you won’t forget anything important.

Payment

The cost of a virtual doctor’s appointment depends on both your insurance plan and whether the platform accepts your insurance. If virtual visits are covered, it’s likely to be a similar copay as a primary care visit. Many plans are waiving fees—and Medicare is allowing certain telehealth—during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check with your insurance carrier for the latest updates.

If you don't have insurance or the provider doesn't accept your plan, a visit is usually around $55 to $75, though rates vary. Check all costs on the platform before confirming your appointment.