Telehealth and nurselines

If you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), consider a telehealth visit or nurseline advice before seeking in-person care. Ask your primary care provider if they offer telehealth visits, or call one of Colorado’s nurselines.

What is the difference between telehealth and nurselines? 

• Telehealth is connecting with a doctor through a live-video call. Using telehealth, a doctor can assess you, give you a treatment plan that fits your needs, recommend you for COVID-19 testing if applicable, or prescribe a medication. At this time, there is no vaccine available for COVID-19. 
• Calling a nurseline can give you more information about what to do next. A nurse can help you decide when to contact your doctor or visit a health care facility, understand your medications, or give you more information about preventative care. 

Why should I use telehealth? 

• Telehealth can reduce your risk of getting sick by limiting your exposure to others. 
• Telehealth can help you get medical advice faster.
• By using telehealth, you help  keep hospital resources available for people who are seriously ill. You are also potentially limiting the spread of COVID-19 in your community. 

Does it cost extra to use telehealth instead of seeing my provider in person? 

• In Colorado, telehealth is covered by all insurance plans. To learn more, contact your insurance company directly. 
• Calling a nurseline is typically free but some nurselines may have rules about who they serve. 
• Under direction of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies, co-pays will be waived for any COVID-19-related in-network telehealth services for those with private health insurance. For unrelated telehealth visits, you may still be required to pay a copay.
• Telehealth visits cost the same as an in-person visit for Medicaid and Medicare patients. 
• If you don’t have health insurance or a primary care provider, there are several online telehealth companies that will see you for a fee. These visits typically range from $20 to $75 per visit. 

Where can I find a list of telehealth providers and nurselines in Colorado? 

• Find a directory of telehealth and nurselines here.
• If you don’t have health insurance or a primary care provider, there are several online telehealth companies that will see you for a fee. These visits typically range from $20 to $75 per visit. 

How do I use telehealth?

• Visit a telehealth website and sign-up/sign-in to get an appointment.
• Download the software or apps that are used for the visit. 
• If you have a thermometer, heart rate monitor, blood pressure cuff, blood sugar monitor, or other medical tool, have it with you at the time of your telehealth visit.
• Sit in a well-lit room so that the provider can see you well.
• If possible, join the visit a few minutes early to make sure your microphone and camera on your device are working properly.  

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