Best Online Therapy That Takes Medicare — Eligibility Guide

best online therapy that takes medicare — find step-by-step eligibility, coverage details, and a practical verification workflow so Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers can locate and enroll in online counseling that truly accepts Medicare.

Quick summary — who this guide is for and what you’ll learn

This guide is for U.S.-based Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and clinicians who need a clear, Medicare-specific path to find and verify online therapy that accepts Medicare. You’ll get a concise explanation of coverage rules, the provider types who can bill Medicare, step-by-step verification tools (including scripts and templates), and troubleshooting for billing and appeals.

• TL;DR: If you have Original Medicare (Part A/B), many outpatient mental health visits via telehealth are billable under Part B when provided by Medicare-enrolled clinicians; Medicare Advantage (Part C) can add telehealth benefits but may limit networks.
• Learn how to check provider enrollment (NPI/PTAN), confirm telehealth service codes and modifiers, and use scripts and templates to verify acceptance before you book.
• Includes printable verification checklist, appeal letter outline, and real-world case examples to follow.

Transition: First we’ll cover essential Medicare and telehealth rules you need to understand before searching for providers.

How Medicare and telehealth work for mental health — essential basics

Medicare Part B covers many outpatient mental health services, including telehealth sessions, when provided by Medicare-enrolled mental health clinicians and billed with appropriate CPT/HCPCS and place-of-service codes. Telehealth policies changed substantially after the COVID-19 public health emergency; some flexibilities remain, but rules differ between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Below is a short stat block and then detailed guidance.

According to a 2024 CMS guidance update, telehealth for outpatient mental health continues to be an approved modality for many services under Medicare Part B, but specific codes, place-of-service designations, and modifier use remain critical for claims processing (source: CMS policy pages).

Medicare Parts explained for therapy: Part A vs Part B vs Advantage

1. Medicare Part A (Hospital insurance) — covers inpatient psychiatric hospital stays in specific settings. Most routine outpatient therapy (including telehealth counseling) is NOT billed to Part A except when part of an inpatient stay.
2. Medicare Part B (Medical insurance) — primary payer for outpatient mental health services, including eligible telehealth visits, psychotherapy, and diagnostic assessments provided by eligible professionals who bill Medicare.
3. Medicare Advantage (Part C) — plans provided by private insurers that must cover at least what Original Medicare covers but can add supplemental telehealth benefits, change network rules, and require prior authorization or plan-specific billing processes.

Transition: Next, we’ll walk through how telehealth policy has evolved and what rules currently apply.

Telehealth policy timeline and current CMS rules (what changed after COVID)

Telehealth rules expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Some changes were temporary waivers; others were made permanent or extended. Below is a simplified timeline of key shifts.

• 2020: CMS implemented broad telehealth waivers allowing more provider types and originating sites, and permitted patients to receive telehealth at home nationwide (temporary PHE flexibilities).
• 2021–2023: CMS extended many telehealth flexibilities and added permanent updates to allow certain mental health services via telehealth under Part B with defined CPT/HCPCS codes and modifiers.
• As of June 2026: Some audio-only allowances and originating site flexibilities remain subject to CMS rulemaking and annual updates — always check current CMS pages for the latest status (source: CMS.gov).

According to a 2025 industry report on telehealth utilization, teletherapy use among Medicare beneficiaries increased significantly during the PHE and stabilized at higher-than-pre-2020 levels, supporting teletherapy’s continued role in outpatient mental healthcare (source: peer-reviewed telehealth study summary).

Transition: With the policy context in hand, the next section lists which provider types can bill Medicare for online therapy and the caveats for each.

Which provider types can bill Medicare for online therapy?

The following mental health provider types commonly provide online therapy services that can be billed to Medicare if they are Medicare-enrolled and practicing within their licensed scope. Telehealth reimbursement and billing privileges vary by provider type and must be verified on a provider’s enrollment record.

• Psychiatrists — MD/DO physicians can bill Medicare for telepsychiatry, including medication management and psychotherapy, using physician CPT codes; they may supervise other clinicians billing Medicare.
• Psychologists — clinical psychologists (PhD/PsyD) can bill Medicare for psychotherapy and certain diagnostic services; check whether they accept Medicare assignment.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) — LCSWs often bill Medicare for psychotherapy under Part B when enrolled and credentialed with Medicare.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) — coverage depends on state licensure and Medicare-enrollment status; historically fewer LMFTs enrolled in Medicare, but enrollment is possible for qualified practitioners.
• Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (LMHP) / Licensed Professional Counselors — some counselor types can bill Medicare if they meet enrollment criteria and are permitted by CMS; check the provider’s Medicare enrollment record.
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) and Clinical Nurse Specialists — can provide and bill for telehealth mental health services if enrolled and operating within state scope-of-practice rules.

If your needs include family or group formats, review our practical guide to online group therapy for families to see how group services may be billed or managed under Medicare.

For medication management and telepsychiatry details, see our guide to online psychiatrists.

For specialty services such as anger management via telehealth, consult our anger management online therapy guide.

Options for family therapy delivered online, and how Medicare may handle family sessions, are in our online family therapy guide.

Differences in scope of practice and billing privileges

• Provider credentialing: A clinician must be a Medicare-enrolled provider with an active NPI and, where applicable, a PTAN to bill Medicare directly.
• Supervising physician: Some non-physician clinicians bill incident-to services under a supervising physician, which affects billing and beneficiary cost-sharing.
• State licensure + federal enrollment: Telehealth across state lines may be limited by state licensing and Medicare enrollment location; confirm both the provider’s license and Medicare enrollment address.

Transition: Understanding coverage nuance is crucial — next we explain what Medicare covers and where limits apply.

Does Medicare cover online therapy? Coverage nuances and limitations

Short answer: Yes, Medicare covers many outpatient mental health services delivered via telehealth under Medicare Part B, when provided by Medicare-enrolled providers using approved CPT/HCPCS codes and following CMS telehealth guidance. Coverage nuance depends on service type, provider enrollment, and whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Covered via Medicare Part B	Often Not Covered / Limited
Individual psychotherapy with Medicare-enrolled psychiatrists, psychologists, LCSWs billed with standard psychotherapy CPT codes (e.g., 90832-90838) when telehealth-eligible.	Group psychotherapy by some provider types without clear Medicare enrollment or when group format isn’t recognized for telehealth under certain plan rules.
Medication management by psychiatrists and other prescribers enrolled in Medicare, billed with appropriate E/M or psychiatry codes.	Consumer teletherapy platforms that do not enroll providers with Medicare or do not accept assignment to Medicare.
Psychiatric diagnostic evaluations and some testing when provided remotely and billed appropriately.	Non-covered ancillary services or apps sold separately (e.g., premium content or self-help modules) if billed outside approved Medicare codes.

According to CMS FAQs updated in 2025, telehealth coverage under Original Medicare remains contingent on code eligibility and provider enrollment status. Medicare Advantage plans may offer broader telehealth benefits, but they can also introduce network limits and prior authorization requirements (source: CMS.gov plan guidance).

Cost-sharing: copays, coinsurance, deductibles and examples

Medicare cost-sharing typically follows Part B rules for outpatient services. Below are three worked examples to illustrate beneficiary out-of-pocket costs.

1. Scenario A — Original Medicare Part B visit: A 45-minute psychotherapy session billed at Medicare-approved amount $150. After meeting the Part B deductible, beneficiary pays 20% coinsurance = $30. If the provider accepts assignment, no additional balance billing beyond coinsurance.
2. Scenario B — Medicare Advantage supplemental telehealth: Plan advertises $0 copay for telehealth behavioral health visits. Beneficiary pays $0 if session falls under supplemental benefit and provider is in-network, even if Original Medicare would have required coinsurance.
3. Scenario C — Provider does not accept assignment: Same $150 session; provider charges permitted charges above Medicare-approved amount — beneficiary may be responsible for higher balance billing; check enrollment and acceptance status first.

When Medicare Advantage (Part C) changes availability

Medicare Advantage plans can expand telehealth coverage, add supplemental benefits, and set network rules or prior authorization requirements. Always review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage and call member services to confirm teletherapy benefits and in-network provider lists for telehealth services.

Transition: Now that you know coverage basics, the next section gives a practical step-by-step verification workflow to find Medicare-accepting online therapists.

How to find online therapy that accepts Medicare — step-by-step verification (the practical workflow)

Below is a hands-on workflow you can follow immediately. Each step includes checkboxes, where-to-look instructions, and copy-ready scripts and email templates.

1. Check your Medicare coverage details and plan type (Part A/Part B vs Medicare Advantage).
2. Search for Medicare-enrolled providers and telehealth vendors (NPI Registry, PECOS, Medicare provider lookup).
3. Verify billing and telehealth acceptance directly with the provider using phone scripts and email templates provided below.
4. Confirm modality, platform security (HIPAA), and informed consent.
5. If the provider declines–follow appeal and alternate-path steps.

Step 1 — check your Medicare coverage details and plan type

• Find your Medicare card (shows Original Medicare — Part A and Part B) or plan ID for Medicare Advantage.
• Call your plan’s Member Services number on your card and ask: “Does my plan cover outpatient telehealth mental health/psychotherapy visits? Are there network restrictions or prior authorization requirements?”
• Checklist:
• [ ] Do I have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
• [ ] Do I have supplemental coverage or Medicaid that coordinates with Medicare?
• [ ] Do I know my Part B deductible status for the year?

Step 2 — search for Medicare-enrolled providers and telehealth vendors

Use these official lookup tools and directories to confirm enrollment and telehealth capability:

• Walkthrough: Searching the NPI Registry — visit NPI Registry. Enter the provider name or NPI. Look for the taxonomy (psychologist, LCSW, psychiatrist) and the practice address. Note the NPI and official practice location.
• Walkthrough: PECOS / Medicare Provider Enrollment — use PECOS or the Medicare Provider Enrollment pages to validate whether the clinician is enrolled and to identify PTAN if relevant.
• Medicare Care Compare (provider directory) — search at Medicare.gov Care Compare for facility and provider details including telehealth offerings where listed.

Example steps (annotated):

1. Open NPI Registry. Search by clinician name or practice name.
2. Record the clinician’s NPI. Confirm taxonomy matches the expected provider type (e.g., Clinical Psychologist: 103T00000X).
3. Cross-check the enrolled address and whether the clinician lists a Medicare enrollment or PTAN via PECOS if available.

According to CMS resources (accessed 2026), an NPI does not by itself prove Medicare enrollment, but it is the identifier you will use when confirming Medicare billing status via PECOS and provider communications (source: CMS.gov).

Step 3 — verify billing and telehealth acceptance with scripts and email templates

Before scheduling, use the scripts below to confirm the provider will bill Medicare, accept assignment, and support telehealth modality you need.

Sample phone script — verify Medicare acceptance

“Hello, my name is [Beneficiary Name]. I have Medicare [Original Medicare Part B / Medicare Advantage — state plan]. I’m calling to confirm whether [Provider Name] is Medicare-enrolled and will bill my Medicare plan for telehealth psychotherapy sessions. Can you confirm the clinician’s NPI and PTAN, whether you accept assignment, and which telehealth platforms you use?”

• Ask: “Which CPT/HCPCS codes do you bill for 50-minute psychotherapy sessions (e.g., 90837) and do you use modifier -95 or place-of-service 02?”
• Ask: “If I have Medicare Advantage, do you accept my plan’s network ID?”
• Record answers and agent name/date/time.

Sample verification email (copy-ready)

Subject: Medicare telehealth billing verification — [Patient Name]

Hello [Office Manager/Intake Team],

I am a Medicare beneficiary (or caregiver for [Patient Name]). Before scheduling a telehealth appointment, please confirm the following:

1. Is [Clinician Name] enrolled in Medicare and able to bill Medicare Part B or my Medicare Advantage plan?
2. Clinician NPI: __________ ; PTAN (if applicable): __________
3. Do you accept Medicare assignment or in-network terms for my plan (Plan name: __________ ; Member ID: __________ )?
4. Which CPT/HCPCS codes and telehealth modifiers do you use for psychotherapy (e.g., 90832/90834/90837; modifier -95; place-of-service 02)?
5. Which telehealth platform do you use and is audio-only accepted if needed?

Please reply with documentation or the clinician’s enrollment details.

Thank you,
[Your Name] • [Phone] • [Medicare ID (only last 4 digits here)]

Tip: Ask for the clinician’s NPI and PTAN in writing — screenshot or email — and confirm the office’s billing claims contact and whether they accept assignment.

Step 4 — confirm session modality, platform security, and informed consent

• [ ] Confirm platform name (Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me, vendor private platform) and ask if the platform is HIPAA-compliant and encrypted.
• [ ] Confirm whether sessions will be audio-video or audio-only and whether audio-only is acceptable for billing under your plan.
• [ ] Request an informed consent form for telehealth that explains privacy, emergency protocols, and state licensure.
• [ ] Ensure the provider documents place-of-service and any modifiers on claims (ask which CPT/HCPCS codes they’ll use).

Step 5 — what to do if a provider says “no” / appeal paths

1. If refused because they aren’t Medicare-enrolled, ask if they will bill your Medicare Advantage plan as in-network.
2. If a claim is denied later, request an itemized EOB and follow the Medicare appeal process (redetermination, reconsideration, ALJ hearing if needed).
3. Contact your plan’s Member Services for guidance on in-network telehealth vendors or to request exceptions.

Transition: Use the comparison criteria below to weigh options once you have a shortlist of Medicare-accepting teletherapy providers.

Comparison criteria: evaluating Medicare-accepted online therapy providers and platforms

When comparing Medicare-accepting providers and platforms, use a consistent set of criteria to evaluate suitability, cost, and continuity of care.

• Network participation: Is the provider in-network for your Medicare Advantage plan or enrolled with Original Medicare?
• Provider qualifications: Check license, NPI, specialties (e.g., CBT, geriatric psychiatry), and whether they provide medication management.
• Continuity of care: Can the same clinician provide in-person visits if needed? Is there a backup clinician for emergencies?
• Platform features: Is video encrypted? Are sessions recorded? Is there crisis support or same-day access?
• Cost to beneficiary: Copay/coinsurance, deductible status, potential balance billing.
• Regulatory fit: Does the provider comply with HIPAA and state telehealth rules for cross-state practice?

Comparison table template (use this to print or copy into a spreadsheet):

Provider/Platform	Medicare Acceptance Type	Provider Types	Cost to Beneficiary	Notes
[Provider A]	Original Medicare (Part B) — accepts assignment	Psychiatrist, Psychologist	20% coinsurance after deductible	Offers same-day appointments; encrypted platform
[Provider B]	Medicare Advantage in-network only	LCSW, LMFT	$0 copay (plan benefit)	Requires prior auth for medication management
[Provider C]	Not Medicare-enrolled — private pay	Licensed counselor	Private fee; may submit superbill	Offers sliding scale; not billable to Medicare

For an evaluation of a major consumer teletherapy platform and how it compares to Medicare-accepting options, read our BetterHelp review.

Transition: The following section outlines real-world pathways Medicare beneficiaries have used to access teletherapy.

Common pathways to access Medicare-covered online therapy (real-world options)

Here are the most common pathways beneficiaries use to access Medicare-covered teletherapy, plus three anonymized case examples demonstrating practical routes.

• Community mental health centers with federally qualified status that accept Medicare and offer telehealth.
• Private practices where clinicians are Medicare-enrolled and bill Part B for teletherapy visits.
• Medicare Advantage plans that contract with telehealth vendors and provide in-network teletherapy options.
• VA and TRICARE systems are separate — beneficiaries with VA or TRICARE benefits should consult those systems directly for telehealth eligibility.

If you live near Dallas and want local telehealth resources that coordinate with Medicare-enrolled providers, see our online therapy in Dallas guide.

If you prefer providers serving the Upper Kirby area who may accept Medicare, consult our Upper Kirby online counseling guide.

For readers in the Austin area, our local teletherapy guide helps identify Medicare-enrolled clinicians nearby: online therapy in Austin.

For personalized counseling services tailored to children, adolescents, and adults, including those seeking options compatible with Medicare coverage, consider exploring specialized providers. You can find more information about comprehensive online therapy Texas services that may align with Medicare requirements and offer holistic support.

Case example 1 — Private practice that accepts Original Medicare

Mrs. R, age 72, used the NPI Registry to find a local psychologist, called the office with the script above, confirmed they accept Part B and accept assignment, and scheduled weekly teletherapy sessions billed under CPT 90834. She pays 20% coinsurance after meeting her Part B deductible.

Case example 2 — Medicare Advantage member using a vendor

Mr. L, on a Medicare Advantage HMO, contacted Member Services and was directed to an in-network telehealth vendor contracted by the plan. The vendor’s clinicians were in-network; sessions had a $0 copay listed in the plan’s EOC. He confirmed clinician NPI and telehealth platform security before starting.

Case example 3 — Community mental health clinic

Ms. T, dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, found a community mental health clinic that offers telehealth and bills Medicare Part B and Medicaid as secondary. The clinic provided an informed consent form and documented telehealth place-of-service details for claims.

Transition: If billing goes wrong, here is a practical guide to resolve denials and get claims paid.

Billing, claims, and troubleshooting denials — practical tips for beneficiaries and caregivers

When a teletherapy claim is denied, quick documentation and follow-up increase the chance of successful resolution. Below is a structured troubleshooting guide with an appeal letter outline.

1. Collect documentation: EOB, itemized claim, clinician name/NPI/PTAN, dates of service, copies of emails where acceptance was confirmed.
2. Contact the provider’s billing department to request a corrected claim (ask whether modifier -95, place-of-service 02, or other telehealth modifiers were included).
3. Contact your plan’s Member Services to identify reason for denial (e.g., provider not enrolled, service not covered, wrong modifier).
4. File an appeal (Original Medicare redetermination or Medicare Advantage internal appeal). Timelines: redetermination requests usually must be filed within 120 days of the initial determination — check your plan/EOB for exact deadlines.

Common claim codes and modifiers to verify: CPT psychotherapy codes 90832/90834/90837; psychiatric diagnostic evaluation codes; modifier -95 (synchronous telemedicine service rendered via synchronous interactive audio and video) or place-of-service 02 depending on provider billing policy. Ask the provider which they will use.

Appeal letter outline (copy-ready)

[Date]

Plan Name / Medicare Redetermination Unit
[Address on EOB]

Re: Appeal of Denied Telehealth Claim
Patient: [Name] • Medicare ID: [••••]
Provider: [Name] • NPI: [NPI]
Dates of Service: [dates]
Claim Number: [claim #]

I am requesting redetermination for denial dated [date]. The service was a telehealth psychotherapy session that I confirmed in advance would be billed to Medicare by [Provider Name]. Enclosed: EOB, provider verification email, screenshot of NPI registry, and clinician informed consent. Please reprocess and allow coverage under Medicare Part B per applicable telehealth codes.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] • [Contact]

According to CMS appeals guidance (updated 2025), beneficiaries have staged appeal rights (redetermination, reconsideration, ALJ) for Original Medicare; Medicare Advantage appeal rules follow a different internal process — retain deadlines and documentation (source: Medicare.gov).

Transition: Security and quality matter — here’s what to ask before starting online therapy.

Security, quality standards, and what to ask before starting online therapy

Ensure safety, privacy, and clinical quality by asking these questions and confirming the provider follows standards.

• Is the video platform HIPAA-compliant and encrypted? (Ask for vendor name and a statement of HIPAA compliance.)
• Will sessions be audio-video or audio-only, and is audio-only reimbursed by my plan?
• Is the clinician licensed in my state? (If out-of-state, ask about licensure and legal telehealth arrangements.)
• What outcome measures or progress tracking will you use? How will crisis situations be handled?
• Does the clinician accept Medicare assignment, and what CPT/HCPCS codes and modifiers will be used on claims?

For clinical standards and scope-of-practice references, see guidance from the American Psychological Association and specialty recommendations on telehealth practice (source: APA policy pages).

Transition: Use the quick checklist below to finalize your decision and keep a printable verification record.

Quick decision checklist + printable verification template (downloadable)

Print or copy this checklist to bring to phone calls or keep in your records. Caregivers can use it to keep calls organized.

• [ ] Confirm Medicare coverage type (Original Part B vs Medicare Advantage)
• [ ] Record provider name, NPI, and PTAN (if provided)
• [ ] Confirm acceptance of Medicare assignment or in-network status
• [ ] Confirm CPT/HCPCS codes, modifiers (-95/02), and place-of-service
• [ ] Confirm telehealth platform and HIPAA compliance
• [ ] Get verification in writing (email screenshot or intake note)
• [ ] Save EOBs and any prior authorizations

Short instructions for caregivers: Always take the name of the billing rep, date/time of the call, and save emails. If in doubt, request that the office confirm acceptance in writing and attach that to any claim or appeal.

Transition: Below are curated resources and links to official guidance and professional organizations to help you follow up.

Resources and next steps (links to CMS, Medicare.gov, professional bodies, and internal resources)

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — official policy, coverage updates, and provider enrollment information (search telehealth policy pages).
• Medicare.gov — beneficiary-facing resources, appeals process, and Care Compare.
• NPI Registry — search clinicians by name or NPI to collect identifiers.
• PECOS / Medicare Provider Enrollment — provider enrollment and PTAN verification tool.
• American Psychological Association (APA) — telehealth clinical standards and practice recommendations.
• For cross-border telehealth considerations, see our overview of online therapy options in Canada.
• For a broader overview of teletherapy options and state-specific resources, see our Online Therapy Texas Guide to Virtual Counseling Services.

Time-sensitive note: Medicare telehealth rules have evolved since 2020; the coverage and billing guidance above references CMS sources current as of June 2026. Verify CMS and plan documents for the most recent updates. This guide is informational and not legal or billing advice.

Transition: For clarity, a glossary of key terms follows.

Conclusion: You now have a Medicare-specific, step-by-step workflow to find and verify online therapy that accepts Medicare, plus scripts, templates, and troubleshooting tools. Start by confirming your plan type and saving provider enrollment identifiers (NPI/PTAN), then use the verification scripts before scheduling. Contact CMS or your plan for case-specific questions and revisit official CMS guidance regularly.

Call to action: Ready to start? Use the printable checklist above, run the provider NPI search, and use the sample phone script to confirm Medicare acceptance before booking your first session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does “online therapy that takes Medicare” mean?

“Online therapy that takes Medicare” means teletherapy services provided by a Medicare-enrolled clinician that are billed to Medicare Part B (or covered through a Medicare Advantage plan), using approved CPT/HCPCS codes and proper telehealth modifiers so the claim can be processed by Medicare or the plan.

How can I tell if my Medicare plan covers teletherapy sessions with a psychologist or social worker?

Check your Medicare card or plan ID, call Member Services, and ask whether outpatient telehealth psychotherapy is covered under Part B or your Medicare Advantage plan; request details on network restrictions, copays, and any prior authorization requirements in writing.

How do I verify that an online therapist is enrolled in Medicare before booking an appointment?

Search the provider in the NPI Registry and PECOS to record their NPI and enrollment status, then call the provider using a verification script to confirm they will bill Medicare, accept assignment, and provide their PTAN if applicable.

Can Medicare Advantage plans cover online therapy even if Original Medicare doesn’t?

Yes. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can offer supplemental telehealth benefits beyond Original Medicare, but they may require in-network providers, prior authorization, or different cost-sharing — always confirm in the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.

How much will I pay out of pocket for a Medicare-covered online therapy visit?

Under Original Medicare Part B you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible; Medicare Advantage plans may offer lower copays or $0 telehealth copays depending on plan benefits.

What should I do if my teletherapy claim is denied by Medicare?

Collect documentation (EOB, provider verification, NPI/PTAN), ask the provider’s billing department to resubmit corrected claims, and file an appeal or redetermination within the timeline on your EOB; follow your plan’s appeal process for Medicare Advantage.

Are online therapy platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace likely to accept Medicare?

Most consumer platforms do not directly bill Medicare because their clinicians may not all be Medicare-enrolled; verify individually and check whether the platform’s participating clinicians will bill Medicare or provide superbills for possible reimbursement.

How can I be sure my online therapy sessions are secure and HIPAA-compliant?

Ask the provider which telehealth platform they use, request a statement that it is HIPAA-compliant and encrypted, and review the provider’s telehealth informed consent that outlines privacy, recordkeeping, and emergency procedures.