Telemedicine

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine (also called virtual care (opens in new tab), telehealth, or virtual medicine) is a term used to describe health consultations from doctors that are given by phone, secure message, or video chat.

Telemedicine doctors tend to treat the following types of issues:

• Episodic and acute illnesses like UTIs, rashes, pinkeye, headaches, coughs, colds, and flus.
• Health care advice when traveling out of town.

Telemedicine doctors in many states can also write prescriptions (opens in new tab) for common types of drugs including birth control, blood pressure medications, and inhalers and medicines to treat minor illnesses such as colds, sinus infections, and the flu.

They’re also a great place to start if you don’t know where to go for treatment. After exploring your symptoms on the phone, they can direct you on next steps.

There are some types of care that can’t be given with telemedicine. Issues that require diagnostic imaging services, controlled medications, or emergency situations (opens in new tab) are best handled in person.

Many insurance providers offer low-cost or free telemedicine services. Check out your insurer’s website to get details.