How to Use Telehealth: A Senior's Guide to Video Doctor Visits

If your doctor has offered you a "telehealth visit" or a "video appointment," you might be wondering what that means and whether you can manage the technology. You absolutely can. Millions of people over 60 are already using telehealth to see their doctors from the comfort of their own home, and this guide will show you exactly how it works.

By the end of this article, you will know what telehealth is, how to set up your first video doctor visit, what to prepare beforehand, and what to do if something goes wrong with the technology during your appointment.

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is simply a way of seeing your doctor through a video call instead of going to the clinic in person. You use your phone, tablet, or computer to connect with your doctor face-to-face on screen. Think of it like a Zoom call, except it is with your doctor instead of a friend or family member.

During a telehealth visit, your doctor can:

Ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling
Look at a rash, swelling, or injury if you show it on the camera
Review your medications and adjust dosages
Send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy
Refer you to a specialist if needed
Discuss test results from recent lab work

Telehealth has been around for a while, but it became much more popular and widely available in recent years. Most doctors' offices and hospitals now offer it as a standard option.

When Should You Use Telehealth (and When Should You Go In Person)?

Telehealth is wonderful for many situations, but it is not right for everything. Here is a simple guide to help you decide.

Telehealth Is Great For

Follow-up appointments after a recent visit or surgery
Medication reviews and refill discussions
Cold and flu symptoms when you feel too unwell to travel
Skin rashes or minor injuries you can show on camera
Mental health check-ins and counseling sessions
Chronic condition management like diabetes or high blood pressure reviews
Getting test results explained to you
Quick questions that do not require a physical examination

Go In Person For

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any emergency — call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) instead
Physical examinations where the doctor needs to touch or listen to your body
Blood tests, X-rays, or scans that require equipment
New or severe symptoms that have not been assessed before
Vaccinations or injections

If you are ever unsure, call your doctor's office and ask. They will tell you whether a telehealth visit or an in-person visit is better for your situation.

Popular Telehealth Platforms

There are several apps and platforms used for telehealth. Which one you use depends on your doctor or health service. Here are the most common ones.

MyChart (US)

MyChart is one of the most widely used patient portals in the United States. Many hospitals and clinics use it. Through MyChart, you can book appointments, view your medical records, message your doctor, and join video visits. Your doctor's office will usually help you set up a MyChart account if they use it.

Teladoc (US)

Teladoc is an independent telehealth service. You do not need a referral — you can sign up on your own and see a doctor within minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is useful for urgent but non-emergency concerns, especially outside of normal office hours. Many insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans include Teladoc.

NHS App (UK)

If you live in the United Kingdom, the NHS App is your main tool for managing healthcare. Through the app, you can book GP appointments (including video consultations), order repeat prescriptions, view your medical records, and access NHS 111 online for urgent advice. Your GP surgery will let you know if video consultations are available through the app or another platform.

Other Platforms

Some doctors use general video calling tools like Zoom for Healthcare, Microsoft Teams, or Doxy.me. Your doctor's office will tell you which one to use and may send you a link by email or text message before your appointment.

Setting Up for Your First Telehealth Visit

Getting ready for a telehealth visit is straightforward. Here is what you need and how to prepare.

What You Need

A device with a camera and microphone — a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a built-in webcam. Most modern devices already have these built in.
A stable internet connection — WiFi at home works well. If your internet is slow or unreliable, sit closer to your router for a stronger signal.
The right app installed — your doctor's office will tell you which app to download. If you need help installing apps, check out our guide on how to download apps safely.
A quiet, well-lit room — choose a room with good lighting so your doctor can see you clearly. Try to sit facing a window or a lamp. Reduce background noise by turning off the television.

Download and Test the App Beforehand

Do not wait until five minutes before your appointment to set everything up. At least one or two days before your visit:

Download the app your doctor recommended
Create an account if needed (you may need your date of birth, email address, and insurance information or NHS number)
Test your camera and microphone — most apps have a test feature in their settings
Do a practice run — if a family member can help you test the video call feature, that is even better

Charge Your Device

Make sure your phone, tablet, or laptop is fully charged or plugged in before the appointment. A video call uses more battery than a regular phone call, and you do not want your device dying in the middle of your appointment.

What to Prepare Before Your Appointment

A little preparation goes a long way. Having the right information ready will help your doctor give you the best care possible.

Make a List of Topics

Write down everything you want to discuss with your doctor. It is easy to forget things during the appointment, so having a list in front of you is very helpful. Include:

Your symptoms — when they started, how often they happen, and how severe they are
Any changes in your health since your last visit
Questions you want to ask — no question is too small

Gather Your Medications

Collect all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and supplements. Have them nearby so you can show the bottles to your doctor on camera if needed. This helps avoid confusion about names and dosages.

Have Your Health Information Ready

Keep the following within reach:

Your insurance card or NHS number
A list of your allergies
Recent home readings — if you track your blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, or temperature at home, have those numbers written down
Pen and paper — to take notes during the appointment

How the Appointment Works

Here is what to expect during a typical telehealth visit, step by step.

Step 1: Log In Early

Log into the app or website about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you a buffer in case you run into any technical issues. Some platforms have a virtual "waiting room" where you will wait until the doctor is ready.

Step 2: Check In

You may need to confirm your identity, update your address, or verify your insurance details before the visit begins. This is similar to filling out paperwork at the front desk of a clinic.

Step 3: The Doctor Joins

When the doctor is ready, the video call will start. You will see the doctor on your screen, and they will see you. Speak naturally, just as you would in person. There is no need to shout — the microphone will pick up your normal speaking voice.

Step 4: The Consultation

The doctor will ask about your concerns, review your symptoms, and discuss a plan. If they need to see something, such as a rash or swelling, they may ask you to hold your camera closer to that area.

Feel free to refer to your notes. Doctors expect this and appreciate that you came prepared.

Step 5: Next Steps

At the end of the visit, the doctor will explain what happens next. This might include:

A prescription sent to your pharmacy
A referral to a specialist
Instructions to come in for lab work or tests
A follow-up telehealth appointment

Step 6: End the Call

When the appointment is over, the doctor will say goodbye and end the call, or you can press the red "End Call" or "Leave" button on your screen.

Prescriptions Through Telehealth

One of the most convenient parts of telehealth is that your doctor can send prescriptions electronically. In the US, your doctor will send the prescription directly to the pharmacy of your choice. You can pick it up or, in many cases, have it delivered to your home.

In the UK, your GP can send an electronic prescription to your nominated pharmacy through the NHS system. If you use the NHS App, you can manage your repeat prescriptions there as well.

If you need a new prescription, make sure your doctor has your correct pharmacy details before or during the appointment.

Insurance, Medicare, and NHS Coverage

Medicare (US)

Medicare covers many telehealth services. As of 2026, most Medicare plans cover video visits with your doctor at the same rate as in-person visits. This includes Medicare Part B and most Medicare Advantage plans. You may still owe a copayment or coinsurance, just as you would for an in-person visit.

Check with your specific Medicare plan to confirm which telehealth services are covered, as coverage details can vary.

Private Insurance (US)

Most private health insurance plans now cover telehealth visits. Some plans even waive the copay for telehealth appointments. Check your plan details or call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out.

NHS (UK)

In the United Kingdom, telehealth appointments through the NHS are free, just like in-person GP visits. There is no extra charge for using a video consultation instead of going to the surgery. Private telehealth services are also available in the UK but will have a fee.

Troubleshooting Common Tech Issues During Your Appointment

Technology does not always cooperate, and that is perfectly normal. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them quickly.

"The Doctor Cannot Hear Me"

Make sure your device is not on mute. Look for a microphone icon on your screen and make sure it is not crossed out. Tap it to unmute.
Check that the app has permission to use your microphone. On a phone, go to Settings, find the app, and make sure the microphone is switched on.
Try using earphones or headphones with a built-in microphone, such as the ones that came with your phone.

"I Cannot See the Doctor"

Check that your internet connection is working. Try opening a website in your browser to see if it loads.
Close other apps that might be using your internet, such as streaming services.
Move closer to your WiFi router if the signal is weak.
If the video is still not working, ask the doctor's office if you can switch to a phone call instead. Most practices are happy to do this.

"The Picture Is Freezing or Choppy"

This usually means your internet speed is slow. Turn off other devices using your WiFi, such as a TV streaming a show in another room.
If possible, connect your computer to the router with an ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
Close any extra browser tabs or apps running in the background.

"I Cannot Find the Link to Join"

Check your email inbox and your text messages for a link from your doctor's office. It may have arrived a day or two before the appointment.
Check your spam or junk folder in case the email ended up there.
If you still cannot find it, call your doctor's office. They can resend the link or talk you through joining.

"The App Is Not Working at All"

Restart the app by closing it completely and opening it again.
Restart your device — turning it off and on again fixes many issues.
Make sure the app is up to date. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and check for updates.

Do not panic if you run into issues. Your doctor's office deals with these situations regularly and will be patient with you. Many practices have a tech support person who can help you over the phone while you get connected.

Privacy and Security

You might wonder whether a video doctor visit is private and safe. The answer is yes. Telehealth platforms used by doctors and hospitals are required by law to protect your personal health information.

In the US, these platforms must comply with HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which means your medical information is encrypted and kept private. In the UK, the NHS and CQC have strict data protection rules that all telehealth providers must follow.

To help keep your appointments private:

Use a private room where others cannot overhear your conversation
Do not use public WiFi (like in a coffee shop) for medical appointments — use your home WiFi instead
Log out of the app after your appointment is finished
Keep your device locked with a password, fingerprint, or face recognition

Your telehealth visit is just as confidential as an in-person visit at your doctor's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good with technology to use telehealth?

Not at all. If you can make a phone call and open an app on your phone or tablet, you have all the skills you need. The video call part is very similar to making a Zoom call, and most telehealth platforms are designed to be simple. Your doctor's office can also walk you through the process over the phone before your appointment.

Can my doctor prescribe medication during a telehealth visit?

Yes. In most cases, your doctor can prescribe medication during a telehealth visit, and the prescription will be sent electronically to your pharmacy. There are some exceptions for certain controlled medications, but for the vast majority of prescriptions, telehealth works the same as an in-person visit.

What if my internet stops working during the appointment?

Do not worry. If your video call drops, try reconnecting by clicking the link again or reopening the app. If you cannot get back on, call your doctor's office by phone. They will either continue the appointment as a phone call or help you reschedule. You will not be charged for a visit that could not be completed due to technical issues.

Final Tips for a Smooth Telehealth Visit

Schedule your appointment for a time when your home is quiet — avoid times when grandchildren might be visiting or construction might be happening outside
Wear your glasses or hearing aids if you normally use them at the doctor's office
Sit in a comfortable, well-lit spot with your device at eye level (prop it up on a stack of books if needed)
Ask a family member to be nearby for your first visit, in case you need a hand with the technology
Remember, your doctor is there to help you — if you feel overwhelmed, just say so, and they will guide you through it

Telehealth is one of the most useful advances in healthcare in recent years, and it is much easier to use than most people expect. Once you have done one video visit, you will wonder why you ever drove across town to sit in a waiting room for a simple check-up.

You have got this. And if you ever need to brush up on the basics, our guides on using Zoom, understanding WiFi, and downloading apps safely are always here to help.