Millions of Americans regularly search the internet for symptoms in an effort to figure out what type of health condition they’re dealing with. Unfortunately, these attempts to self-diagnose an illness are rarely successful. Instead of trying to figure out what might be wrong on your own, consider scheduling a doctor’s visit – except instead of setting up a traditional appointment, schedule one with an online doctor instead.
Online doctors are available through reputable sites now, and these doctors are just as qualified as doctors you meet in person. They’re also able to write digital prescriptions for common ailments and submit them to your pharmacy. If you’re in need of a doctor’s professional opinion, consider about visiting an online doctor. But first, it’s important that you make certain the site you choose is reputable. Here are the best virtual doctor services we’ve found online.
1. Amwell
Amwell offers a virtual urgent care service that’s available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. You can access Amwell from anywhere via your mobile device or computer. Amwell doctors are board-certified and have an average of 15 years of experience.
Enrollment takes just one minute. You’ll be asked questions about your health history and your concerns. You can then choose from a list of doctors. Your visit will be conducted using high-quality streaming video. The cost for a visit is $59, and it may be less if you have insurance. The doctors are able to help with many common ailments, including acne, conjunctivitis, flu, sinus infections, and many others. Your online doctor can send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy along with recommendations for over-the-counter medications to treat your condition.
2. HealthTap
HealthTap offers different levels of telemedicine, which makes it different than some of its competitors. The service offers access to a library of thousands of medical articles written by experts, making the information far more reliable than your own simple Google searches. You can also request a consultation or a referral.
HealthTap uses an online triage system and charges more for in-depth care. HealthTap offers a free membership, which allows you to read articles in its library – but you can’t meet with doctors free of any cost. The company’s prime membership costs $99 per month, while doctor visits cost between $44 and $49 each. The doctors on HealthTap can send prescriptions to your pharmacy and the company has partnered with Quest Diagnostics, allowing doctors to order labs. HealthTap is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
3. VirtuWell
VirtuWell is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Virtuwell is staffed by board-certified nurse practitioners instead of doctors. While these medical professionals aren’t doctors, they do have Masters of Science degrees in nursing, are able to prescribe medications, and can help people with 60 different common ailments.
The cost for an appointment with a CNP at Virtuwell is $49, and a follow-up visit is included in the price you pay. With insurance, the cost can be lower. If your nurse practitioner can’t solve your problem or diagnose your illness, you won’t be charged for the visit at all.
4. Walgreens MD Live
In 2014, Walgreens and MD Live announced a partnership for Walgreens customers to have access to board-certified virtual doctors any day, any time. The service was initially only available in two states, but it is now available in all states except for North Dakota, Louisiana, Georgia, Vermont, New Jersey, and Delaware. Just hop online to get started from home.
A consultation with a board-certified doctor on Walgreens MD Live costs $49. The visits can be completed on your mobile device or computer via video chat, and the doctors are able to help you with many common ailments. The doctors can write prescriptions, but they are for pickup at Walgreens only. You must also register for the Walgreens app.
5. TelaDoc
TelaDoc was among the very first telemedicine providers in the U.S. and is available throughout the nation. Doctors are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Services are provided for a broad range of conditions and several disciplines, including general health issues, dermatology, therapy, and smoking cessation. It takes minutes to sign up and to download the app, and the average wait time to speak to a board-certified doctor is 10 minutes.
TelaDoc charges $40 for a general medicine consultation. The cost of an initial psychiatric consultation is $160, and ongoing appointments are $90. Therapists and psychologists cost $80 per visit. You can use your insurance to lower these costs further if you have it.
Get Started with a Virtual Doctor
The availability of virtual doctor services promises to transform medicine. If you’re unable to go to your doctor and are suffering from a common ailment (one that isn’t an emergency), one of these telemedicine providers can offer you a safe, effective option for getting the care you need.
Before you begin using virtual doctors, make sure you do your research to determine whether or not they’re truly a qualified and skilled medical professional. You don’t want to run the risk of putting your health in dangerous hands. Don’t forget to check your insurance coverage before a virtual doctor’s appointment too – you could save significantly if your insurance covers these visits, prescriptions, and follow-ups.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.
