Telehealth at Boston Medical Center

What is Telehealth?

Want to get your health care from the comfort of your own home? BMC offers telehealth visits, which can help you manage your health and stay connected with your care team safely and conveniently.

If you need to see your provider, you can have a telehealth visit through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. And to stay connected in-between visits, you can use MyChart, our patient portal, to message your care team and get information about your health.

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Getting Care Through a Telehealth Visit

A telehealth visit is either a video or a telephone call with your provider. It allows you to connect with your provider without coming into the hospital. You don't have to take as much time off work, find child care, travel to the clinic or pay for parking with telehealth.

A lot of medical care can still be delivered through telehealth. By connecting with your care team over video, you’ll be able to address many of the issues that you would be able to address in person.

Video visits allow your provider to see you in real time and complete a physical exam. They can also refill your medications, order tests, and figure out when they should see you next. Patients of any age can use virtual health for care.

You should prepare for a telehealth visit as you would for an in-person visit. Consider writing down reminders of things you would like to discuss during your visit.

Whether or not you can have a telehealth visit instead of an office visit depends on your medical history and health needs. You should talk to your provider to see if telehealth visits are right for you.

Examples of what can be done through a telehealth visit include:

  • Reviewing, adjusting, and renewing medications, and prescribing certain medications
  • Diagnosing and deciding on treatment for a skin rash
  • Referring you to a specialist
  • Diabetes management
  • Hypertension management, if you have a blood pressure cuff at home
  • Managing mild asthma flares
  • Helping with depression, anxiety, alcohol or substance use, and other behavioral health services - Looking at problems with your joints
  • Reviewing tests results

Setting Up a Telehealth Visit

The best way to set up a telehealth visit is to call your provider's office. You can also request a visit through MyChart or ZocDoc.

Just prior to your visit, you’ll get an email and text message with the details of the appointment and a link you’ll need to start the visit. You can also join the visit through MyChart.

Visit MyChart

When it's time for your visit, follow these simple steps

  • 1. Find the right browser

    If you’re using a computer, use Chrome or Firefox. On an iPhone or iPad, use Safari. Android users should use Chrome.

  • 2. Test your camera and mic

    Make sure your camera and mic work properly and that there are no other issues with calling or video. Don’t forget to check your lighting too.

  • 3. Check into your scheduled session

    You’ll get a reminder email or text message one hour before your appointment. Find a private, quiet location for the visit and use the link in the email to check in 15 minutes early.

  • 4. Start the session

    Click “Start Session” and allow camera and microphone if prompted. When your provider is ready, they will appear on the screen.

For help before your appointment, please call 617.638.5220.

Frequently Asked Questions about Telehealth

What if I need additional help?

If you need additional help, please call 617.638.5220 before your appointment. You can also download and print out our troubleshooting guide.

How do I schedule a telehealth visit with my provider?

Either call your care team’s office or log onto MyChart to request a telehealth visit.

What do I need to have to do a video visit?

You need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone and a way to access the internet. The scheduler will make sure you have everything you need.

What if I don't have what I need for a video visit?

Please call your provider's office to let them know that you don't have the ability to have a video visit. They will arrange for you to switch to a phone or in-person visit instead.

Will my scheduled in-person appointment be changed to a telehealth visit?

If you would like to switch to a telehealth visit, please call your provider's office or send your provider a MyChart message to see if this would be possible. During this time, your provider may also call you to see if you want to switch to a telehealth visit.

How do I know if my visit if in-person or a telehealth appointment?

When you make your appointment, your care team’s office will tell you if the visit is in-person or a telehealth visit. You’ll also get text messages and emails confirming your visit and what type of visit you’ll have. If you forget what kind of appointment you’re having, please use MyChart to review upcoming appointments or call your care team’s office at least one day before the appointment to check.

How do I start my telehealth visit?

One hour before your appointment, you’ll get an email, text message, and MyChart message (if you’re signed up for MyChart) with a link you should use for your visit. Fifteen minutes before your appointment, click on the link, using the device (computer, phone, iPad, etc.) that you plan to have your appointment on. This will connect you with your provider.

What if my video isn't working during my visit?

Your provider will ask you if you would like to switch to using the phone, confirm your phone number, and call you back.

What do I do if I need an interpreter for a telehealth visit?

When you are setting up your visit, please tell the scheduler that you will need an interpreter. Your provider will have an interpreter join your video call during your scheduled appointment.

How much does a telehealth visit cost?

Currently, most insurance companies cover telehealth visits with the same co-pay you would have for an in-person visit. If you have questions, please contact your insurance provider.

What happens if I still want to come to my provider’s office?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are only having patients come into the office for urgent care or when their provider says it's necessary. If you think you might need an in-office visit, please call your provider's office.