How Much Does Urgent Care Cost With Aetna
What is telehealth?
You may have heard the terms "telehealth" and "telemedicine" used interchangeably. That's because for some people, they mean the same thing. But telehealth and telemedicine can actually mean two different things.
Telemedicine uses technology to support remote care services between a healthcare provider and a patient, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). During a telemedicine visit, a provider might diagnose a condition, discuss treatment options, offer therapy, monitor your progress, or help you access a specialist.
Telehealth is a broader term that covers telemedicine but also includes more remote care services. "It often involves services provided by nurses, pharmacists, or social workers, for example, who help with patient health education, social support and medication adherence, and troubleshooting health issues for patients and their caregivers," says the FCC.
Telehealth offers a wide range of care services including primary care and urgent care.
Examples of Telehealth Services
Other types of telehealth services include:
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Condition management: Your provider can monitor you and your symptoms remotely if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or migraine.
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Counseling/mental health therapy: Meet with a therapist or psychologist to discuss mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
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Patient education: Attend classes to learn more about your condition and how to manage it at home.
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Prescription refills: Discuss your medications with your provider and ask for refills.
To take advantage of telehealth services, you can either schedule a virtual visit directly with your healthcare provider or use a third-party app like GoodRx Care. Read our article here for tips on how to prepare for your first telehealth visit.
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How much does telehealth cost on average?
Cost will depend on several factors, such as the condition, your insurance, and the provider.
Earlier this year, GoodRx analyzed the cost of telemedicine services and created several comparison charts. The charts show the minimum, median, and maximum cost for telehealth services for five conditions: acne, birth control, cold sores, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss. An acne telehealth visit, for example, ran from $43 to $86. Most birth control visits were less than $50.
In 2017, the average cost of a telehealth visit for an acute respiratory infection (such as a sinus infection, laryngitis, or bronchitis) was $79 compared to $146 for an in-person visit, according to a Health Affairs study. That's almost a 50% savings. When you consider the time and gas you save driving to a doctor's office, the cost of telehealth may be well worth the service.
In its report, GoodRx also discovered that some low-cost telehealth providers charge more for prescription refills. For example, Lemonaid charges $25 for an erectile dysfunction consultation but $45 for a prescription to treat it. GoodRx Care, on the other hand, charges a bit more for the visit, $30, but less for the prescription, $12.
If the provider only charges for the visit and sends you a prescription separately, you can save by using a GoodRx discount. See more savings tips below.
Finally, as you explore telehealth services, understand that they may not save you money in the long run. The Health Affairs study also showed that people who spent less on a telehealth visit for a respiratory issue often spent more in follow-up visits, lab tests, and prescriptions. Researchers said on average patients spent $45 more if their care for a respiratory illness started with a telehealth visit rather than an in-person visit.
Does insurance cover telehealth services?
A brief look at health plans such as Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, and UnitedHealthcare shows that yes, insurance companies have gotten on board. Most will cover telehealth services, depending on your benefits. Some plans cover telehealth visits if they're held on pre-approved video platforms. Others cover telehealth with third-party providers.
Earlier this year, Medicare and Medicaid expanded telehealth and telemedicine coverage. Medicare will pay for office, hospital, and other visits with a wide range of providers such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and licensed social workers.
Bear in mind that you may still have to pay a copay like a regular visit. Contact your insurance company to learn more about out-of-pockets costs. Ask if you need prior approval for telehealth services before making an appointment.
How will I be billed for my telehealth visit?
Getting billed for telehealth can vary depending on the provider, the service, and the state you live in. But for the most part, billing often mimics the way you pay for regular visits including:
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Paying a set fee up front like with GoodRx Care
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Getting a bill in the mail for out-of-pocket costs
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Getting an explanation of benefits from your health plan
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Getting a waiver to cover costs from government agencies such as Medicare
Always talk to the provider about billing before you schedule an online appointment.
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What are some ways to save on telemedicine visits?
In today's consumer-friendly climate, you can save money on just about anything. That includes healthcare and, specifically, telemedicine. Here are some ways you may be able to cut costs:
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Use the GoodRx Telehealth Marketplace to compare prices for common services across popular telemedicine apps.
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Use GoodRx discounts for prescriptions you get from telehealth visits.
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Use your insurance to cover or lower out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that GoodRx discounts may beat insurance prices for medications depending on the drug.
Keep in mind
Telehealth continues to evolve. Pricing will most likely change, and services may be added or removed depending on demand and government regulations. Providers may offer packages instead of individual visits, and more insurance companies may hop on board and add coverage.
Check back here periodically for updates.
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How Much Does Urgent Care Cost With Aetna
Source: https://www.goodrx.com/healthcare-access/telehealth/how-much-does-telehealth-cost
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