Check with your provider today—you may be able to see your doctor from the comfort of your own home.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth uses technology to provide health care services and appointments. It allows you to connect with your provider remotely, without needing to visit their office in person. Telehealth visits are covered by MaineCare, Medicare, and most insurance plans.
What kind of appointments can I have using telehealth?
Many MaineCare-covered services can be delivered through telehealth, including:
Conversations with your doctor about your chronic health care, diagnosis and treatment of new illnesses, and other medical care
Physicals, mental health, substance use disorder treatment and some developmental disability services
Routine child check-ups and developmental services
How do I use telehealth?
There are options for how you can use telehealth, such as:
Mobile apps, such as MD Live, FaceTime, WhatsApp, video chat, and Skype
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or WebEx
Patient portal message and telephone calls without video are considered "virtual health" visits
How do I ask for a telehealth appointment?
- Call your provider and ask if you can use telehealth for your appointment or for your child’s appointment.
Do I have to use telehealth to see a doctor?
- No, you do not have to use telehealth to see a doctor. You can choose to have an in-person visit instead. If you are experiencing an emergency, you should go directly to the Emergency Department.
What if I don't have a smartphone or internet access?
- When you call your doctor, they will discuss options for your appointment. If you don't have a smartphone but have a computer, you may be able tohave a relehealth visit that way. If you don't have a computer or internet access, you may be able to have your appointment over the phone. Ify ou need help with paying for your phone, cell minutes, or internet access, you can also apply for Lifeline, a federal program that helps eligible individuals pay for their minutes and internet access.
How much data will this use?
- Some face-to-face video chats can use a lot of data, but if you use WiFi, it can reduce the amount you use. If you have a limited amount of data, call your doctor’s office and discuss your options. They may be options that don’t use as much data, such as a phone call or text. You can also contact your phone carrier if you have questions on your data limits.
What if I need an interpeter?
- An interpreter can help during a telehealth visit, like they do during an in-person appointment. Your provider's office will contact you before your telehealth appointment to talk about what you need for the appointment and may ask if you need an interpreter. If your provider doesn't call or email you before your visit, call the office to request an interpreter. Your provider will arrange to have the interpreter attend your telehealth visit. You will see both your provider and your interpreter on your screen. If you are receiving care at a hospital or health clinic, the interpreter may join you in person or from another location. You can also talk with your provider about having your family member or friend as an interpreter if you prefer.
How can I be sure it's safe to use telehealth?
- You should always be careful when using technology whether it's for health care, banking, or connecting with family and friends. Your privacy is very important to us and your health care provider. There are some simple things you can do to help make sure that your telehealth visit is safe and secure.
- Ask your provider if the technology they are using is HIPAA-compliant. This means that it meets the federal government's strict privacy and security standards HIPAA-compliant technologies make it more difficult for hackers to access your information.
- Make sure you are in a private space before you start your telehealth visit and be sure your provider is also in a private space once you are connected. A room with a door that can be closed is best to avoid interruptions and present others from hearing your discussion.
- Use a private network to connect to the internet. This is one that requires a password to join, such as your home network. Don't use public networks like those at coffee shops or libraries. Such networks are much less secure, and your information may be at risk.
To view this webpage as a document, see the Telehealth Questions and Answers (PDF).
Other Resources
- Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NTRC) Telehealth Perspectives Video
- University of Hawaii and Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center Video - What to Expect from a Telehealth Visit?
- Caravan Health – Patient Instructions for a Successful Telehealth Visit (PDF)
- Member Resources
Questions?
Call MaineCare Member Services with questions at 1-800-977-6740. TTY users dial 711, or email MaineCaremember@gainwelltechnologies.com.