This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs and treatment options.
By MercyIowaCityClinics.org Editorial Staff | Updated July 2026
What You Need to Know About Telehealth
- Telehealth = a video call, phone call, or secure message with a real doctor or nurse practitioner from your home or anywhere you have internet
- It works for: colds, flu, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin rashes, medication refills, mental health visits, and weight management
- It does NOT work for: emergencies, broken bones, or conditions that need an in-person physical exam
- Cost: Usually $0–$50 copay with insurance; $50–$200 per visit without insurance
- Real doctors prescribe real medications that go straight to your pharmacy—just like an in-person visit
- Your privacy is protected by the same laws as a doctor's office
What Exactly Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a way to see a real doctor, nurse practitioner (a healthcare provider with advanced training), or therapist without leaving your home. You connect with them using a video call, a phone call, or sometimes by sending secure messages back and forth.
Think of it like having a doctor's appointment through your computer or phone instead of driving to the office. A real person with a real medical license talks to you, listens to your symptoms, and helps you figure out what to do next.
Telehealth is not:
- A chatbot or artificial intelligence (AI) doing all the work
- A substitute for emergency care
- Less official or less real than going to the clinic in person
What Can Telehealth Actually Treat?
Telehealth works well for many common health problems. Here are conditions that doctors and nurses regularly handle over video:
- Cold and flu symptoms: Runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Painful or frequent urination (a UTI is an infection in the bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine)
- Skin rashes: Hives, eczema flare-ups, or suspicious spots
- Medication refills: Getting the same prescription renewed without a new office visit
- Mental health and counseling: Therapy sessions, anxiety, depression, or stress management
- Weight management: Nutrition advice and weight loss support from a healthcare provider
- Sinus infections: Pressure, congestion, and drainage in the sinuses
- Minor burns or cuts: Care instructions and follow-up checks
- Ear infections (sometimes): Depending on what the provider can see through the video
What Telehealth CANNOT Do
Some health problems need you to go to a clinic, urgent care center, or emergency room in person. Telehealth cannot replace in-person care for these situations:
- Life-threatening emergencies: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or injuries from accidents
- Broken bones or sprains: The provider needs to see and feel the injured area, and X-rays may be needed
- Severe infections or wounds: Anything that might need stitches or a physical exam to understand how bad it is
- Pregnancy complications: Bleeding, severe pain, or sudden symptoms during pregnancy
- Conditions requiring blood tests or imaging: Ultrasounds, X-rays, or blood work to make a diagnosis
- Abdominal or chest pain that is severe: The provider needs to physically examine you
- Most first-time diagnoses: When you have a new symptom that could mean many different things, an in-person visit is often the safer choice
If you are unsure whether your situation needs in-person care, it is always okay to call your doctor or go to urgent care or the emergency room. Safety comes first.
How a Telehealth Visit Actually Works: Step by Step
Before Your Appointment
Step 1: Pick a telehealth platform or service. Popular options include Teladoc, Amwell, MDLive, your insurance company's telehealth program, or a local clinic's app. Different services specialize in different things—some focus on urgent care, others on mental health.
Step 2: Sign up for an account. You will create a username and password, give your name and birth date, and add your insurance information (if you have it).
Step 3: Fill out a health questionnaire. The platform will ask you questions like:
- What is bothering you?
- When did it start?
- What medications do you take?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Have you had this problem before?
Be as detailed as you can. This helps the provider understand your situation before you even talk to them.
During Your Appointment
Step 4: Join your video visit at the scheduled time. You will get a link or notification. Click it, and your provider will appear on your screen—just like a video call with a friend or family member.
Step 5: Talk to the provider. They will ask follow-up questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and how you are feeling. Let them know everything that is bothering you.
Step 6: The provider examines what they can see. For a skin rash, they may ask you to hold your phone closer to the area. For a sore throat, they may ask you to say “ahhh” so they can see your throat. For many conditions, they do not need to see anything physical—just hearing your symptoms is enough.
Step 7: The provider makes a plan. They might:
- Tell you to rest and drink fluids
- Prescribe medication
- Order blood work or other tests
- Recommend you see a specialist or go to urgent care
- Schedule a follow-up visit in a few days
After Your Appointment
Step 8: Get your prescription (if you need one). The provider sends it electronically to the pharmacy you choose. You can pick it up or get it delivered, just like any other prescription. These are real medications from a real doctor—there is nothing fake or unofficial about them.
Step 9: You receive a summary of your visit. The platform or clinic will send you a record of what was discussed, what you were advised to do, and any prescriptions or follow-up instructions.
Step 10: Follow your provider's advice. Take your medication as directed, rest if they told you to, and reach out if your symptoms get worse or do not improve.
How Much Does Telehealth Cost?
With Insurance: Most telehealth visits cost the same as an in-person visit. You typically pay your regular copay (the small flat fee your insurance plan requires)—often $0, $25, or $50 per visit. Some insurance plans cover telehealth visits 100% at no cost to you.
Check your insurance card or call the number on the back to ask what your telehealth copay is.
Without Insurance: Telehealth is usually cheaper than an urgent care or emergency room visit, but more expensive than an in-person office visit at a community health center.
- Single telehealth visit: $50–$150
- Some telehealth apps offer subscription models: $9–$20 per month for unlimited messaging with providers (though some issues may still have visit fees)
- Mental health or therapy visits: Often $60–$200 without insurance, depending on the provider and platform
Many clinics and hospitals offer financial assistance if you cannot afford care. Ask about it.
Can Doctors Really Prescribe Real Medication Through Telehealth?
Yes. Doctors and nurse practitioners can absolutely prescribe real, FDA-approved medications through telehealth. The prescription is just as valid as one written in a physical office.
The provider sends the prescription electronically to your pharmacy. You can:
- Pick it up in person at the pharmacy
- Have it delivered to your home by mail or a delivery service
- Have someone else pick it up for you (you may need to sign a form first)
There are a few limits, though:
- Controlled substances (like painkillers or ADHD medication): Some can be prescribed through telehealth, but there are stricter rules. The provider must have examined you in person at least once, or you may need to do an in-person visit first.
- Antibiotics and antivirals: These are prescribed regularly through telehealth for infections
- Allergy and cold medications: Commonly prescribed and refilled through telehealth
If your medication cannot be prescribed through telehealth, the provider will let you know and give you other options.
Is Telehealth Private and Secure?
Yes. Your telehealth visit is protected by the same privacy laws that protect you in a doctor's office. These laws are called HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). In plain English, that means your doctor cannot share your health information with anyone except people directly involved in your care, and only with your permission.
Telehealth platforms must use encrypted connections (think of it like a secret code that scrambles your information so only the right people can read it).
To protect your privacy during a telehealth visit:
- Use a private, quiet room where others cannot hear or see your screen
- Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is secure (not public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop)
- Do not let other people hold your phone or device during the visit
- Review the platform's privacy policy before signing up
Common Telehealth Platforms and What They Do
| Platform | What It's Good For |
|---|---|
| Your local clinic or hospital app | Follow-up visits with your regular doctor; continuity of care (your doctor knows your history) |
| Teladoc, Amwell, MDLive | Urgent care needs like colds, UTIs, skin rashes; available 24/7 or extended hours |
| Talkspace, BetterHelp, Ginger | Mental health, therapy, counseling, and psychiatry |
| GoodRx, Amazon Pharmacy telehealth | Affordable visits and medication refills; often subscription-based pricing |
| Your insurance company's app or website | Covered at your insurance copay; in-network providers only |
Many of these overlap in what they offer. Start with your insurance company's telehealth option if you have insurance, since it usually costs less out of pocket.
Tips for Your First Telehealth Visit
Before You Connect
- Find a quiet, private room where you will not be interrupted and other people cannot see or hear your screen
- Test your internet connection and camera a few minutes early—join the call 5 minutes before your appointment
- Have your insurance card nearby or a way to pay if you are uninsured
- Write down your questions ahead of time so you do not forget to ask them
- Make a list of all medications you take (including over-the-counter ones and vitamins)
- Note any allergies to medications or foods
- Have your medical history handy if you have a new provider (past surgeries, chronic conditions, family history of disease)
During Your Visit
- Speak clearly and make eye contact with your camera (look at the camera, not the screen)
- Be honest about your symptoms and how long they have been happening
- Do not be embarrassed to ask the provider to repeat something if you do not understand
- Tell the provider if you cannot afford a medication they prescribe—they may have a cheaper alternative
- Ask about red flags: “What symptoms mean I should go to the emergency room?”
- Ask when to follow up—should they call you back? Should you schedule another visit?
After Your Visit
- Take a photo or screenshot of any instructions for your own records
- Ask your pharmacy about side effects when you pick up your prescription
- Follow the provider's advice closely for the first 24–48 hours
- Do not ignore worsening symptoms—call your doctor or go to urgent care if you are not getting better
Common Questions People Have About Telehealth
Q: Will my regular doctor be upset if I use telehealth?
A: No. Most doctors understand that telehealth is convenient and helpful for minor issues. However, it is a good idea to tell your regular doctor about any visits you have had, so they have the full picture of your health.
Q: What if I do not have a smartphone or computer?
A: Many telehealth services work on any internet browser. You can use a tablet, laptop, or any computer. Some services offer phone-only visits if video is not available.
Q: Can telehealth providers see my medical records from other doctors?
A: Not automatically. But you can give them permission to access old records, which helps them make better decisions. Ask the provider to request your records from your previous doctor if it matters for your current problem.
Q: What if the telehealth provider tells me I need to go to the emergency room?
A: You should go. That provider is trained to know their limits. If they say you need emergency care, it is because it is actually needed.
Q: Can I use telehealth if I am on Medicaid or Medicare?
A: Yes. Most Medicaid and Medicare plans cover telehealth. Call the number on your card to find out which services are covered and what your copay might be.
When to Choose Telehealth vs. In-Person Care
Choose telehealth when:
- You have a minor, non-urgent issue (cold, rash, refill)
- You cannot get time off work to go to the clinic
- You live far from the nearest clinic
- You are following up on a condition your doctor already knows about
- You need mental health support or counseling
- It is after hours and an urgent care is far away
Choose in-person care when:
- It is a medical emergency
- You have a new symptom that could be serious
- You need blood work or imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds)
- You are seeing a doctor for the first time
- The provider cannot see or examine what they need to see over video
- Your condition is not improving after telehealth treatment
The Bottom Line
Telehealth is a real, effective, and often convenient way to get healthcare. It connects you with real doctors and nurse practitioners who can help with common health problems. You can get real prescriptions, real advice, and real medical care—all from your home.
It is not right for every situation, and it should not replace your regular doctor. But for minor illnesses, follow-up visits, mental health care, and medication refills, telehealth can save you time and money.
If you have never tried it, give it a shot. Start with your insurance company's telehealth option or ask your regular doctor if they offer it. Most people find that their first telehealth visit is easier than they expected.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Everyone's health situation is different. Always talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider about what is best for you. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program. The information provided here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Individual results may vary. This site may contain affiliate links — see our editorial standards for details.