I do not drive anymore, so getting to the doctor’s office can be a hassle. My clinic suggested telehealth visits, but I am not very tech savvy. How does Medicare cover these kinds of appointments?

Many older adults are running into the same issue. Getting to appointments is not as easy as it used to be and the idea of using technology for doctor visits can feel a little intimidating at first.

The good news is that telehealth has made it much easier to access care from home, and most individuals find that using it is simpler than they expected. Medicare also covers many of these services, making telehealth more affordable and accessible for eligible beneficiaries. Here is a look at how it works and what Medicare pays for.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is simply a way to see or talk to your doctor from home using a phone, tablet or computer. Visits can be made by video, where you and your doctor can see and talk to each other, or by a regular phone call.

Most doctors’ offices use simple platforms and will walk you through them step by step. In some cases, all you have to do is click a link sent to you or answer your phone at the scheduled time.

It is also important to understand that telehealth visits are not just quick check-ins. They are considered regular medical appointments. Your doctor may go over symptoms, review medications, discuss test results and recommend treatment, much like an in person visit.

Does Medicare cover it?

Medicare does cover many telehealth services. While telehealth has been part of Medicare for years, it was expanded significantly during the COVID pandemic so people could get care from home. Those expanded benefits are still in place today.

Medicare allows you to receive telehealth services no matter where you live. Covered visits include a wide range of care, such as reviewing lab results, managing prescriptions, routine checkups, preventive screenings and evaluating illnesses like colds, coughs or infections. In many cases, follow-up visits and ongoing care for chronic conditions can also be handled virtually.

An advantage of telehealth is flexibility. If you are not comfortable with video or do not have internet access, telehealth visits can be done through just a regular phone call. This is also not limited to your primary doctor. Many types of health care providers can offer telehealth services.

What is ahead?

Here is where things get a little uncertain. The expanded telehealth coverage that began during the pandemic is not permanent, at least not yet. Under current law, these broader telehealth benefits are set to continue through Dec. 31, 2027. After that, Medicare will likely scale back coverage to more limited rules unless Congress steps in and extends the changes.

Even so, some telehealth services are expected to continue long term. Mental and behavioral health care, diabetes education, nutrition therapy and certain dialysis related visits may still be covered. Audio-only phone visits for mental health care are also expected to remain available.

If you are curious about telehealth, start by calling your doctor’s office and ask what options they offer. They can guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable before your first appointment. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but many people find that once they try telehealth, it is a simple and convenient way to stay on top of their health, especially when traveling to appointments is difficult.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.