If you have never used telehealth before, you may be wondering what is a virtual visit and whether it can truly replace a trip to the doctor’s office. A virtual visit is a medical appointment conducted remotely using video, phone, or secure messaging technology, allowing you to consult with a licensed healthcare provider from your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection. Understanding what is a virtual visit and how it works can help you feel confident and prepared the first time you try one.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about virtual visits, from the technology requirements to what conditions can be treated, what to expect during your appointment, and how to get the most value from the experience. For more on telehealth options, visit our telehealth guide.
How Virtual Visits Work
A virtual visit connects you with a healthcare provider in real time through a digital platform. The experience is designed to be as close to an in-person office visit as possible, with a few key differences. There are three main types of virtual visits.
Video Visits
Video visits are the most common format. You and your provider see and hear each other through a live video connection on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This format allows the provider to observe your appearance, skin, throat, and other visible symptoms. Most telehealth platforms use their own HIPAA-compliant video technology, though some providers use platforms like Zoom for Healthcare or Doxy.me. Video visits are the closest equivalent to an in-person consultation and are preferred for most clinical scenarios.
Phone (Audio-Only) Visits
Audio-only visits are conducted over the phone without video. These are useful for patients without reliable internet, those uncomfortable with video technology, and follow-up appointments where visual assessment is not critical. Medicare and many commercial insurers now cover audio-only visits for certain services, recognizing that video access is not universal. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded audio-only coverage as part of its commitment to health equity.
Asynchronous (Store-and-Forward) Visits
Asynchronous visits do not happen in real time. Instead, you submit information, photos, or responses to a questionnaire, and a provider reviews them and responds within a set time frame, often within a few hours or by the next business day. This format is commonly used for dermatology (submitting photos of a skin condition), prescription refills, and minor health questions. Asynchronous visits are typically less expensive than live consultations.
What You Need for a Virtual Visit
The technical requirements for a virtual visit are minimal. For a video visit, you need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a webcam), a stable internet connection (at least 10 Mbps is recommended for smooth video), a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted, and the telehealth platform’s app or website loaded and tested before your appointment.
For a phone visit, you simply need a working phone. For an asynchronous visit, you need a device with internet access and, for dermatology or similar services, a camera to take clear photos. Most telehealth platforms send a confirmation email or text with a link to join the visit. It is a good idea to log in five to ten minutes early to test your connection and troubleshoot any technical issues.
What Happens During a Virtual Visit
The flow of a virtual visit mirrors a traditional office visit more closely than you might expect. Here is what typically happens.
Before the Visit
You will schedule your appointment through the telehealth platform’s website or app. You may be able to choose a specific provider or see the next available one. Before the visit, you will complete an intake form covering your reason for the visit, medical history, current medications, allergies, and insurance information. Some platforms allow you to upload relevant documents like lab results or imaging reports.
During the Visit
At the scheduled time, you join the virtual waiting room and are connected with your provider. The provider will introduce themselves, confirm your identity, and review your intake information. They will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and severity, much like an in-person visit. For video visits, the provider may ask you to show them areas of concern, such as a rash, swelling, or range of motion. They may ask you to take your own temperature, blood pressure (if you have a home monitor), or pulse.
Based on the information gathered, the provider will discuss their assessment, recommend a treatment plan, and answer your questions. If a prescription is needed, the provider can send it electronically to your preferred pharmacy during the visit. If lab work, imaging, or an in-person follow-up is needed, the provider will issue orders or referrals accordingly.
After the Visit
You will receive a visit summary, often through the platform’s patient portal or via email. This includes the provider’s notes, any prescriptions, lab orders, referrals, and follow-up instructions. Many platforms allow you to message your provider after the visit with follow-up questions.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Virtually?
Virtual visits are appropriate for a surprisingly wide range of health concerns. According to the American Medical Association, telehealth is suitable for conditions that can be assessed through patient history, visual observation, and self-reported symptoms.
Common conditions treated via telehealth include upper respiratory infections (cold, flu, sinusitis), urinary tract infections, allergies and hay fever, skin conditions (rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis), ear infections and pink eye, mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, ADHD), chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), medication management and prescription refills, sexual health concerns, weight management, and smoking cessation. Some platforms also offer specialist consultations for conditions like asthma and weight loss.
Virtual visits are not appropriate for emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms), conditions requiring physical examination that cannot be done remotely (such as certain abdominal or musculoskeletal assessments), procedures or surgeries, and situations requiring immediate diagnostic testing that cannot be ordered remotely.
How Much Do Virtual Visits Cost?
The cost of a virtual visit depends on your insurance coverage, the platform you use, and the type of service.
With insurance, a virtual visit is typically billed the same as an in-person office visit. Your copay will depend on your plan, usually $0 to $50. Many employer-sponsored plans include telehealth as a covered benefit with $0 copay. Medicare covers most telehealth visits with standard Part B cost-sharing (20 percent after the deductible). For more, see our article on Medicare telehealth coverage.
Without insurance, virtual visit costs vary by platform. Sesame offers visits starting at $25 to $39. Teladoc and Amwell charge approximately $75 to $100 for urgent care visits. PlushCare charges approximately $129 per visit without insurance. Asynchronous visits are generally cheaper, often $20 to $50. These costs are typically lower than an in-person urgent care visit ($100 to $200) or emergency room visit ($500 and up), making telehealth a cost-effective alternative for appropriate conditions.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Virtual Visit
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your virtual visit productive. Write down your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and what makes them better or worse. Have a list of your current medications, dosages, and any supplements you take. If relevant, take note of recent vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, or blood sugar readings. Prepare questions you want to ask the provider. Choose a well-lit, quiet, private location for your visit. Test your technology before the appointment to avoid wasting time on technical issues. Have your insurance card and pharmacy information handy.
Being organized and direct about your concerns helps the provider make the most of the limited visit time and leads to better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a virtual visit replace my regular doctor?
Virtual visits can replace many routine in-person visits, but they work best as a complement to, not a complete replacement for, traditional care. Annual physicals, procedures, and some diagnostic evaluations still require in-person visits. Platforms like PlushCare offer ongoing virtual primary care relationships where you see the same provider consistently, which comes close to a traditional doctor-patient relationship.
Can doctors prescribe medication during a virtual visit?
Yes. Providers can prescribe most medications during a virtual visit and send the prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy. Controlled substances have additional requirements under DEA telehealth rules, but many non-controlled medications, including antibiotics, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and others, can be prescribed during a standard virtual visit.
Are virtual visits private and secure?
Reputable telehealth platforms are required to comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, which mandate encryption, secure data storage, and strict privacy protections. Your virtual visit is confidential, just like an in-person visit. Avoid using public Wi-Fi during your appointment for additional security, and conduct the visit in a private space.
What if the provider cannot diagnose my condition virtually?
If your condition requires an in-person evaluation, the provider will tell you and may refer you to an in-person clinic, urgent care, or specialist. This is a normal and expected part of telehealth. Providers are trained to recognize the limits of virtual assessment and will always prioritize your safety over completing the visit remotely.
Do virtual visits work for children?
Yes. Several platforms, including Amwell and Teladoc, offer pediatric telehealth services. A parent or guardian must be present during the visit. Common pediatric telehealth concerns include ear infections, fevers, rashes, allergies, and behavioral health. For more complex pediatric issues, an in-person visit with a pediatrician is recommended.
Ready to Try a Virtual Visit?
Virtual visits are a convenient, affordable, and clinically effective way to access healthcare for a wide range of conditions. If you have been putting off a doctor’s visit due to time, cost, or transportation barriers, a virtual visit can get you the care you need in as little as 15 minutes from wherever you are. Start by checking whether your insurance includes a telehealth benefit, then choose a platform that fits your needs. For help deciding which service is right for you, explore our telehealth guide and our comparison of the best telehealth platforms.