When to use telehealth for care
Virtual care lets you talk with a doctor from the comfort of home. Learn how it works and when to use it.
Getting to the doctor can be hard. Maybe the office is closed or you don’t feel well enough to go in.
Telehealth, or virtual care, lets you talk with a doctor from home. You can connect via phone, tablet or computer. It’s a quick and easy way to get care when you need it.
Ask your provider if they offer virtual care. Your Aetna Better Health® plan covers virtual visits the same way it covers in‑person visits. You can use it for:
- Routine checkups
- Follow-up visits
- Mental health visits
- Help managing long-term conditions
What you need for a telehealth visit
For most telehealth visits, you need:
- A smartphone, tablet or computer
- Internet access
- A quiet, private place to talk
Your provider will tell you how to join the visit. When it’s time, you’ll connect through a secure video or phone call.
When to use telehealth
Telehealth works well for these kinds of health issues:
Cold, flu or allergies: A doctor can often figure out what’s wrong by hearing your symptoms. They can recommend home treatment or prescribe medicine.
Skin problems: You can show the doctor a rash, bite or other skin issue by video. They can suggest treatment or next steps.
Mental health: You can talk with a therapist by video from home.
Follow-ups: After an in‑person exam, a quick virtual follow‑up is often all you need.
Recurring problems: Have you had the same health issue before? A doctor can help by phone or video. Some examples might include a urinary tract infection or pinkeye.
Chronic conditions: Do you have a long-term condition like asthma or diabetes? Virtual visits make it easier to check in with your doctor more often.
Not sure where to go for care? Telehealth can be a good first step to figure out what level of care you need.
Other care options
Telehealth isn’t right for every health problem. Here are other ways to get covered care when you need it:
24-Hour Nurse Line: Call to talk with a nurse about symptoms. They can help you decide where to go for care.
Retail clinics: Want to see someone in person? Use a retail clinic for minor health problems. Many clinics take walk‑ins.
Urgent care: Go to urgent care for problems that are urgent, but not life-threatening. That includes things like fever, nausea, minor injuries or cuts that need stitches.
Emergency Room (ER): Go to the ER or call 911 for life‑threatening symptoms, like:
- Slurred speech
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Severe injuries
- Head injuries
- Sudden loss of vision
- Numbness
- Seizures
