What Is a Televisit? (Telehealth in NYC)
A televisit (also called a telehealth visit or virtual visit) is a medical appointment conducted by video or phone. Televisits can be a convenient and effective way to address many common primary care needs, without commuting, waiting rooms, or disrupting your workday.
At Atrium Medical Primary Care in Midtown Manhattan, televisits are used as part of a real primary care relationship, which is often very different from one-off “random providers” of telehealth services.
Below are answers to common questions about televisits.
What is a televisit?
A televisit is a visit with a licensed medical clinician conducted remotely, typically by secure video and sometimes by phone.
A televisit is still a medical appointment. It includes:
history and symptom review
medical decision-making
counseling and treatment plan
prescriptions when appropriate
How does a televisit work at Atrium?
Televisits are scheduled like any other visit.
Before the visit, we may ask you to:
confirm pharmacy information
provide a current medication list
upload relevant photos if needed (for example: rash)
During the visit, we review your symptoms and history, discuss next steps, and provide a plan. If you need in-person evaluation, labs, or imaging, we coordinate that efficiently.
Why do a televisit with your PCP instead of a “telehealth app”?
Telehealth apps and urgent telemedicine services can be fine for simple problems. But many patients benefit from having televisits done through their primary care doctor’s office.
A PCP-based televisit has advantages:
we know your medical history, meds, allergies, and lab trends
we can place your symptoms into context (not just treat one complaint)
we can coordinate follow-ups, testing, and referrals
you get continuity instead of “starting over” with a new clinician each time
Telemedicine works best when it’s part of longitudinal care, not a one-off transaction.
What problems are appropriate for a televisit?
Many common primary care issues are appropriate for a televisit, including:
cold symptoms, sinus symptoms
sore throat (in some cases)
cough or mild respiratory symptoms
urinary symptoms (in many cases)
pink eye
mild skin rashes
medication refills (when clinically appropriate)
lab review and follow-up counseling
blood pressure check-ins
anxiety/depression follow-ups
sleep issues
preventive counseling and care planning
What problems are NOT appropriate for a televisit?
Some symptoms require an in-person exam or urgent evaluation.
Examples include:
chest pain or pressure
shortness of breath at rest
fainting, severe dizziness
stroke-like symptoms (weakness, facial droop, slurred speech)
severe abdominal pain
high fever with significant worsening
significant injury, possible fracture
severe allergic reaction
uncontrolled bleeding
If you have concerning symptoms, we will advise you promptly on the right setting of care (office vs urgent care vs ER).
Can a doctor prescribe medication during a televisit?
Often yes, depending on the condition and the clinical context.
Many prescriptions can be handled safely via televisit. Some medications require:
an in-person exam
specific documentation
labs or monitoring
a controlled-substance evaluation (when relevant)
We handle this based on medical appropriateness and safety.
Can you order labs, imaging, or referrals after a televisit?
Yes.
If needed, we can order:
bloodwork
urine testing
imaging (for example: ultrasound, X-ray)
referrals to specialists
Televisits often serve as the first step in efficiently directing care.
Is a televisit as “real” as an in-person visit?
Yes. A televisit is still a clinical evaluation and medical decision-making visit.
Televisits are not appropriate for every problem, but for many conditions they provide high-quality care with far greater convenience.
Do I need special equipment for a televisit?
No special equipment is required. Most patients use:
a smartphone, tablet, or computer
a stable internet connection
If you have them available, these can help:
thermometer
blood pressure cuff
pulse oximeter (optional)
Does insurance cover televisits?
Many insurance plans cover telehealth visits, but coverage varies by plan and employer.
Your plan may treat a televisit as:
a standard office visit (copay/deductible rules apply), or
a telehealth benefit with different terms
We recommend confirming details with your insurer when possible.
Do I get charged for a televisit?
A televisit is generally billed like a medical appointment. Depending on your insurance plan, you may have:
a copay
deductible responsibility
coinsurance
If you have billing questions, our team can help you understand the typical coverage patterns.
Can I do a televisit as a new patient?
In many cases, yes. However, depending on the complexity of your history and goals, we may recommend that your first visit be in person.
Some patients benefit from:
an in-person new patient visit first, then televisits for follow-up
a quick televisit first, then in-person for physical exam and baseline labs
We can recommend the most efficient starting point for you.
Can I switch from televisit to in-person if needed?
Yes. If a problem cannot be handled safely through telemedicine, we will recommend an in-person visit and help coordinate it. The clinician will void your visit if they deem that the medical issue at hand cannot be handled remotely in a safe and appropriate way and will provide further guidance.
How do I schedule a televisit at Atrium?
To schedule a televisit:
call our office
or book online and select the appropriate visit type
Televisits are a convenient option for many primary care needs, especially when you have an established relationship with a clinician who knows your history.
