Healthy Aging / Telehealth / Family Caregivers
For many older adults, a video visit is a safe, easy way to see a clinician without leaving home. It works well for follow-ups, medication questions, many minor illnesses and prevention planning. A family member can join from anywhere. It isn't right for emergencies or anything that needs a hands-on exam. As of October 2026, Medicare covers many video visits from home through December 31, 2027.
Getting to the doctor can be the hardest part of seeing one. Driving, parking, walking from the lot, sitting in a waiting room with sick people. For someone with arthritis, balance problems or no ride, a short visit can take half a day. Video care removes most of that.
Why do video visits work well for older adults?
Here are some of the ways video care can help:
- No travel. No driving, no rides to arrange, no hot parking lots.
- Less exposure to germs. You skip the waiting room during flu and cold season.
- Your medications are right there. You can show your clinician every bottle in your cabinet.
- Your clinician sees your home. That can help with questions about safety, stairs or how you're managing day to day.
- Family can join. A son in another city or a daughter at work can be on the same call.
- Easier follow-up. Quick check-ins for blood pressure, blood sugar or a new medication fit into your day.
Can family members join the visit?
Yes, with your permission. A family member or caregiver is welcome on the call. They can join from the same room or from their own phone or computer somewhere else.
A family member can help by:
- Taking notes, so nothing gets forgotten
- Sharing what they've noticed, such as changes in memory, mood or walking
- Helping with the technology
- Keeping track of new prescriptions and follow-up steps
You're always in charge of your care. You can ask to speak with your clinician privately at any point.
What can be done by video?
A lot more than people expect. Video visits work well for:
- Follow-up of ongoing conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems or high cholesterol
- Medication reviews and prescription renewals, when appropriate
- Common minor illnesses, such as cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, pink eye, many rashes and urinary symptoms
- Ordering lab work at a nearby Labcorp or Quest
- Reviewing results from tests and specialists
- The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, a yearly prevention check-in. Read more in our guide to the Annual Wellness Visit.
- Medical weight loss, with check-ins on eating, activity and side effects
What can't be done by video?
Some care needs hands, equipment or a hospital. Video isn't the right fit for:
- Listening to your heart and lungs, or pressing on your belly
- X-rays, CT scans and other imaging
- Stitches, casts or wound care that needs hands-on work
- Falls with a possible broken bone or head injury
- Anything that might be an emergency
If your clinician decides you need to be seen in person, they'll tell you where to go and why.
When should I skip the video visit and call 911?
Call 911 right away for any of these:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Trouble breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm or leg weakness, trouble speaking, sudden confusion
- Fainting or passing out
- Severe bleeding
- A fall with a head injury, especially if you take a blood thinner
- Sudden, severe pain anywhere
- Thoughts of harming yourself
Don't wait for a video visit. Don't drive yourself. For help sorting out less urgent problems, see our guide on telehealth, urgent care or the ER.
For family members: if your parent seems suddenly confused, much weaker than usual, or "not themselves," treat it as urgent. Sudden changes in older adults can be a sign of infection, stroke or another serious problem.
How do I get set up for a video visit?
You don't need to be good with technology. A few simple steps make it easy:
- Use what you have. A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera works.
- Test it the day before. Ask a family member to try a short video call with you.
- Charge your device or keep it plugged in.
- Find good light. Sit facing a window or a lamp, not with it behind you.
- Pick a quiet spot with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Turn up the volume, or use headphones or hearing aids that connect to your device.
- Prop it up. A stand or a stack of books keeps the camera steady.
- Have things ready: your medication bottles, glasses, a list of questions, and home readings like blood pressure or weight.
If the video drops, don't worry. Just rejoin using the same link.
Does Medicare cover video visits at home?
As of October 2026, yes, for many services. Medicare.gov says that through December 31, 2027, you can get Medicare telehealth services from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. With Original Medicare, you usually pay the same as for an in-person visit: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Medicare Advantage plans set their own costs and may offer more telehealth benefits.
After 2027, the rules for non-behavioral telehealth from home are scheduled to tighten unless Congress extends them. Our article on whether Medicare covers telehealth has the details.
MD Care accepts Medicare for primary and urgent care visits, and we confirm your coverage before your visit. You can also pay without insurance: $50 for a video visit, $20 for a message visit and $5 for a prescription renewal. There's no membership fee.
Who can use MD Care?
MD Care sees adults by video. You need to be physically in Florida at the time of your visit. If you split the year between Florida and another state, plan your visits for your time in Florida.
Can an older adult really see a doctor by video?
Yes. Video visits work well for many common needs, including follow-ups, medication reviews, minor illnesses, lab orders and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Your clinician will tell you if you need to be seen in person.
Can I join my parent's video visit from another state?
Yes, with your parent's permission. You can join from your own device anywhere. Your parent, the patient, must be physically in Florida.
What if my parent isn't comfortable with technology?
Start with a short practice call. Use a device they already know, prop it up, and turn up the volume. A family member can sit with them or help them join.
Does Medicare pay for video visits at home?
As of October 2026, Medicare covers many telehealth services at home through December 31, 2027. Costs depend on your plan. MD Care confirms your coverage before your visit.
When is a video visit not safe?
For chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, fainting, severe bleeding, a fall with a head injury, or sudden severe pain, call 911. Don't wait for a video visit.
See a clinician from your living room
MD Care offers primary and urgent care by video for adults in Florida. We accept Medicare and confirm your coverage first.
References
- Telehealth. Medicare.gov.
- Telehealth FAQ, updated October 2026. CMS.gov.
- Medicare costs (2026 Part B deductible and coinsurance). Medicare.gov.
- Yearly "Wellness" visits. Medicare.gov.
- List of Telehealth Services for Calendar Year 2026. CMS.gov.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Medicare rules can change, and your coverage and costs depend on your plan. MD Care confirms your coverage before your visit. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
