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2021 could be the pivotal year for how businesses operate moving forward. Will they offer employees a work from home option, will Zoom meetings be standard procedure, will telehealth replace typical doctor visits? The answers are still being worked out, but it’s worth exploring now so you’re prepared for what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
Telemedicine and mobile health open up opportunities making health care more manageable and accessible for both the doctor and the patient. Health services are already tracking vital signs with remote monitoring devices, communicating through web portals, and even receiving on-the-spot care from doctors via video chat. If you feel comfortable self-monitoring your data and submitting it using a mobile device, and reviewing lab results via a patient portal, then you might find the new face of health care a welcome change. Add to these benefits the ability to get the care you need 1) from the comfort of your home, 2) without missing work, and 3) without sitting for extended periods in a waiting room.<\/p>\n
So what’s the cost of all this convenience?<\/strong><\/p>\n Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services. You pay 20% of the\u00a0Medicare-approved amount\u00a0for your doctor or other health care provider’s services, and the Part B deductible applies. For most telehealth services, you’ll likely pay the same amount as in-person services. To find out how much your test or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider.<\/p>\n Starting in 2020, Medicare Advantage Plans offered more telehealth benefits\u2014check with your plan to see what\u00a0additional benefits it now offers.<\/p>\n If your coverage is through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket costs (called cost-sharing) for COVID-19 tests.<\/p>\n Medicare\u00a0made these changes to telehealth in 2020:<\/strong><\/p>\n