Co-pay is required before making a telehealth appointment

Dr. Roach: My sister was trying to make a telehealth appointment with her primary care physician. The receptionist called her back to inform her that she needed to pay a copay of $30 for the appointment first. I didn't know that this was the new norm for these. Is this true? — M.S.

Answer: It is often the case that people need to pay a co-pay to see their primary care doctors, either for an in-person or telehealth visit. There are some exceptions depending on insurance, and sometimes an "annual checkup" doesn't include a copay.

I looked at several insurance companies, and some of them have a higher co-pay for a primary care visit, while others have a higher co-pay for an urgent care visit. Personally I think you are better off with your own primary care doctor who knows you, which woul