Telemedicine is one of the few good things that have grown out of the pandemic. More and more people, especially high-risk groups, can now virtually visit the doctor to monitor routine conditions as well as check for possible COVID-19 symptoms. On March 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare will cover the costs of telemedicine for routine follow-up visits.

According to the AARP, doctors caring for older adults were pleased with this development because it's this segment of society that is most vulnerable not only to the coronavirus, but to other chronic diseases as well.

But how do you take advantage of virtual visits? You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has a camera. Next, you'll need to schedule the appointment with your healthcare provider and specialist. At the appointed time, both you and the doctor sign on to the website, link, or app and the visit begins.

Another article provided by the AARP suggests contacting your insurer to double-check your coverage. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Health Affairs, an average telehealth visit costs $79 compared to $146 for an office visit.

Make sure that you have adequate lighting in the room you're using for the virtual visit and be prepared with a list of questions. According to AARP, it's also wise to have a thermometer and blood pressure monitor on hand. A flashlight is another good idea to have nearby in case your doctor wants to examine your throat or focus on another area in more detail.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the benefits of telemedicine abound. "The greatest benefits of on-demand telemedicine is the ability to have access anywhere, anytime to healthcare," said Dr. Mark Rood, a family medicine practitioner. "It's the fastest way to access a provider."

But telemedicine has its limits, say experts. It's great for mild issues such as nonthreatening coronavirus symptoms, colds, allergies, and many digestive disorders. But if you have high fever, trouble breathing, broken bones, or severe pain, head for the doctor, urgent care clinic, or emergency room, says the AARP. And if you need a swab or culture, a remote consultation won't be sufficient. Your telemedicine provider will arrange for additional testing.

And of course, because you are using technology, you are vulnerable to electronic glitches and poor connections. Dr. Rood said that in most cases, tablets and smartphones are more reliable than computers.

But the AARP reported that the pandemic has definitely swung the pendulum toward more accessibility and popularity of remote medical services. In fact, a full 84% of patients said they would be more likely to select a provider that offers telemedicine over one that doesn't, according to a recent survey.