Teledermatology and Insurance Coverage – Frequently Asked Questions

As a result of the recent COVID-19 crisis, most insurance companies are now covering the cost of telehealth or teledermatology. APDerm and its dermatology centers implemented teledermatology after making the decision to close our practices to protect the safety and well being of our patients, employees, and the community. We understand that insurance coverage is often confusing and frustrating.  It is our hope that some of the answers below will help to clarify some of your questions.

Question: Do all insurance carriers cover telederm?  

Answer:  Most insurance carriers are covering Telederm visits during this time of the COVID-19 crisis.  Some carriers are only covering Telederm visits if your individual plan has this benefit.  We encourage patients to contact their insurance company to verify if Telemedicine is an included benefit in their plan.

Question: Does APDerm accept all insurances? 

Answer:  APDerm accepts most insurance carriers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.  Contact us today (978) 315-6320 to schedule a visit and verify if we accept your insurance.

 Question: Do I need a referral?

Answer:  Yes, if your insurance plan requires you to have a referral, you should still obtain a referral prior to your visit with APDerm.

Question: What is the process of getting approval?

Answer:  The approval process for getting a referral is the same as it has always been.  If you need a referral, contact your PCP to have them submit a referral.  If your PCP is not open during this crisis, we encourage you to contact your insurance company to obtain direction on getting a referral.

Question: Are the co-pays different? 

Answer:  Some major payers, such as, BCBS, UHC, Aetna, Cigna, Fallon and others, are waiving copays and deductibles during the COVID-19 crisis.  Some plans, such as, self-funded or high deductible health plans, are still required to pay copays and deductibles.  We encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to check the status of copays specific to your plan.

 Question: Do you think insurance will cover teledermatology after the crisis?

 Answer:  Teledermatology was a covered benefit, if an added benefit on your plan, before the crisis, but in limited situations.  We expect the insurance carriers to revert to their original Telemedicine policies once the national crisis is over.

Question: What does APDerm need from me to set-up my appointment?

Answer:  If you are an existing patient of APDerm, all we need to set up your appointment is to verify your name, phone number, email address, and insurance information.  If you are a new patient with APDerm, we will require the same information as above as well as pictures of your problem area/concern, to schedule an appointment.

For more information about telehealth and Medicare please visit https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth.  Or for more information on our Teledermatology service, please visit our Telederm page.

We’re here to help if you have more questions about insurance or would like to schedule a teledermatology appointment please call (978) 315-6320 or complete the form below.