By Jim Miller
Special to The Gazette

Dear Savvy Senior,

I don’t drive much anymore, so getting to the doctor can be a hassle. They suggested telehealth visits, but I’m not very tech savvy. How does Medicare cover these kinds of appointments? — Trying to Keep Up

Dear Trying,

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 intimidating.

The good news is that telehealth has made it easier to get care without leaving home, and it’s usually much simpler to use than people expect. Medicare covers many of these services, making it easier to stay connected with your health care providers. Here’s a look at how it works and what Medicare pays for.

What is telehealth: It is simply a way to see or talk to your doctor from home using a phone, tablet or computer. Visits can be done by video, where you and your doctor can see and talk to each other, or sometimes by a regular phone call.

And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a tech expert. Many doctor’s offices use simple systems and will walk you through it step by step. In some cases, all you have to do is click a link or answer your phone at the scheduled time.

It’s also important to understand that telehealth visits are not just quick chats. They are considered full medical appointments. Your doctor can go over symptoms, review medications, discuss test results and recommend treatment, much like an in-person visit.

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

Right now, Medicare allows you to receive telehealth services from home 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 minor illnesses such as colds, coughs or infections. In many cases, follow up visits and ongoing care for chronic conditions can also be handled this way.

Another big plus is flexibility. If you are not comfortable with video or do not have internet access, some telehealth visits can still be done with a phone call.

What’s ahead?

The expanded telehealth coverage that began during the pandemic is not permanent. 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 should 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 asking what options they offer.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.