A virtual health visit is a medical appointment you can have from home using your computer, smartphone, or tablet, making it possible to speak with a health care provider in a different location. VNSNY CHOICE Total (HMO D-SNP) partners with Inovalon, a company that makes their health care providers available for these virtual health visits with you.

There is no out-of-pocket cost to you. Virtual health visits are a benefit of your membership in CHOICE Total (HMO D-SNP).

A virtual health visit lets you meet with an Inovalon health care provider to talk about your health history, your medications, and any health concerns that you may have. You will still need to see your own doctors in person for tests, screenings, shots, and other procedures that you normally get. A virtual health visit is good when you do not need a procedure but just need to speak with a provider about your health.

No, you do not. Each visit is protected and secure. In addition, Inovalon is bound by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to protect, preserve, and maintain the confidentiality of any protected health information you share with providers.

You can join using your computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or iPhone or Android smartphone. When you sign up for a visit, you will be sent a link. Before your appointment, click on the link, which will take you to an online “waiting room.”  The Inovalon provider will start your visit at the scheduled time.

If you are using a laptop or a desktop computer, no download is needed. When using your smartphone or tablet for your first visit, you may be prompted to download Google Meet if you don’t already have that app. In that case, you will need to go to the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android phones. You will just need to enter your password to begin the download. The app is free.

The Inovalon provider will ask you about your health history, review your medications, and discuss any health concerns that you may have. It’s a good idea to have a list of your current medications in front of you. You should also tell the provider if you are using any monitoring devices to manage your chronic health conditions.

Please plan to join 5 minutes before the scheduled appointment. This will allow you time to follow the link, arrive in the “waiting room,” and prepare to meet with the provider.

You can join from the comfort of your home or from another private and quiet area where you will not be disturbed.

Please do not join your visit while driving or from a place where it’s difficult to hear.

Please make sure your device is well charged or connected to a power source before your visit.

The provider is fully focused on you during the visit and is not distracted. The provider may appear to look away from the screen so that they can take notes on your visit.

Please contact virtual health visit support at 1-833-398-0306 (TTY: 711), Monday–Friday, 8 am–8 pm (ET), to speak with a service representative for assistance.