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Not every medical appointment requires an in-person visit – and that's where telehealth can help. Telehealth means using a computer, phone or other device to provide or access health care and medical advice. Video visits are the main telehealth tool used at UCSF.
A video visit saves you the time and hassle of "getting there." You can see and speak with your UCSF health care provider from home, your office, your car or elsewhere. All you need is an internet connection, a MyChart account, and a phone, tablet or computer with access to Zoom.
UCSF second opinion program: Our specialists typically see patients in person when providing a second opinion about a complex medical issue or difficult decision about treatment. But in some cases, a video consultation about the diagnosis or treatment plan is allowed.
Virtual care from our clinics
Video visits are offered by more than 120 UCSF clinics, for hundreds of conditions. Our providers see patients online for primary care, follow-up visits (including post-surgical follow-up), mental health services, pain management, medication monitoring and more.
Of course, not every medical issue can be taken care of remotely. Your clinic will determine whether a video visit is right for you.
Video visits: What to expect
Instead of going in person, you see and speak to your doctor or other health care provider from home, work or another convenient location. At least five minutes before the scheduled time, you log in for your visit and spend the same amount of time with your provider that you normally would.
In these visits, providers can evaluate symptoms, make diagnoses, recommend treatments, and adjust and prescribe medication. If it turns out that your medical needs can't be managed virtually, they'll recommend scheduling an in-person visit.
How to request and set up video visits: The basics
Follow these easy steps. If you're new to this and need more help, see "How to set up a video visit: Details for new users," below:
- Contact your clinic to request an appointment.
- Download the UCSF MyChart app to your device (if you haven't already done so).
- In MyChart, view your appointment instructions and prepare your device for a video visit.
- Test your device. Your connection is successful when you can see yourself on-screen.
- Begin the MyChart check-in process at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.
- Join the video visit at least 5 minutes before your appointment time. You'll be placed in a waiting room, and the provider will admit you when ready.
- For help, call MyChart customer service at (415) 514-6000.
How to set up a video visit: Details for new users
You can use a phone, tablet or computer (any device with an integrated camera). You'll also need Zoom (video conferencing software) on your device and a MyChart account. If you haven't done this before, get set up and test it at least a day ahead of time.
Video Visit Guide: Need help setting up and checking in for your Zoom visit? Our user-friendly guide makes it easy. You'll find videos with step-by-step visuals and clear, spoken instructions for using Zoom on your phone, tablet, or PC or Mac computer. For more help, call MyChart customer service, available 24/7 at (415) 514-6000.
Insurance coverage for video visits
Here's how it works, by insurance type:
- Patients with private insurance plans. California law requires private insurers to treat video visits the same as in-person office visits. Your plan's reimbursement for a video visit should be the same as for an in-person visit; co-pays and deductibles apply.
- Patients with Medi-Cal. Video visits are covered.
- Patients with Medicare. Medicare will cover video visits through March 31, 2025. (Medicare may have informed you that coverage for video visits would end on Dec. 31, 2024, but Congress has extended it through March 2024.) Check back here before April 1 to see whether that coverage has been extended further.