Key takeaways
- Follow-up visits to review labs, glucose data or medication changes often work well by video.
- Physicians generally must be licensed in the state where you are during the visit.
- Coverage depends on your plan; check before booking.
- Lab tests and imaging still happen in person, close to home if possible.
Which visits work well by video
| Usually suits telehealth | Usually needs an in-person visit |
|---|---|
| Reviewing blood test results | A first visit where an examination is important |
| Reviewing glucose meter, sensor or pump data | Thyroid examination or ultrasound |
| Medication adjustments within an agreed plan | Bone density scans and other imaging |
| Check-ins for stable thyroid conditions | Starting some new devices or treatments |
Licensing: where you are matters
Medical licenses are issued by states. For a telehealth visit, the physician generally needs to be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of the visit, not where the practice is based. If you spend part of the year outside Massachusetts, ask the practice how they handle visits when you are away. You can check a Massachusetts license through the Board of Registration in Medicine.
Insurance and costs
Most health plans now cover telehealth visits, but rules on cost sharing, referrals and which platforms count can differ from in-person care. Before booking, ask your plan:
- Is a video visit with this endocrinologist covered, and at what cost to me?
- Does my referral cover telehealth visits as well as in-person ones?
- Are phone-only visits covered in the same way as video visits?
Medicare beneficiaries can find current telehealth coverage information on Medicare.gov. For MassHealth and Health Connector plans, check with the plan directly. Our insurance and referrals guide covers the general rules.
Getting the most from a video visit
- Test the technologyLog in to the patient portal a day early and check camera, microphone and connection.
- Share data in advanceUpload glucose or pump data and make sure recent labs have reached the practice.
- Be somewhere privateChoose a quiet room with good light, and have your medication list at hand.
- Agree the next stepsBefore ending, confirm which tests to book, when, and how results will reach you.
Devices, labs and the in-person pieces
Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps make remote diabetes care much more practical, because the data can be shared before the visit. Blood tests, ultrasound and bone density scans still need a visit to a lab or imaging center. Ask whether the practice accepts results from a lab near your home, which can save a trip into the Longwood Medical Area or the MGH campus.
For the in-person parts of your care, our first visit guide includes transit and parking tips for Boston's main medical areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can my first endocrinology visit be by telehealth?
Some practices offer virtual first visits, especially when records and recent tests are available. Others require an in-person first visit. Ask when you book.
Can I have a video visit while traveling?
Often only if the physician is licensed in the state where you are at the time of the visit. Check with the practice before booking.
Is a phone call the same as a telehealth visit?
Not always. Some plans cover video and phone visits differently. Ask your insurer.
Will I still need blood tests?
Yes, if your care requires them. Telehealth replaces the visit, not the lab work.
Are telehealth visits private?
Practices use secure platforms through their patient portals. Join from a private place and avoid public Wi-Fi when possible.
Sources
- Telehealth coverage — Medicare.gov
- Board of Registration in Medicine — Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Telehealth for patients — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
