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.

What Is a Televisit? (Telehealth in NYC)

February 6, 2026

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? (Telehealth in NYC)

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