What Medicare Covers for Telehealth Visits
Medicare covers telehealth services for eligible beneficiaries. Here's what's included, which providers qualify, and what you might pay out of pocket.
Medicare expanded telehealth coverage significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of those benefits have remained permanent.
What Medicare Covers
Medicare Part B covers telehealth visits for established patients with participating providers. The services covered include:
- Office visits and consultations
- Psychiatry and mental health counseling
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Preventive health screenings
- Chronic disease management
- Follow-up visits after hospital discharge
Which Providers Can Bill Medicare for Telehealth
Eligible providers include:
- Doctors and specialists (MD, DO)
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
- Psychologists and clinical social workers
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Registered dietitians
What You Pay
Your costs depend on your coverage:
- Original Medicare: You pay the same coinsurance (usually 20%) as an in-person visit after your Part B deductible is met
- Medicare Advantage: Copays and coinsurance vary by plan
- Medigap: May cover some out-of-pocket costs, depending on your plan
Location Requirements
You must be in a permitted location to receive telehealth services, typically your home. Some rural areas have different rules.
Limitations
Not all services are available via telehealth. Physical exams, certain diagnostic procedures, and some specialized treatments still require in-person visits.
https://ratedbypatients.com/guides/medicare-and-telehealth-what-is-covered/