Can I See a Telehealth Doctor for Diabetes?

Telehealth services for medical conditions continue to expand. That’s good news for people living with diabetes. According to a 2019 study published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health, people with diabetes who used telehealth to manage the condition had lower HbA1c levels and better outcomes overall than people who used traditional care.

If you’ve been considering telehealth for diabetes, here’s what you need to know about getting virtual care for the condition.

Can you get treatment for diabetes from an online doctor?

Telehealth offers people with diabetes a wide range of services. These include:

• Overall management

• Education

• Monitoring of glucose levels

• Prescription adjustments and refills

• Text alerts with reminders to check glucose levels

• Educational text messages

• Follow-up checkups

• Monitoring for pregnant women with gestational diabetes

• Monitoring for patients with retinopathy (eye damage caused by diabetes)

• Training for devices used to manage diabetes

For the most part, you can manage diabetes without in-person visits. However, some providers may want your first visit to be in person. The only other time you may need to see a doctor in their office is if you have a “comorbid” or additional condition. For example, if your diabetes has resulted in eye damage, you will probably need to meet with an eye doctor regularly.

Can an online doctor prescribe medication for diabetes?

Yes, online doctors can prescribe your diabetes medications and refills. They can also adjust the dosage or change your medications. Prescriptions and refills for common diabetes drugs such as metformin, insulin aspart, and insulin lispro are available from telehealth providers including GoodRx Care.

Is it possible to get tested and diagnosed for diabetes through telehealth?

While many healthcare providers prefer to test and diagnose patients in person, you can do it all through telehealth. That’s because companies such as LetsGetChecked can send kits to your home to evaluate your glucose levels. You simply follow the instructions and record the results. An online doctor can evaluate the results and then chat with you online to discuss treatment options.

How much does telehealth treatment for diabetes cost?

The cost for telehealth treatment for diabetes can run anywhere from $15 with a GoodRx code on Sesame to $199 with online provider One Medical. Visit our Diabetes Treatments page for a list of online providers and fees.

Is online treatment for diabetes covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans cover online treatment for diabetes. But always check with your health plan first before scheduling a virtual visit. Keep in mind that some telehealth providers may not take insurance.

For Medicare and Medicaid members, the Trump administration expanded telehealth services to include diabetes in March 2020. Click here to learn more about telehealth benefits from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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How do I prepare for a telehealth diabetes appointment?

To get the most out of your virtual visit, it’s best to be prepared. Follow these steps:

1. Have the following information handy or send it to your provider’s office before your appointment:

• Recent A1c results

• Recent blood glucose readings

• Blood pressure

• Weight 

2. Prepare questions ahead of time about medications or new symptoms. If your visit is with a primary care physician, ask if you should seek follow-up care with an endocrinologist. 

3. Get your technology ready by testing your audio and video, making sure your device supports your provider’s platform, and checking in 10 to 15 minutes before your visit. Set up your device in a quiet room with a strong internet connection.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Dan Wagener, MA

Dan Wagener is an editor and writer with experience in healthcare, mental health, and prescription drug use and misuse. At GoodRx, he works on stories and reports on drug prices, prescription trends, mental health, telehealth, and consumer-focused topics such as copay cards.

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