Telehealth | CVS Health

Telehealth

A doctor sits at her desk to hold a virtual health session with patients via her computer, headset, and camera.

Patient safety is our top priority.

If you’d prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home, you can choose a video consult with a licensed MinuteClinic provider with an E-Clinic visit between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM local time. E-Clinic visits are accepted by most insurance plans. Alternatively, you can set up a Video Visit and our network of telemedicine providers will give you the care you need, when you need it, 24/7. A Video Visit cost $59 and is an affordable cash-pay option for people who do not have health insurance, or whose health insurance does not provide a telemedicine benefit. Video Visits are also covered by select insurance plans, including most Aetna plans.

A father sits on the couch to use his laptop and cuddle with his daughter as she plays with her dolls.

Increased telehealth access

With nearly half of Americans reporting that they or someone in their household has skipped or delayed needed medical care as a result of COVID-19, we’ve responded rapidly by vastly increasing access to telehealth.

Learn how we’re increasing access to telehealth services

MinuteClinic virtual care

When you’re sick and don’t want to leave home, MinuteClinic® now offers wide-ranging virtual care options beyond telehealth for affordable video-based care treating adults and children over the age of 2.

Explore MinuteClinic’s virtual care options

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The differences, explained

Yes. These terms are often interchangeable. Telehealth is the term Medicare uses for telemedicine and can include:

  • Live videoconferencing with providers
  • Telephone-only consultations with providers
  • Services provided by telemedicine vendors like Teladoc®

Telemedicine is health care delivery, evaluation, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment, conducted through audio, video or data communications by a health care practitioner who is physically separated from their patient.

Telehealth/telemedicine refers to a type of care – health care that is delivered remotely, such as over the phone, through video or via other communications platforms. Aetna policies have been relaxed to allow any in-network provider to deliver telemedicine. In most cases, these providers will be reimbursed at the same rate as an in-office visit, although provider contracts vary and exceptions may apply for some providers. Many in-network providers are offering telemedicine services and will evaluate, diagnose and consult with patients remotely.

Teladoc® is a multinational health care company that uses a group of doctors, therapists and specialists to provide telemedicine and virtual health care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Aetna customers can elect to include the Teladoc® benefit in their benefit plans.