What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth, or telemedicine, services allow you to have virtual visits with your health care provider.
Virtual visits are just like in-person appointments, but you meet with a doctor or medical professional over the phone or on a video call. This allows you to get healthcare from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Telehealth is a great option if it’s hard for you to get to an in-person appointment.
Curious about telehealth and whether it might be right for you? Get up to speed on how it works and how to prepare.
Wellcare Telehealth Appointments
Our in-network telehealth providers are available 24/7 and often have same day appointments. If you don't feel well, you can make a virtual visit for urgent care. This is like in-person urgent care, but you talk with a medical professional over the phone or a video call.
You can schedule a visit for help with colds and cough, flu symptoms, allergies, pink eye, small injuries, and other non-emergency care.
Your plan may also include virtual visits for:
- Dermatology
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Speech Therapy
To find out what your plan covers, reference your plan materials.
What Happens During a Virtual Visit?
During your virtual visit, you can meet with the doctor over the phone or on a video call—whichever works best for you. You can use your computer, phone, or tablet to meet with a doctor or medical professional. They will discuss your symptoms, recommend treatment, and can write a prescription if you need one. Our telehealth partners have safe and secure websites, and they will protect your private information.
Is Telehealth Covered by My Plan?
Most virtual visits are covered by your plan. Just like an in-office visit, there may be a copay or coinsurance for your appointment. Sign into your secure member portal or call the number on the back of your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage.
How Do I Get Started With Telehealth?
- To get started, visit the telehealth provider website or call their customer service line.
- Create an account.
- Provide your name, email address, and health plan member ID. The provider will verify your coverage.
- View appointment options and schedule an appointment.
For more information on getting started with telehealth, visit your step-by-step telehealth guide.
Wellcare Telehealth Provider Network
The following providers are in-network and are part of the Wellcare Telehealth Provider Network. Your plan may include additional options for telehealth. Please call Member Services for assistance if you want to learn more about your telehealth options.
Teladoc
Urgent Care, Dermatology, Mental Health (Therapy and Psychiatry)
Telehealth With Your Doctor or Clinic
Talk to your doctor and ask if they have telehealth options available through their office or clinic. They can give you the information you need to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type of Appointments or Care Can I Get Through Telehealth?
Our telehealth providers offer appointments for the following types of care:
- Urgent Care: Meet with a doctor for things like minor cold or flu symptoms, sinus issues, allergies, UTI, heartburn, or small injuries.
- Dermatology: Get help with a skin issue like a rash, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema. You upload photos of your skin issue, and a dermatologist will recommend treatment.
- Mental Health and Wellness: Meet with a therapist or psychiatrist to help with feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness, dealing with grief and loss, not feeling like yourself, and other life changes.
- Speech Therapy: Work with a therapist for speech, communication, and swallowing needs related to stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, hearing loss, and more.
Most virtual visits are covered by your plan. Just like an in-office visit, there may be a copay or coinsurance for your appointment. Sign into your secure member portal or call the number on the back of your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage.
Will My Personal Information Be Safe?
Yes! Our telehealth partners will keep your information safe and secure. The telehealth provider can also securely share your visit information with your regular doctor to better coordinate your care after your visit.
How Do I Schedule a Telehealth Appointment?
Here are two ways to schedule a telehealth appointment.
Through Your Doctor: Ask your doctor if he/she offers Telehealth Services. Many providers offer this service directly. Your doctor can give you all the information you need to get started.
Through Your In-Network Provider: Visit the provider website or call the provider directly.
What If I Don't Have a Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone?
You can have telehealth visits over the phone by calling your provider. You will need to have your member ID card available when you call.
Teledoc: 1-800-835-2362 (TTY: 711)
Brightside: 1-415-360-3348
Great Speech 1-954-820-7400
Additional providers may be available depending on the state you live in. Reference your member materials for more information.
Will a Telehealth Visit Cost Me Anything Out-of-Pocket?
Most visits are covered by your plan. Just like an in-office visit, there may be a copay or coinsurance for your appointment. Visit your plan materials for details. Deductibles may apply. Sign into your secure member portal or call the number on the back of your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage. For some telehealth providers, you can also view your cost before you schedule an appointment.
Do I Need a Prior-Authorization Request or Get Pre-Approval for a Telehealth Appointment?
Most telehealth appointments don't require pre-approval for common issues like cold and flu symptoms and small injuries. However, you may need prior-authorization, or pre-approval, to see a specialist.
In general, if you need prior-authorization for an in-person visit, you will also need a prior-authorization for telehealth
Can I Use Any Telehealth Provider That Offers Telehealth?
You need to use a Wellcare in-network provider for telehealth visits. If you use an out-of-network provider, there may be additional costs. You can verify the provider is in-network by calling Member Services or contacting the telehealth provider.
How Do I Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment?
Check your appointment details. Your health care provider will send a confirmation for your appointment that will include how to start your telehealth visit. They may also send you a reminder text, email, or phone call before your scheduled appointment. Sometimes you may need to fill out a form before your appointment.
Find a good spot. Choose a quiet place with good access to the internet. Make sure you are comfortable and can talk openly to the doctor about your systems and the reason for your appointment.
Test your technology. Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
Additional Questions?
Call Member Services at the phone number on your Member ID Card. TTY users dial 711. From April 1 - September 30, we're here Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. From October 1 - March 31, we're here every day from 8 am to 8 pm.
