A telehealth service is a full visit with a provider using telephone or video technology that allows for both audio and video communication. Original Medicare covers certain telehealth benefits, such as professional consultations, office visits, including psychiatry services, and a limited number of other services.  

 Original Medicare generally only covers telehealth in limited situations if: 

• You live in a rural area and travel from your home to a local medical facility to get telehealth services (this is known as the originating site requirement) 
• You use interactive, two-way audio and video technology  

There are a few exceptions. Medicare covers the following services at home or at a medical facility, and you do not have to live in a rural area: 

• Behavioral health care, including mental health care and treatment for substance use disorders. You can also access these services with audio-only technology. 
• Services to diagnose, evaluate, or treat symptoms of acute stroke. 
• Visits for home dialysis if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
• Diabetes self-management training 
• Medicare nutrition therapy 

Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the telehealth benefits included in Original Medicare, but they may also cover additional telehealth benefits. Additional telehealth benefits offered by Medicare Advantage Plans may be available if you live outside of a rural area and may be covered in your home. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should contact your plan to learn about its costs and coverage rules for additional telehealth benefits.