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Walgreens virtual healthcare: online doctor & prescriptions.

Online doctor visits, on demand

See a doctor or nurse practitioner online, get a diagnosis and fill prescriptions, if needed, from the comfort of home.

Walk-ins welcome

How it works

Quickly connect with a clinician using our efficient intake process.

What condition can we help with?

Get high-quality care from U.S.-licensed doctors and nurse practitioners for nonemergency conditions.

Illness & infection

Women’s health

Allergy & asthma

Heart health

Sexual health.

Skin & hair

Urgent care

Type of visit: Video visit

Required for treatment: N/A

Live urgent care visits offer personalized discussions with a healthcare provider for a variety of conditions.

We recommend you see an in-person provider for your care if:

• You are experiencing chest pain or palpitations, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, facial droop or numbness, difficulty breathing, difficulty moving or feeling arms or legs, problems with your eyes (other than pink eye), or recently have fainted.
• You are seeking care for ear pain or dental pain.
• You are seeking care for a UTI and your sex assigned at birth is male
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are seeking controlled substances or durable medical equipment
• You are seeking a physical exam, lab work, or imaging orders
• You are seeking medications for pain, sleep, ADHD or anxiety
• If you are seeking care for strep throat, please note that based on recent clinical guidelines, in-person strep testing is required in many, but not all cases. We do not offer in-person strep testing; however, we can provide guidance on whether it would be appropriate based on your symptoms.

Commonly prescribed medications:

Varies based on patient symptoms. Recommended treatments may include online prescriptions, over-the-counter treatment recommendations, and/or self-care strategies.

Cough, Cold, Sinus Infection

You may be a good candidate for virtual care if:

• You are currently experiencing symptoms consistent with sinusitis, such as runny nose, stuffy nose or congestion
• You have had 3 or more sinus infections within the past year
• Your symptoms have been ongoing for more than 1 month or your symptoms have returned after having recently been treated for sinusitis with antibiotics
• You are having difficulty breathing that is unrelated to nasal congestion, you have pain or stiffness in your neck, changes in vision or a fever greater than 101°F

Depending on your symptoms, our providers may recommend prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, home remedies or seeking in-person care. Prescriptions may include antibiotics (such as Amoxicillin or Augmentin) for sinus infection, Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) for cough or other symptomatic treatments for colds.

Type of visit: Chat

Required for treatment: Photo of left and/or right eye

• You are experiencing symptoms consistent with pink eye, such as redness, itchiness and crusting of the eye(s)
• You wear contact lenses
• You have a recent history of trauma to the eye or concern about something in your eye
• You have had eye surgery within the past 2 months
• You are experiencing blurred, impaired, or changes in vision, sensitivity to light, flashing lights or floaters, headache with nausea, inability to open eye or keep it open, redness beyond the eye, pain or tenderness in or around the eye

Commonly prescribed medications: Antibiotic eye drops, such as Erythromycin, trimethoprim-polymyxin B and ofloxacin

Required for treatment: Photo of lips

If you are also experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes, please start a genital herpes visit where we can address both oral and genital herpes.

• You have a current oral cold sore outbreak
• You have had 3 or more cold sore outbreaks within the last year
• Your last outbreak was within the past 2 weeks
• You are seeking cold sore suppression/prevention treatment or refills

Commonly prescribed medications: Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famiclovir

Type of visit: Chat (ages 18–64); Video Visit (ages 18+)

Required for treatment: Photo of a positive COVID test result from within 5 days of first symptom (such as an at-home test, a test result from Walgreens or another healthcare provider)

• You are interested in a COVID treatment plan that may include Paxlovid
• You are able to upload a photo of your positive COVID test result and you are within 5 days of your first symptoms
• You are experiencing a fever of 103°F or greater, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest tightness, chest pain or wheezing, difficulty urinating, lower leg, ankle, or foot swelling, problems with memory and/or confusion, or problems eating/keeping down food or liquids
• You have hepatitis, cirrhosis, elevated liver enzymes or severe renal impairment

Commonly prescribed medications: Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir)

Typical number of refills if prescribed: 1 pack, 0 refills

Required for treatment: Photo of a positive flu test result. If you don’t have a positive flu test, you can schedule a Flu & COVID test at Walgreens.

If you were exposed to someone who tested positive for flu, such as a household member, and you have not been tested for flu, please select Video Visit and you can discuss treatment options with the provider.

• You are able to upload a photo of your positive flu test result with your name, date of birth and date. Or, you were in contact with someone who was diagnosed with flu and you are at high risk for complications from flu (please select Video Visit if you do not have a positive flu test result)
• You have had flu-like symptoms for less than 48 hours, you are at increased risk for complications from flu or you are in contact with someone who is immunocompromised

Commonly prescribed medications: Tamiflu (Oseltamivir)

Birth Control

Required for treatment: Documented blood pressure reading within the last 12 months, such as a photo of a medical record from a patient portal or an at-home blood pressure monitor reading. Photo should include your name, date of birth and date of reading. Don’t have a recent blood pressure reading? Get a blood pressure monitor from Walgreens with 30-minute Pickup or FREE 1-hour Delivery on orders $35+.

• You are interested in the following forms of birth control: oral pill, patch, vaginal ring, diaphragm and internal condoms, starting a new type of birth control or refilling your current form of birth control
• You are a biological female of reproductive age
• You can provide documentation of a blood pressure reading from within the past year
• You use tobacco and are 35 years or older
• You have a history of breast cancer, bariatric surgery, stroke, heart disease, cirrhosis or lupus
• You are seeking Depo-Provera, Phexxi, temporary menses delay, IUD or Nexplanon.

Commonly prescribed medications: Sprintec, Junel, Norethindrone (such as Ortho Micronor), Nuvaring

Typical number of refills if prescribed: One-year supply

Urinary tract infection

Type of visit: Video Visit

• You have had symptoms for less than 2 weeks (pain with peeing, urgent need to pee and/or frequent peeing)
• This is your first UTI in the past 3 months
• Your sex assigned at birth was female
• You are experiencing fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, flank, back, or abdominal pain or unusual vaginal discharge

Commonly prescribed medications: Macrobid, Bactrim, Cephalexin

Prescription Morning-After Pill

Type of visit: Chat or Video Visit, varies by state. Before you pay for your visit, we will let you know if we need to conduct a Video Visit in your state.

Required for treatment: Height and weight

• You are a biological female
• You had unprotected sex within the past 5 days
• You are vomiting
• You have a history of malabsorptive bariatric procedures

Commonly prescribed medications: Ella (ulipristal), Plan B (levonorgestrel)

Plan B and Ella are both safe and effective forms of emergency contraception that can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Both Plan B and Ella are more effective the sooner you take it.

Ella is only available via prescription and can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Ella is more effective than Plan B if your BMI is 30 or more. Ella is not effective if your BMI is 35 or more. Here is a link to calculate your BMI to determine if Ella may be right for you.

Plan B is available over the counter. It can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex. Plan B is most effective if your BMI is less than 25, and it is less effective if your BMI is 30 or greater.

If you think you may be pregnant, you can purchase a pregnancy test here.

Yeast Infection

• You are currently experiencing symptoms consistent with yeast infection, such as itchiness, burning and irritation of the vagina
• You have had a yeast infection in the past
• Your sex assigned at birth is female
• You are experiencing abdominal, pelvic or back pain
• You are experiencing nausea, vomiting, fever or chills
• You have a concern for STIs or bacterial infection
• You have visible vaginal lesions
• You experience recurrent yeast infections (4 or more per year)
• You have a recurrent yeast infection within 7 days of recent treatment
• You are seeking preventative treatment

Commonly prescribed medications: Fluconazole

Asthma medication refill

Required for treatment: Photo of your most recent asthma prescription (pill bottle, inhaler or medical record)

• You need a refill (30 day supply) of your most recent asthma medication
• You do not have a prior history of asthma
• You have poorly controlled asthma
• You are currently experiencing an asthma exacerbation
• You have concern for an underlying infection
• It has been more than 1 year since you have last had an asthma management visit with your PCP or specialist

Please note:

• We do not offer treatment adjustments
• We do not offer steroids for exacerbations
• Daily medications will only be refilled if you have been less than 2 weeks without medication
• Episodic medications (such as inhalers) will only be refilled if you have been less than 6 months without medication

Commonly prescribed medications: Albuterol inhaler refills, refills of your current daily medication for asthma

Typical number of refills if prescribed: 30 day supply with 0 refills per year

Patients may not receive more than one prescription every 12 months through this service

Seasonal Allergies

Required for treatment: Photos of eyes, nose and back of throat

• You have recurring seasonal allergy symptoms, which may impact the eyes, nose, sinuses and skin (such as clear nasal discharge, past history of seasonal or environmental allergies and seeking symtomatic relief) (If you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, we recommend seeking care through the Urgent Care visit or Cold, Cough, Sinus Infection visit.)
• You have eye or facial pain, fever or chills, are coughing up yellow or green phlegm, or have yellow or green drainage from the nose
• You are having a severe allergic reaction (such as, shortness of breath, wheezing, swollen lips or tongue)
• You may have a viral infection, eye injury, abrasion or ulceration
• You have a history of asthma

Commonly prescribed medications: Montelukast (Singulair), Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase), Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Providers may prescribe medications that are also available over-the-counter. OTC medications may not be covered by insurance and it may be cheaper to get medication through a prescription. Insurance coverage and pricing varies by plan. Typical number of refills if prescribed: Montelukast: 90 tablets, 1 refill

Blood Pressure Medication Refill

Required for treatment: Photo of current prescriptions for high blood pressure (picture of pill bottle(s) or medical record)

• You have been previously diagnosed with hypertension and are seeking a refill of your current medication
• You are on 3 or more high blood pressure medications
• You are experiencing headache, blurry vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, severe back pain, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, dry mouth or thirst, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, palpitations or racing heart
• You are seeking a refill of a blood thinner medication
• You have been off of your current medication for more than a week

Commonly prescribed medications: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Beta Blockers, & Calcium channel blockers, including combination pills

Typical number of refills if prescribed: We provide one 90-day refill within a 12 month period if your provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you. If you need another refill within 12 months, please follow up with your primary care provider.

Erectile dysfunction

Required for treatment:

• Proof of most recent ED prescription (photo of pill bottle or medical record)
• Proof of documented blood pressure reading within the last 12 months (such as a photo of a medical record from a patient portal or an at-home blood pressure monitor reading) Don’t have a recent blood pressure reading? Get a blood pressure monitor from Walgreens with 30-minute Pickup or FREE 1-hour Delivery on orders $35+.
• You have been previously diagnosed with erectile dysfunction and are overdue for a provider visit or need a refill of your medication
• You are a biological male
• You have a documented blood pressure reading within the last 12 months
• You can provide a photo of your most recent ED prescription (pill bottle or medical record)
• You have had elevated blood pressure in the past 12 months
• You have a family history of heart attack or heart disease in persons less than 55 years of age
• You have recently experienced chest pain, dizziness, fainting or seizures or have heart disease

Commonly prescribed medications: Cialis (tadalafil), Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil)

Typical number of refills if prescribed: 90 day supply with 3 refills. Early refills will not be provided.

Genital herpes

Required for treatment: Photo of your most recent prescription medication used for genital herpes

• You have a current outbreak of genital herpes
• You have previously been diagnosed and treated for genital herpes
• You are seeking genital herpes suppression/prevention treatment or refills
• This is your first genital outbreak
• There is concern for a concurrent bacterial infection
• You have atypical lesions on areas of the body that are not the genital or oral region
• You have lesions near the eye area
• You have neck pain, fever, severe headache, nausea or vomiting
• You have had 3 or more outbreaks within the last 12 months

Commonly prescribed medications: Valacyclovir tablet, Acyclovir tablet, Famciclovir tablet

Acne, anti-wrinkle & dark spots

Required for treatment: Photo of front of face, left side of face and right side of face

• You are interested in topical treatment for mild-moderate facial acne, wrinkles, or dark spots
• You have severe scarring, acne on multiple parts of your body or cystic acne
• You need the following prescriptions: isotretinoin (also known as Accutane, Zenatane, Absorica, Myorisan, Claravis, or Amnesteem), oral antibiotics or spironolactone

Commonly prescribed medications: Tretinoin (for acne & anti-wrinkle), Benzoyl Peroxide (for acne), Topical Clindamycin (for acne), Birth control (for hormonal acne), Hydroquinone (for dark spots)

Typical number of refills if prescribed: 2 refills

Men’s hair loss

• Photo of hairline and scalp
• You have male pattern balding (hair loss around your hairline and on the top of your head)
• You are interested in regrowing your hair or preventing future hair loss
• You have significant hair loss on other parts of your body
• You have pain, itching or burning of the scalp
• You have HIV, a weakened immune system, a rheumatological disorder or autoimmune diseases

Commonly prescribed medications: Propecia (finasteride); we do not prescribe Oral Minoxidil

Typical number of refills if prescribed: 90 day supply, 3 refills

When you need care now, not later

No appointment needed

Most visits start within 15 minutes of your request being submitted.

Extended hours, 7 days a week: 8 am-midnight EST (5 am-9 pm PST)

*Currently available in the following states: CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, NJ, NV, NC, OH, and TX.

Low & upfront fees

Transparent pricing before your visit with low-cost services from $33 to $75.

Pay with credit card, debit card, HSA or FSA card. Insurance currently not accepted.

Prepare for your visit

To begin your visit, you’ll need to:

• Upload a government-issued photo ID and your photo to verify your identity
• Answer a few medical questions to determine if this service is a good fit for your needs
• Enable your video camera and microphone access for treatments that require a live video visit
• Use the current version of Chrome, Firefox or Safari for best results when accessing the service

Prescriptions made easy

Frequently Asked Questions

• Start a visit request anytime. Select your treatment area and answer clinical intake interview questions regarding your condition. Some treatment areas require you to provide photos, for example, of the affected area or of a previously filled medication.
• The next available provider licensed in your state will send you a message through your patient portal when they are ready to connect. Doctors and nurse practitioners are available between the hours of 8 am to midnight EST (5 am to 9 pm PST), seven days a week. If you request a visit overnight, a provider will reach out to you as soon as they are available, which may be the following morning.
• To get started, click on a treatment area above to learn more about our visit types, what we treat and typical wait times.

All treatment areas require you to upload a government-issued photo ID, as well as a selfie, to verify your identity. All visits require patients to be age 18 or older. Each treatment area has unique requirements to receive care. Please click on a treatment area above to learn more about its requirements.

To access this service, you must be physically located in one of the following states at the time of the visit: CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, NC, NJ, NV, OH, or TX. Please check back soon to learn where we are growing next—we plan to offer virtual care to patients in additional states in the future.

Visits can be conducted on a mobile device, tablet or desktop computer. We recommend using the most recent version of Chrome, Firefox or Safari to access the service. Microsoft Edge is known to cause issues in video-based visits. Internet Explorer is not supported. For video visits, you will need to enable video camera and microphone access to interact with a clinician. Video visits are conducted on a HIPAA-compliant platform. Click on a treatment area above to learn more.

Patient support can be reached at 866-740-7721 between the hours of 8 am to midnight EST (5 am to 9 pm PST, 8 am to 12 pm EST), seven days a week. You may also send a message through the patient portal in your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare account.

Payment & insurance

Walgreens Virtual Healthcare visits are $33 - $75. Click on a treatment area above to see the price of each visit type. Insurance is currently not accepted for virtual care visits; however, you may pay for your visit with your HSA/FSA card. Insurance may be used to purchase your prescription, if applicable. We plan to accept insurance for virtual care visits in the future.

Yes, you can use insurance to pay for most medication. Insurance coverage for prescription drugs varies. Please talk with your insurer or pharmacy directly about any questions regarding your prescription drug coverage. The cost of medication is not included in the cost of your visit. Looking to pay for your medication out of pocket? Find lower prescription prices at Walgreens with our free search tool, Walgreens Rx Savings Finder , powered by RxSense ® .

We accept debit, credit and HSA/FSA cards.

The fee you pay is for a clinical assessment, which may be conducted via a live visit or an offline (asynchronous) review of your clinical records by a Walgreens Virtual Healthcare provider. They will review your clinical situation and use their independent clinical judgment to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you. This may include prescribing medication, recommending over-the-counter medications or home care strategies and/or recommending that you visit an in-person provider for further evaluation (such as an urgent care center, emergency department, primary care provider or specialist). We cannot offer refunds solely because the provider determines a prescription medication is not the best option for you, cannot be safely prescribed based on the information available, does not prescribe your preferred medication or due to issues related to pharmacy medication pickup.

If you are unable to complete your visit, please let us know right away by logging in to your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare account and sending us a chat message, or by calling us at 866-740-7721, so we can cancel your consultation before a provider reviews your intake. Your credit card will be charged after the provider reviews your intake and shares their recommendations for next steps.

If you have questions about your care, please log in to your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare account and send us a chat message or call us at 866-740-7721.

Our provider team is made up of experienced doctors and nurse practitioners who offer high-quality treatment and care. You will be matched with a doctor or nurse practitioner licensed in the state where you are located at the time of your visit. Service availability varies by state.

Providers & prescriptions

After your visit, if you would like your records sent to your primary care physician, you can use the Walgreens Virtual Care patient portal to send us a message and request that a copy of your records be sent to your primary care physician.

Please click on a treatment area above to learn more about what medications are commonly prescribed, as well as common exclusions. We do not prescribe any medications that are listed as controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or state law. This includes narcotics, amphetamine stimulants and benzodiazepines.

Disclaimers

*Currently available in the following states: CA, FL, GA, IL, MI, NC, NJ, NV, OH, or TX.

Prescription based on medical evaluation and not guaranteed.

Walgreens-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Walgreens virtual care program telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Walgreens and the medical practices click here .

Walgreens Health Medical Group California P.C. is a California professional medical corporation utilizing the fictitious name “Walgreens Health Medical Group California P.C.” pursuant to Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2415. To view the Fictitious Name Permit click here .

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Best Online Doctors

MDLIVE is our top choice for the best online doctor

The rise in online doctors has made health care more accessible and affordable across the country. There are times when seeing a doctor face-to-face is necessary, but remote care is a great option for non-emergency medical concerns, such as colds, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and online therapy. Plus, telehealth helps free up in-person healthcare facilities, making it easier for severely sick patients to be seen by doctors promptly.

With so many telehealth options available, it can be challenging to know which virtual provider is right for you. Before you start your search, consider your symptoms, how often you’ll need care, your budget, and what your insurance—if you have health coverage —will and won't cover. To help you determine the telehealth services for your needs, we've compiled a list of the best online doctors available throughout the United States.

Best Online Doctors of 2024

• Best Overall: MDLIVE
• Best for Pregnancy: Maven
• Best for the LGBTQ+ Community: Folx Health
• Best for Pediatric Care: Blueberry Pediatrics
• Best for Psychiatry: Teladoc
• Best for Comprehensive Care: Doctor On Demand
• Best for Flexible Care Options: Sesame
• Best for the Uninsured: HealthTap
• Best for Affordable Care: LiveHealth Online
• Best Medication Refills: PlushCare
• Best Nutritionist: Tepper Nutrition
• Our Top Picks

Folx Health

Blueberry Pediatrics

• Doctor On Demand

LiveHealth Online

Tepper Nutrition

• See More (8)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• How To Choose

Methodology

Best overall : mdlive.

• Price: Urgent care $0 to $82, behavioral health $0 to $284, dermatology $0 to $95
• Accepts Insurance: Yes
• Platform: Phone, web browser, and app

MDLIVE is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to schedule appointments within minutes. The service provides care for more than 80 different conditions across urgent care, mental health, and dermatology.

Accepts several insurance plans

Provides care for more than 80 conditions

Licensed physicians available 24/7

Responsive hotline for questions or concerns

Offers medication management services

Can be expensive without insurance

Doesn’t provide care for certain issues

MDLIVE offers on-demand specialists for urgent care, a transparent fee structure, and live support for illnesses, injuries, mental health concerns, and hair, skin, and nail conditions. You can speak with healthcare providers via phone, computer, or app-based appointments. It's important to note that the service provides urgent care for both children and adults, but for primary care, it sees patients only if they're older than 18.

To use MDLIVE, simply go to its website and create an account. Once you’re registered, you can input your insurance information to see if your plan is accepted. From there, you can search through providers and schedule an appointment. The medical doctors are available 24/7, but you may encounter a wait.

MDLIVE’s pricing varies based on the type of care you need and your insurance if you have any.

• Urgent care: These visits cost up to $82 and include care for non-emergency medical concerns.
• Behavioral health: Talk therapy or psychotherapy can cost up to $108, while psychiatry visits can cost up to $284 for the first visit. There is care for depression, anxiety, and more.
• Dermatology: These visits can cost up to $95 and offer care for warts, eczema, and other skin, hair, and nail issues.

MDLIVE accepts insurance plans from Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Independence, plus some Medicaid and Medicare plans. You also can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your visit.

While MDLIVE is a great option, it does not offer a subscription plan or free consultations. However, you may be able to find a discount code online.

Best for Pregnancy : Maven

• Price: Starts at $20 per appointment
• Accepts Insurance : No
• Platform: Web browser and app

Maven is our top choice for pregnant people because of its affordable cost and comprehensive care. With medical experts from more than 30 different specialties, Maven is a great option for those who wish to become parents, as well as expectant and postpartum parents.

Focuses on family planning services and pregnancy care

Experts from 30+ different specialties

Offers care in over 35 different languages

Supports LGBTQ+ community

Flexible app platform for on-the-go appointments 

Features large resource library

Doesn't accept insurance 

No live chat customer service

No refunds for day-of cancellations

Maven is a great option for expectant parents due to its wide range of specialty care, affordable costs, and easy-to-navigate platforms. The telehealth service employs fertility specialists, certified sleep coaches, nutritionists, midwives, and more. From prenatal care to labor and delivery to postpartum support, Maven provides pregnant people and their families with the help they need.

It’s important to note that Maven is not a replacement for your in-person OB-GYN or primary care provider. Rather, it’s a great way to receive care quickly and more efficiently from home as a supplement to in-person appointments. Maven provides you with a care advocate that can help you find an in-person provider when needed.

Signing up for an account with Maven is as easy as creating a username and answering a few simple questions. You can browse the available specialists and choose which type of provider you need—or let Maven match you with the right doctor. From there, you can book an appointment at a time that works best for you.

Maven’s pricing varies depending on the type of care needed and the provider’s level of experience. Maven calls shorter visits “education-only appointments” because you can get answers to general questions but can’t receive a diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Appointments allowing treatment and medication are available with Maven providers who are licensed in your state.

• Doulas, lactation consultants, nutritionists, and physical therapists: A video appointment with any of these specialists costs around $25 for a 20-minute appointment.
• Nurse practitioners and midwives: These services cost $20 for 10-minute video appointments.
• Physicians (OB/GYNS, pediatricians, etc.): Video appointments with any of these healthcare providers cost $40 for a 10-minute session.
• Reproductive endocrinologists: A video call with a reproductive endocrinologist costs $75 for a 15-minute appointment.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners: This type of visit costs $90 for a 30-minute video call. 
• Mental health providers: For your first week only, 10-minute video calls cost $20. Then, 40-minute appointments cost $70 with master's-level therapists and $120 with doctorate-level therapists.
• Coaches: Video calls with coaches cost $50 per 30-minute session. 

Unfortunately, insurance isn't accepted. However, some employers offer Maven as part of their benefits packages. You can also use HSA and FSA funds to pay for your visits.

Best for the LGBTQ+ Community : Folx Health

• Price: Starts at $59 per visit
• Accepts Insurance: No
• Platform: Web browser

As the first transgender-specific telehealth platform, Folx Health offers care to LGBTQ+ individuals in a compassionate and supportive manner. The service offers care for sexual well-being, family planning, and hormone replacement therapy.

Subscriptions for hormone replacement therapy

Includes a virtual library of supportive resources

Staffed by expert clinicians who specialize in LGBTQ+ care

Provides one-on-one consultations

Currently available in only 38 states and D.C.

Does not accept insurance

Can only treat people over 18

Launched in December 2020, this up-and-coming service provides a safe and supportive platform exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community. Folx Health's model focuses on giving you control of your health and wellness—and the freedom to access expert care, no matter where you are. Folx Health helps patients with fertility, gender consultation, nutrition, sex, and more, plus it supplies medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), erectile dysfunction (ED) meds, estrogen, and testosterone.

To get started, you can either customize a subscription plan based on your needs or schedule a one-time visit with an experienced provider. Although Folx is available in only 38 states and Washington, D.C., its services and locations continue to expand. Folx doesn’t accept insurance, as it wants the costs to be as transparent as possible; however, you can choose to pay with an FSA/HSA card.

Primary care visits cost $59, while the price of prescription plans varies depending on the type of medication.

• Clinician visit: Online doctor visits for the LGBTQ+ community cost $59 per visit.
• Estrogen subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for estrogen costs $119 a month and is for anyone who has been on hormone replacement therapy for less than one year. The maintenance plan costs $59 per month and is meant for those in their second year or more of HRT. Both plans include automatic refills, lab testing, free shipping, virtual visits, and expert consultation.
• Testosterone subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for testosterone costs $139 per month, while the maintenance plan costs $89 per month. These plans have the same perks as the estrogen plan.
• PrEP plan: This pre-exposure prophylaxis plan includes a three-month supply of daily HIV prevention pills for $90 a month.

Best for Pediatric Care : Blueberry Pediatrics

• Price: $15 to $20 per month, plus cost of medical kit
• Platform: Web browser, phone, text, and app

Blueberry Pediatrics has affordable memberships, board-certified pediatric doctors, and 24/7 availability—even on holidays. 

24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians

Visits take 15 minutes or less

Can prescribe medication and order labs

Text option for support any time of day

Memberships include at-home medical kit

Doesn't accept insurance

One-time $100 fee to purchase a medical kit

Can provide care in only 18 states

Blueberry Pediatrics is a telehealth service that provides comprehensive pediatric care to children younger than 21 years old. The company has board-certified pediatricians available 24/7 via web browser, phone, or app, plus its memberships come with at-home medical kits that include an ear infection kit, finger pulse oximeter, and digital oral thermometer for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Memberships include all children in your family at no additional cost, and there are no limits on how many times you can message the team. With 24/7 text support, you can ask the Blueberry Pediatrics team medical questions and receive a response within minutes. The staff can prescribe medications and send them to a pharmacy of your choice, and send medical information to your primary pediatrician to keep records up to date.

The website and app are both very easy to use. After answering a few questions about your child's symptoms, you'll be connected with a pediatrician in a matter of minutes. Blueberry Pediatrics serves 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. 

Blueberry Pediatrics offers a monthly and an annual membership plan; you'll save money if you choose the annual plan.

• Monthly membership: This costs $20 a month for 24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians. When you sign up, you’ll also pay a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit.
• Annual membership: At $180, the annual membership saves you $60 each year compared to the monthly plan. This membership also requires a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit.

Because of its already low-cost membership, Blueberry Pediatrics doesn't accept insurance. You can, however, pay using an HSA or FSA card.

Best for Psychiatry : Teladoc

• Price: Therapy $0 to $99, psychiatry $0 to $299, medical care $0 to $75
• Accepts Insurance : Yes
• Platform: Web browser, phone, and app

Whether you need therapy or psychiatric services, Teladoc offers convenient access to board-certified physicians who specialize in a variety of mental health conditions. Plus, the app makes scheduling easy with click-to-talk capabilities on your phone.

Offers appointments seven days a week

All therapists and psychiatrists are licensed

Option to choose which doctor you'd like to see

Medication management provided for some conditions

Available in the US, Canada, and internationally

No subscription plans or packages available

Doesn’t offer couples, group, or family therapy

Psychiatric services can be expensive without insurance

Teladoc provides a quick and easy option for psychiatric services, whether you need therapy or medication management. Focusing on a whole-body approach to care, Teladoc offers comprehensive mental health services from board-certified doctors seven days a week. It also offers primary care, dermatology, and nutrition services.

To create your account, enter standard information, such as your name, birthdate, and ZIP code. Next, you’ll be prompted to enter any insurance information, which will help give you a general idea of the cost. Once registered, you can search for a doctor and schedule an appointment right from your phone.

Teladoc's pricing isn't as accessible as other platforms, mainly due to its customized approach. Here are the price ranges available on the site:

• Therapy session: Appointments can cost between $0 and $99, depending on what your insurance covers.
• Psychiatric visit: Your first visit can range from $0 to $299 and follow-up appointments cost up to $119.
• Medical care: General medical services cost between $0 and $75 per appointment, depending on insurance.

Teladoc accepts insurance, including some Medicare Advantage plans, but you must set up an account to view specific coverage options. It doesn't offer subscription plans or free consults.

Best for Comprehensive Care : Doctor On Demand

Doctor on Demand

• Price: Medical care $75 per visit, mental health care $129 to $299 per visit

Doctor On Demand provides care for a broad assortment of issues. Patients can use the service for mental health care, preventive care, urgent care, chronic issues, and more. As well, coverage is available for both adults and children.

24/7 access to medical and mental health care

Offers medication management

Accepts many insurance plans

Services offered to adults and children

No subscription plans or discounts

Therapy availability varies by state

Can be expensive without insurance coverage

Doctor On Demand has been providing excellent service to patients around the country since 2013. The company offers a comprehensive lineup of services including urgent care, mental health, preventive health, and chronic care. From weight management to acute illness and stress, you'll find everything you need on one platform.

Doctor On Demand makes scheduling simple through its app and web portal, and it has appointments available within minutes. In the web portal, you can schedule with a certain provider or select the next available appointment. The app is user-friendly and walks you through the entire process from initial account creation to insurance and scheduling. Plus, you're able to check your coverage before scheduling a visit.

Doctor on Demand’s pricing varies based on the type of appointment and your benefits.

• Medical care: $75 for a 15-minute appointment
• Psychology: $129 for a 25-minute therapy sessions; $179 for a 50-minute session 
• Psychiatry: $299 for initial 25-minute consultation; $129 for 15-minute follow-up sessions

One plus of going through a service like Doctor On Demand is that you can use your insurance benefits. The company accepts a long list of commercial health plans as well as some Medicare plans. If you need comprehensive treatment in a hurry, this telehealth service has you covered.

Best for Flexible Care Options : Sesame

• Price: Varies depending on location and provider
• Accepts Insurance: No for appointments; yes for medication

With thousands of doctors available, Sesame is perfect for those seeking flexible, affordable care. It offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, skin consultations, therapy, sexual health care, and more.

Easily view available physicians, wait times, and costs

Works with doctors across more than 80 specialties

Optional cost-saving monthly membership available

Affordable prices without insurance

Accepts HSA and FSA payments

In-person clinics only available in some states

Insurance coverage only for medication

Must pay for appointment at the time of booking

Sesame was founded in 2018, and it offers affordable care to those with or without insurance across the country. As a superstore for health care, the telehealth service provides flexible care both virtually and in-person with experts specializing in more than 80 conditions. You can find providers for urgent care, prescription refills, mental health support, dermatology , dental care, and more.

The website is easy to navigate and up-to-date. Sesame has in-person services in some states, but its virtual appointments (usually video calls) are what the company is known for. To see available providers near you, simply select your location in the upper-righthand corner. From there, it's simple to select whether you're looking for in-person, telehealth, or prescription services. Everything from basic scheduling to prescription refills is available through its platform.

Sesame’s pricing varies depending on your needs and chosen provider. Costs are reasonable and outlined clearly on the website and app, which makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. To save money on the already affordable service, a Sesame Plus membership costs $11 per month and includes a free annual lab test and discounts on select medical services. However, you don’t need to be a member to use Sesame.

Sesame doesn't accept insurance, but users are able to view pricing for each board-certified physician before booking an appointment with them. If you're looking for high-quality, flexible care, Sesame is a great choice.

Best for the Uninsured : HealthTap

• Price: $99 per visit (or copay); $15 monthly memberships for $44 primary care visits and $59 urgent care visits (or copay)

Offering primary and urgent care with upfront pricing, HealthTap is a great choice for those looking for affordable telehealth appointments. It has a monthly subscription option that includes exclusive discounts and perks, making it a cost-saving option for those without insurance.

Has upfront pricing

Membership includes Talkspace discount

Can have the same primary care doctor for every visit

Features a free library with physician-answered questions

Prescription costs not included with membership

Doesn’t offer mental health care

Founded in 2010, HealthTap offers low-cost appointments for people without insurance. The telehealth service provides 24/7 urgent and primary care to children and adults via text or video. The board-certified doctors can diagnose, prescribe medication, order lab tests, and give referral recommendations.

HealthTap's app is extremely user-friendly, allowing you to easily book appointments, request refills, contact your doctor, and message other members of your care team—all through your smartphone. It even features a free library of questions from other patients and answers from its community of doctors, so you can learn more about topics outside of appointments.

HealthTap has two membership options:

• HealthTap Prime: For $15 a month, this subscription membership offers primary care appointments for $44 per visit (or your insurance copay) and urgent care appointments for $59 per visit (or your insurance copay). This plan includes 24/7 access to on-demand care, $100 off online therapy visits with Talkspace, your choice of primary care doctor, and more. 
• HealthTap Basic: This plan doesn’t have a monthly fee. Visits are $99 each (or your insurance copay). 

HealthTap accepts more than 100 insurance plans including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna, plus HSA and FSA funds. With affordable appointments for children and adults, HealthTap is a great choice for those without insurance.

Best for Affordable Care : LiveHealth Online

• Price: Medical and allergy appointments up to $59 per visit, psychology sessions up to $95, psychiatry visits $75 to $175
• Platform: Web browser or app

LiveHealth Online offers telehealth appointments for medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry care, with medical visits averaging at just $59—no subscription required. Plus, it accepts several insurance plans.

Affordable appointments

No monthly fees

You choose your doctor

Provides care for children

24/7 access to medical and allergy care

No live chat support on the website

Health care doesn’t come cheap, but, luckily, LiveHealth Online offers inexpensive care for those with or without insurance. It’s free to sign up, doesn’t have any subscription fees, and you know the price of the visit before you commit to an appointment. LiveHealth Online has four types of services: medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry.

The website is basic and straightforward. It features an easy sign-up form that asks for only essential information like your name, email, and password. After you sign up, you can scroll through available board-certified doctors and view their ratings to help you choose one that fits your needs. Unfortunately, there isn't a live chat option on the website, so if you have any questions, you have to reach out via email or telephone.

LiveHealth Online has four different services and its pricing depends on your type of care and insurance coverage. You easily can see what your appointment will cost on the company’s website.

• Medical: Medical appointments cost $59 without insurance and might cost less if your health plan is in-network.
• Allergy: Rates are the same as for medical appointments.
• Psychology: Without insurance, therapist visits are $80 and psychologist visits are $95. They might cost less if you have insurance.
• Psychiatry: Your first appointment is $175. Follow-up sessions are $75 without insurance. They might cost less if you have insurance.

LiveHealth Online doesn't offer any free services, consultations, memberships, or subscriptions. Its upfront pricing makes it an affordable choice for those in need of quick solutions for ailments like pink eye, rashes, or tooth pain . Though somewhat basic, LiveHealth Online is extremely budget-friendly.

Best Medication Refills : PlushCare

• Price: $15 per month or $99 per year, plus $129 for the first visit and $69 for all repeat visits or insurance copay

As a PlushCare member, you can see a board-certified doctor and get medication refills sent to your pharmacy in as little as 15 minutes. The company offers a variety of services, but its quick online prescriptions are the cream of the crop.

Same-day appointments available in just 15 minutes

Hires doctors from top U.S. medical institutions

Accepts insurance and HSA/FSA payments

Offers four different types of care

Must pay a membership fee to use

Cost is higher than other telehealth options

Since 2015, PlushCare has been a leading provider of telemedicine in the United States. Its services are available 24/7 and include primary care, urgent care, mental health, and therapy. With affordable pricing and low wait times, PlushCare makes it easy to get medication refills on prescriptions—like birth control, antidepressants, and diabetes medications—sent to your local pharmacy.

Before ever creating an account, you can find available doctors and appointment times on PlushCare’s website and mobile app. You can view a physician's background, ratings, and reviews—and then make your selection. Once you become a member, getting started is easy; just enter the requested information into the form and book an appointment.

PlushCare has two membership options:

• Monthly: Monthly membership is $15 a month. The first visit costs $129 with follow-up appointments costing $69, if not insured, or your insurance copay.
• Annual: For $99 a year, this membership is the best value. Appointment fees are the same, but you save $81 in membership fees.

While the membership fee may be a drawback to some, the ease of getting medication refills sent quickly can be worth it. As a bonus, memberships include unlimited messaging with your online care team as well as same-day appointment options.

Best Nutritionist : Tepper Nutrition

• Price: $170 to $220 for the initial appointment

The registered dietitians at Tepper Nutrition use an overall lifestyle approach for each client, whether you have food allergies, sensitivities, or other chronic conditions that can be improved through nutrition, or just want to develop a more positive relationship with food and eating.

Has sliding scale rates

Consultations available Monday through Friday

Offers retreats, workshops, and nutrition courses

Weight-neutral, anti-diet values

In-person consultations only available in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Virtual consultations only available in 13 states and D.C.

Tepper Nutrition offers one-on-one nutrition therapy and coaching to those facing a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, Crohn’s disease, IBS, high cholesterol, allergies, celiac disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and more, plus services for pediatric, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition. The practice teaches clients to create lifestyle changes using non-diet, weight-inclusive Health At Every Size® principles.

Depending on your location and preferences, you will meet with your dietitian either in person or virtually. There are two clinics in the state of Virginia (located in Alexandria and Leesburg) and one in Washington, D.C. The practice also offers telemedicine appointments to clients who live in those two areas and in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. 

Price is per session:

• An initial 60-minute consultation costs $195 out of pocket. Your provider will ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle, sleep habits, stress level, daily schedule, what you tend to eat, and other factors that may contribute to your current concerns.
• 90-minute follow-up sessions are $160. Sliding scale payment plans are available to some clients on a case-by-case basis. The company can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer for out-of-network coverage.

Tepper Nutrition also offers a weight-inclusive, self-guided intuitive eating program, Beyond the Fork ($349–$499), as well as occasional yoga retreats and nutrition workshops at varying prices.

Overall, MDLIVE stands out thanks to its affordability and user-friendly features. Book a virtual appointment with a board-certified doctor within minutes of signing up—no matter what time it is. Plus, you can get prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy, use insurance, and pay with FSA/HSA funds. In addition, the customer support team is available 24/7 to handle any issues along the way.

Compare the Best Online Doctors

Guide for choosing the best online doctor, what is an online doctor.

An online doctor can be thought of as a modern take on the traditional general practitioner (GP). Online doctors aren't a replacement for your in-person primary care physician (PCP), but they are a smart solution for individuals and families to have flexible urgent, medical, and mental health care readily available via a computer, phone, or app.

Is an Online Doctor Right for You? 

Online doctors are a convenient option when you need flexible care. Since virtual appointments are conducted via the internet, you can book visits at any time of day—plus, you don't have to leave your couch for your appointment. Many online doctors can prescribe medication, order lab work, and provide referrals.

While virtual appointments may be appropriate for mild illness or injury, not every condition qualifies for online care. Seek emergency assistance at the nearest hospital if you're experiencing chest pain, seizures, difficulty breathing, or suicidal ideation.

Comparing Online Doctors

Not every online doctor offers the same services. Do your research before choosing a virtual doctor and consider your preferences carefully. Some factors to weigh include:

• Cost: Telehealth costs vary greatly, so it's important to understand the pricing structure and fees of your chosen online doctor.
• Services: Some virtual clinics offer only urgent care, while others provide ongoing primary care and mental health support.
• Insurance: Many online doctors accept some insurance plans. If you plan to use insurance, you'll want to ensure your chosen online doctor accepts your plan first.
• Availability in your state: Availability varies by provider and state. Check the website of your chosen doctor to understand which locations they serve. It's especially important to research location availability if you're seeking mental health services.
• Platforms: Web browsers and apps are the most popular ways to connect with online doctors, but some providers offer services via phone calls or texting. Know what type of device you plan to use and check that your preferred online doctor supports it.
• Discounts or cost-saving options: Discount codes, membership plans, subscriptions, and free consultations can help you save money—especially if you don't have insurance.
• Reviews from other patients: Hearing firsthand experiences from other patients provides valuable insight into whether or not your needs will be met by your chosen online doctor.
• FSA/HSA: Having the ability to pay using a flexible spending account or a health savings account could help lower costs. Check to make sure they accept these forms of payment if you plan to use them.

Scheduling an Appointment with an Online Doctor

Once you've chosen an online doctor service, you'll likely be asked to create an account before booking an appointment. This helps keep your medical information in a safe, secure, and organized location for you and your provider.

Once your account is set up, you should be able to choose an available provider and time based on your preference. If you're new to online care, it may be helpful to speak to a representative via online chat or phone. If your chosen online doctor accepts insurance, you'll input this information to give you a better idea of the cost before booking an appointment.

Some common questions you may be asked:

• Personal Medical History
• Current medications
• Family history
• Reason for visit

Most platforms are user-friendly; however, if you're not sure how to book an appointment, you can call the number provided on the contact page for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of online doctors.

There are a variety of online doctors who provide a range of services. Many offer acute care for mild symptoms or illnesses, while others specialize in managing chronic diseases and promoting wellness. There also are some providers who offer only urgent care. You'll find board-certified physicians, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, and even mental health therapists and psychiatrists among online doctors.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Online Doctor?

Using online doctors ensures convenience, flexibility, and privacy. They also offer quick and easy access to care, allowing you to see a medical professional and get the help you or your family needs quicker than most in-person clinics.

When Should You Not See an Online Doctor?

Online doctors aren't meant for emergency visits. If you're having a medical emergency such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Can Online Doctors Prescribe Medication?

Yes. Many online doctors prescribe medications to treat mild to moderate medical conditions, but they can’t prescribe controlled substances, such as opioids (codeine, morphine, Oxycontin), sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata), stimulants (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse), and certain anxiety medications (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax). Depending on the provider, they may prescribe antibiotics, birth control, antidepressants, or other prescriptions.

What Do I Do If I See an Online Doctor And Need a Lab Test?

Many online providers partner with local labs that offer convenient appointment times, locations, and results. However, most lab services are an additional cost—unless otherwise noted. Still, some online doctors don't have the capability of ordering these tests.

We looked at dozens of online doctors to determine which ones offer all-encompassing features at affordable prices. Our primary focus was on cost, payment options, insurance, appointment scheduling, and convenience. We also took consumer reviews into consideration to determine how user-friendly the platform is, as well as overall satisfaction scores.

Lastly, we considered which providers offered more than the traditional online doctor services. Those with 24/7 availability, prescription drug options, and even lab tests were highly regarded. In the end, we based our rankings on the total value provided by each online doctor platform.

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Koma W. Medicare and telehealth: coverage and use during the COVID-19 pandemic and options for the future . Kaiser Family Foundation.

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By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience.

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Virtual visits

Talk to a health care provider from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

What is a virtual visit? It may be a term you’re hearing more often. That’s because the use of virtual visits, also known as telehealth, has expanded recently, offering people more ways to connect with a health care provider from home or work. During a virtual visit, you use digital technologies, like your smartphone, tablet or computer, to talk with a provider. You can get treatment options and even prescriptions for medications, if needed.

UnitedHealthcare offers members options for virtual visits with local providers or by using UnitedHealthcare’s preferred national providers. For benefits coverage information, please  sign in to your account . Let’s go over some of the basics about virtual visits and how they work.

Are virtual visits covered?

Virtual visits may be covered by your health insurance in a similar way to an office visit with your doctor. Depending on your benefit coverage, you may be able schedule a virtual visit with a local provider or have a virtual visit for primary care, therapy, specialty care or 24/7 with a national provider for urgent care or when your provider is not available. Sign in to your account  or call the number on your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage. Below are some options that may be available, based on your health plan.

Virtual care may include in-network virtual visits for medical, mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, home health, vision, hearing and dental services.

Virtual visits for mental health

If you need care for mental health issues, local health care providers may be able to provide virtual visits. Coverage may depend on your health plan benefits, so  sign in to your account  or call the number on your member ID card first to learn what benefits may be available to you.

Emotional support by phone or mobile app

Some emotional support programs may be included with certain health plans. Sign in to your account to learn if the following benefits may be available with your health plan.

• With Self Care by AbleTo , get personalized content that’s designed to help you boost your mood and shift your perspectives.
• With Talkspace online therapy, you can regularly communicate with a therapist, safely and securely from your phone or desktop. No office visit required. Talkspace is convenient, safe and secure. Simply register (first visit only) and choose a provider and message anywhere, anytime. Eligible members can visit talkspace.com/connect to get started.

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Telehealth Tips: How To Make The Most Of Video Visits With Your Doctor

Mara Gordon

Updated on June 1 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Shots - Health News

With rural health care stretched thin, more patients turn to telehealth.

I'm a primary care doctor, and in normal times, my favorite part of the job is getting to see my patients regularly. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I've had to substantially cut down on in-person visits to help put the brakes on the spread of the coronavirus.

In this time of high medical anxiety, the phones at my clinic have, understandably, been ringing off the hook.

Lots of patients have questions about symptoms that might signal COVID-19 . (This coronavirus risk tracker from Emory University can help you there too.) But they still need to know whether the pain in their knee after a fall signals a broken bone that requires treatment, whether their child with a fever needs antibiotics or whether a family member's fatigue is a sign of a serious illness.

For many such cases, I once would have said, "Come on in, and let's get you checked out." But now, I'm increasingly turning to email, phone calls and video chats.

Here are some tips to help you know when to call your doctor and how to get the most out of your telemedicine visit:

During Coronavirus Outbreak, Virtual Doctor Visits Are Encouraged

If you don't have a doctor yet, get one. Because of the pandemic, many primary care providers are allowing new patients to establish care via a telemedicine appointment. (Previously, many practices would return only the calls of patients who had already been seen in person at some point.) Your new doctor will probably ask you to come in for an in-person visit when it becomes safe to do so.

Many urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are also offering telemedicine visits. You can call or check out their websites to set up an appointment.

How To Pick A Doctor (Or Break Up With One)

Emergencies are still emergencies. Some of the same rules from pre-pandemic days apply: Sudden chest pain, weakness in one side of the face or body, or sudden difficulty breathing are all red-alert symptoms. Call 911 pronto in these cases.

Urgent, but not an emergency? Call your primary care provider's office. Ask yourself if, in pre-pandemic times, these symptoms would have led you to call your doctor in the middle of the night for advice. Common concerns in this category include high fevers, a new source of pain or a minor injury. If the answer is yes or if you aren't sure, please give your doctor a call right away.

"If you feel as though this is a ... situation that can't wait, that would make you pick up and go to the urgent care or the hospital, you need to be giving me a call," Dr. Gary LeRoy , an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells his patients.

Note that you probably won't immediately reach your primary care provider. Most doctors and nurse practitioners work with a team of office staff, including nurses and other clinicians, who can quickly help you talk through your issue over the phone.

Eerie Emptiness Of ERs Worries Doctors: Where Are The Heart Attacks And Strokes?

Help the triage nurse.

To get the most out of this triage call, try to summarize what's going on in one or two sentences. Start with your most urgent symptom first; note how long it has been going on and what has changed.

If the triage nurse determines your symptoms sound like an emergency, you might be advised to go to the emergency room right away. If that's what you're told, don't hesitate — do it. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, the hospital is still the safest place for true emergencies.

Otherwise, if your concern can best be treated via telemedicine, you'll be scheduled for a phone or video appointment. Whether you'll have a copay for that conversation depends on its length and your health insurance. (To avoid getting unexpected bills, make sure you ask the triage nurse or administrative staff if your call is considered an appointment.)

Patients Are Being Billed For Some Phone Chats With Doctors That Used To Be Free

Prepare for the conversation.

Make a list. Even for in-person visits, I always recommend that my patients write down a list of two or three issues they want to address, so they won't forget anything important. This is especially vital when the visit is via phone or video chat, where, I've noticed, my patients are more likely to lose their train of thought.

LeRoy recommends patients ask themselves: Why do you need to be seen today? What's the biggest priority? "I spend so much of my time," he says, "trying to figure out, 'What are you really here for?' "

Keep track of when your symptoms started and if they've changed. A symptom diary may reveal clues to what's causing your condition. Keep a brief record of when symptoms occur, what seems to trigger or aggravate them, and what alleviates them.

How To Get Therapy When You Can't Leave The House

Take and send a photo of obvious symptoms. Some medical issues — bites, moles, rashes and other skin issues — are particularly well suited to telemedicine. To help a doctor know how quickly a rash or skin reaction is spreading, draw a circle around it with a pen and send a sequence of photos taken over a couple of hours, noting the time each was taken.

Address routine issues before the visit. Medication refills, notes from a doctor that are required by your employer or insurer, or other paperwork may not even require a telemedicine visit.

Sign up for your doctor's online patient portal if it's offered — that's the secure app that's connected to your medical record, where you can see your test results and request appointments. You can often ask for medication refills that way without needing to be seen.

You can also use that portal to submit any scanned forms you need completed; that way you can spend the virtual visit going over any questions or details with your doctor. If you need a note for work, make sure you have an email address or fax number where you'd like it sent.

How To Boost Your Emergency Supply Of Prescription Medicines

Be ready to talk.

Call from a quiet place. So many of the telemedicine appointments I've fielded during the coronavirus pandemic have been tough for a simple reason: It was hard to hear. Try to find a quiet place with good cellphone reception to receive your doctor's call. If you're using a video chat app, give it a try before the appointment, so you can troubleshoot any challenges.

Avoid phone tag. Be prepared to answer your phone at the appointed time, even if it comes from an unknown number. Make sure you've disabled any spam blockers or functions that reject calls from private numbers.

Use health tech and equipment to your advantage. Have on hand any medical devices your doctor has prescribed or recommended.

A thermometer will confirm whether you have a fever. If you're experiencing chills or body aches, check your temperature orally — or use a rectal thermometer for babies who can't hold the thermometer in their mouths. And avoid forehead or armpit readings, since they tend to be inaccurate. A fever is defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

If a condition like heart failure is causing you to retain fluid, you'll be able to help a doctor detect that by measuring your weight at the same time every day on a home scale and keeping a record.

A blood pressure cuff can help you make sure any medicine you take for hypertension is working correctly. Your blood pressure goal depends on your age and underlying medical conditions, so make sure you ask your doctor what number you need to aim for. And a glucometer can help people with diabetes keep blood sugar levels under control. If you've been told to use one, track your values.

Sometimes an office visit is best. Know that for urgent issues, your doctor's office is still open for business. In my experience over the last few weeks, the telemedicine approach has worked really well for certain concerns — mental health care, medication refills or skin problems that can be easily examined with a photo.

But it doesn't work so well for more complex issues, like an elderly patient who can't walk after a fall or a child who has gotten dehydrated from vomiting. In those scenarios, I really need to examine my patients and check their vital signs. I'll still ask them to come into our clinic if I think a brief appointment with me may help them avoid a trip to the emergency department later.

Telemedicine also doesn't work for preventive procedures such as Pap smears, colonoscopies and mammograms. Many of these have been put on hold, but some hospitals are now adding back more in-person visits and elective procedures when they can do it safely .

I certainly miss seeing my patients in person. But I also hope that we doctors can learn from this experience and start using technology to offer our patients more convenient care.

Especially now, when so much of daily life has been upended, "it's gratifying to be able to offer this additional service to our patients," LeRoy says. "We can interact with them. They feel connected and not marginalized or forgotten."

Mara Gordon is a family physician in Camden, N.J., and a contributor to NPR. You can follow her on Twitter: @MaraGordonMD .

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Best Online Doctors of 2024

The 14 best online doctors of 2024, how can you reach a doctor, what services are available, how long does it take to reach a doctor, doctor on demand, maven clinic, lemonaid health, what to look for in an online doctor, what does covid-19 mean for online doctors.

✔️Fact checked

Updated: June 16, 2023

When you're not feeling well, dragging yourself to the doctor's office is probably the last thing you want to do. Online doctors are on call to help you get better from the comfort of your own home.

The best online doctors treat a wide range of conditions, with services including urgent care, mental health screenings, counseling, and even dentistry. Physicians are always board-certified and usually have years of experience in their field, so you can be sure your health is in good hands. We chose the best online physicians based on factors such as treatment options, insurance plans accepted, and whether or not they can prescribe medication.

Doctor on Demand : Best for ongoing primary care Doctor on Demand offers routine wellness checks, urgent care, counseling, and psychiatric services. Patients can choose their doctor and visit their favorites at any time.

BetterHelp.com : Best for therapy anytime BetterHelp offers flexible ways to speak with a therapist, including scheduled video appointments and 24/7 text messaging.

JustAnswer : Best for quick medical questions When you have a medical question but can’t wait for an appointment, JustAnswer doctors can respond within minutes.

PlushCare : Best for comprehensive care Get access to everyday primary care, urgent care, and online therapy on PlushCare with a flat monthly fee.

Sesame : Best for its in-person care option Sesame doctors are local to you, so you’re able to schedule a visit in-person or virtually–whichever fits your schedule best.

Ritual : Best for couples counseling Ritual’s personalized planning and one-on-one therapy sessions aim to help you and your partner improve various aspects of your relationship.

WellTheory : Best for autoimmune care WellTheory specializes in coaching and guidance for people living with autoimmune diseases, with each plan specifically tailored to individuals based on their symptoms and lifestyle.

Hims : Best for men’s health Medical professionals who work through the Hims platform provide advice and treatment for common health complaints for men, including but not limited to anxiety and depression, erectile dysfunction, acne, and loss or thinning of hair.

Hers : Best for women’s health From anxiety and depression treatment to skin and hair care, Hers offers a wide array of female-centric resources to improve your health and happiness.

Teladoc : Best for local virtual care With a large provider network in all 50 states, Teladoc matches you with a local doctor who understands the health trends in your area.

Amwell : Best for second opinions Amwell’s MyConsult service is ideal for people who’d like a second opinion on a diagnosis and aren’t sure if their treatment plan is best for them.

Maven Clinic : Best for family planning Maven guides people having children and their partners through every step of planning and raising a family.

MDLIVE : Best for quick psychiatric appointments It can take weeks or longer to get an appointment with an in-person psychiatrist, but MDLIVE can connect you in just a few days. 

Lemonaid Health : Best for customized doctor-patient matching Lemonaid aims to match you with a doctor who’s a perfect fit for your lifestyle, health goals, and specific medical conditions.

How We Chose the Best Online Doctors

We chose the best online doctors and medical services based on factors most patients find important, such as reliability, flexible appointment times, insurances accepted, and customer satisfaction. We’ve also provided options at varying price points to suit many types of patients.

The best online doctors offer a variety of ways to connect with patients, such as live chat, text messaging, phone calls, and email. Video consultations are the most common way to meet with a telehealth provider, as a visual examination is often required for an accurate diagnosis. Most telehealth services are app-based and accessible via a desktop computer or mobile devices.

Online doctors provide many of the same services you can get from an in-person visit, including preventative care, treatment for chronic conditions and acute medical concerns, lab orders, and more. Ideally, telehealth doctors should be able to send prescriptions to your local pharmacy, although there may be some restrictions on the types of drugs they can prescribe. Many online doctor networks include clinical psychologists and psychiatrists who practice mental and behavioral health care. Specialists usually aren’t included, but most physicians can provide referrals to a specialist in your area.

Most telehealth services have same-day appointments and can connect you to a doctor almost instantly. The best online doctors let you choose a specific appointment time that’s convenient for you. Services with a large doctor network offer 24/7, on-demand virtual visits, so you’ll get trusted medical care any time, day or night.

The Best Online Doctors of 2024

Doctor on Demand provides telemedicine services including primary care, integrated behavioral health, urgent care, chronic condition management and prevention, and care team support. Appointments are available 24/7 from a nationwide practice of dedicated providers, and you can see the same provider regularly once you’ve found the one you like. The service is focused on building a fulfilling doctor-patient relationship that can replace or supplement visits with a primary care physician. Doctors can order lab tests, prescribe medications, and provide refills for drugs you’re currently taking. You’ll pay a flat fee for each 15-minute video consultation, with an extra charge for therapy and psychiatry services. Doctor on Demand is covered by most health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Doctor on Demand’s urgent care services can treat issues such as headaches, fever, skin conditions, allergies, and health problems specific to women and men. The service isn’t intended for problems that may require emergency room care, though, including chest pain, severe burns, broken bones, and difficulty breathing.

Doctor on Demand has a free mental health assessment that can help you determine if you’d benefit from professional counseling services. Its network of therapists and psychiatrists offer talk therapy and medication management, as well as diagnoses for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Pros and Cons of Doctor on Demand

• Long-term primary care
• Psychiatric care available
• Most insurance accepted
• Additional $75 charge for visits exceeding 15 minutes
• No automatic prescription refills, except for psychiatric drugs

Do customers like Doctor on Demand?

Customers agree that Doctor on Demand provides excellent care that saves them time and money. As one says, “With my current health insurance, I’m actually SAVING money because I don’t have a copay to use this app.” “I waited less than two minutes and the appointment probably only took five minutes,” writes another. The biggest complaint is a lack of responsive customer service. “I have messaged multiple times with no reply,” one user remarks.

BetterHelp calls itself the world’s largest online counseling service, with therapy sessions offered for individuals aged 18 and older. You can schedule a virtual consultation on the day and time of your choosing or talk to a therapist via text message anytime with no appointment needed. Once you’ve signed up, the system automatically chooses the best-matching counselor based on your mental health concerns and other preferences. Other perks you’ll get include access to more than 150 digital worksheets and modules that can help supplement the counseling process, plus live weekly group seminars led by therapists who are experts in their field.

The BetterHelp network consists of accredited psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists. Once you’ve signed up for an account, you’ll be connected with a matching therapist within 24-hours. BetterHelp services generally aren’t covered by insurance, but prices are comparable to what you’d pay for a traditional copay. BetterHelp isn’t suitable for people diagnosed with a severe mental illness or those who are required to attend therapy by a court order.

Pros and Cons of BetterHelp

• Free mental health resource library
• Flexible counseling options
• No live support
• Doesn’t accept insurance

Do customers like BetterHelp.com?

A satisfied BetterHelp customer says, “…Their easy process and amazing counselors have helped me become my best self.” Another says, “Reasonably priced and they do a wonderful job at matching therapists.” A few users had problems connecting with their therapist; one notes, “After chatting with the assigned counselor she had no free slots for next two weeks only to discover she didn’t really have expertise in what I needed help with.”

With JustAnswer Medical, you can ask almost any health-related question and get a doctor’s response via chat within minutes. The service is fairly basic, but it’s a quick way to get expert advice about medications, illnesses, and tips for healthy living. A JustAnswer doctor listens to your symptoms and can advise you to seek in-person medical attention if needed. Its network includes doctors in many specialist fields, including pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, and internal medicine. Physicians on JustAnswer are carefully vetted and must verify their credentials before accepting patient questions on the platform.

JustAnswer charges you a small fee to post a question, with an additional charge for each follow-up question. You can ask questions 24/7, but there might be a short wait time to get a response as the number of online doctors varies throughout the day. The service is not intended for primary care, urgent care, or diagnosis. Doctors cannot order lab tests or write prescriptions, although they can answer questions about drug interactions or medications you’re currently taking. Questions can be asked via text chat, with the option of a phone consultation for an extra fee.

Pros and Cons of JustAnswer

• Pay by the question
• No appointment necessary
• Specialists available
• No primary care
• No lab tests, prescriptions, or sick notes

Do customers like JustAnswer?

Customers appreciate the quick and helpful responses of doctors on JustAnswer. One user says, “The doctor was so encouraging to me. He helped me so much, and calmed my fears.” “Super helpful to anyone who may be in a panic about their situation,” another adds. Some customers complain about billing issues, though. “I paid the $5 for the question, but was completely unaware that they were also charging me an automatic $54 monthly fee on top of that,” says one.

PlushCare’s physician network of doctors from the top 50 medical institutions in the U.S. treat a wide range of medical needs, including urgent issues, chronic conditions, and mental health concerns. The service is ideal for everyday primary care. PlushCare offers online talk therapy for depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship issues. Therapists coordinate with other doctors on your PlushCare team, who can prescribe medication or an in-person assessment if needed. Currently, the online therapy service is available in several states and there are plans to continue expanding.

Aside from the monthly fee, PlushCare customers are charged a flat rate or copay per session. Most Blue Cross and Cigna plans are accepted. PlushCare also offers a medication delivery program that allows you to have prescriptions mailed directly to your home. There is an additional monthly charge for the service which is not covered by insurance, so the program is open to cash pay customers only. PlushCare membership includes a prescription discount card that can save you up to 80% on medications at your local pharmacy.

Pros and Cons of PlushCare

• Prescriptions can be delivered to your door
• Offers a discount for veterans and active military
• Therapy available in limited states
• Subscription required

Do customers like PlushCare?

Customers of PlushCare say its doctors are compassionate and take the time to listen to their problems. “Personable, professional, and made sure I understood everything he was prescribing and why,” says one about their doctor. Another notes that her doctor “was conscientious and had a good bedside manner.” Some customers have experienced issues with customer service, however. One user remarks, “They did nothing to help me and have not actually responded to any of my emails.”

Sesame’s telemedicine platform is ideal for many urgent medical issues, including treatment of infections, fevers, nausea, and more. You’ll get care from a board-certified physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner, depending on symptoms and the reason for your visit. Unlike most other telemedicine providers, doctors on Sesame’s platform set their own prices, availability, and services they can offer. Sesame suggests doctors in your area and allows you to choose the one you’d like to see. Because your doctor is local, you’re able to visit them in person as well as virtually. If you like your doctor, you can see them again.

Doctors on Sesame can prescribe medicine and provide refills with a quick video consultation. They’ll also order lab tests and imaging services such as an MRI or CT scan. Because each doctor sets their own prices, you can’t use your insurance to pay for care. Rates are typically lowest for general urgent care and higher for certain specialty services, such as dermatology or mental health care.

Pros and Cons of Sesame

• Can see a doctor in person
• Choose your preferred doctor
• Live support during business hours only
• Insurance not accepted

Do customers like Sesame?

Many customers rave about Sesame’s ease of use and low-prices. As one says, “I absolutely love how this is allowing me to see doctors at a lower cost. You pay up front and you are treated just like everyone else.” “Super simple and cheap, doctors were great,” another adds. One common complaint is scheduling issues. One customer writes, “Sesame needs to be better at checking appointment times.”

Ritual is an online therapy service specializing in romantic relationships, though the company’s methods differ from those of traditional couples counseling. You’ll have the option to participate alone or with your partner, but in either case your experience will involve one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. 

Each new client begins with an introductory online session, during which they’ll share relationship goals with their assigned therapist. Your goals are organized into categories known as “Pathways,” which focus on specific aspects of relationships you’d like to improve such as intimacy, communication, conflict, and reestablishing a romantic connection. 

You’ll focus on each Pathway individually, finishing one before moving onto the next. Your therapist provides daily activities and exercises for actively working on the Pathway, and supplements your progress with weekly one-on-one sessions to discuss your progress. These sessions last 15 to 20 minutes apiece, making them relatively short compared to those conducted during traditional couples therapy. 

The Pathways are self-paced, but most can be completed in 1 to 2 months. You can opt out of Ritual any time without paying a cancellation fee, though you’ll be billed through the end of the current month.

If you choose to obtain counseling through Ritual on your own, you can choose between weekly or bi-monthly meetings with your therapist. Couples who enlist in Ritual’s services receive three individual sessions for both people, plus a joint session at the end of the month.

Pros and Cons of Ritual

• Relationship counseling tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals
• One-on-one sessions with trained therapists included with each membership
• Clients can choose to participate alone or with their partner
• Health insurance does not cover Ritual’s monthly fees
• Monthly charges are somewhat expensive when receiving therapy with a partner

Do customers like Ritual?

Ritual’s website features client testimonials categorized by Pathway. “The pain and shame I’d feel each time I got jealous was too intense to actually talk about it with my girlfriend,” writes one client regarding their conflict Pathway. “Having the space to process helped me transform the conversation.” The feedback for intimacy and communication Pathways is also positive.

WellTheory is an online service specifically tailored for people living with autoimmune diseases. The company’s staff is trained to work with this population of the medical community, and many are personally affected by chronic health conditions themselves. Although WellTheory can positively impact anyone struggling with autoimmunity, these services are intended to supplement primary medical care from your physician. 

First-time WellTheory visitors are asked to complete a brief survey about their autoimmune disease and medical history, along with their name and home state. After receiving approval, you’ll schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of the company’s specialists. This initial meeting is free of charge. 

From there, you’ll receive coaching with regard to nutrition and lifestyle changes in order to manage your symptoms. WellTheory monitors your progress and measures improvement based on biomarker reductions and whether you experience fewer symptoms. You can also ask to be tested for microbiome analysis, food sensitivity, and other factors that influence your autoimmune health.

Your subscription comes with two consultations with your specialist per month, as well as a personal care plan and access to additional resources such as advanced testing and medical supplements. Although you cannot pay for the subscription with medical insurance, FSA and HSA credit cards are accepted. WellTheory allows you to end your subscription at any point. A full refund is issued within the first 30 days if you aren’t satisfied.

Pros and Cons of WellTheory

• Services cover a wide range of autoimmune diseases and chronic health conditions
• Each subscriber receives a personalized medical care plan
• Optional testing available for microbiome analysis, food sensitivities, hormone panels, heavy metals, and environmental toxins
• WellTheory does not accept medical insurance
• Those who are not currently experiencing any symptoms do not qualify for a subscription

Do customers like WellTheory?

In addition to testimonials from WellTheory staff members and clients, the company’s website features feedback from licensed physicians who have worked with or witnessed the impact of WellTheory. “This program is a wonderful way to orient yourself to the autoimmune paleo protocol,” writes Dr. Fiona McCulloch, N.D. “The team provides unwavering, empathic support, and expert guidance through each step of the program.”

Hims is a virtual primary care service that provides treatment for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, and other conditions commonly experienced by men. To get started, you’ll provide your medical history and reason for visiting, then be matched to a healthcare provider in your state who will evaluate symptoms and guide you toward a diagnosis.

Medical providers who work through the Hims platform have the ability to write prescriptions if they deem it appropriate. Hims also has the ability to send medications directly to your home, including hair regrowth solutions, acne cream, and anxiety and depression prescriptions. However, some medications must be sent to your pharmacy. Hims also sells some non-prescription products that can supplement your care, such as herbal teas intended to promote relaxation and restful sleep. Hims offers live, anonymous mental health support groups led by licensed therapists and mental health and wellness professionals that are free for anyone to join.

Hims’ primary care treats more than 30 basic medical problems, and you can get care over the computer or on the phone. Insurance does not cover Hims consultations, but it may pay some or all of the cost of your prescriptions, depending on the plan you have.

Pros and Cons of Hims

• Specific care for men 
• Home delivery for some prescription products
• Competitive pricing
• Some prescription products require you to visit a pharmacy

Do customers like Hims?

Many users are happy with the service and products Hims provides. One has this to say: “The whole experience has been positive, product cost was appropriate, the manner in which it was packaged was very convenient.” Another user adds, “The website is easy to navigate. I always have great customer service and it is very prompt.” Some customers have experienced issues with slow shipping, however. “Shipping can take a week or more, despite what the website may advertise,” one says.

A fitting counterpart to Hims, Hers specializes in online help for women. The company’s services run a wide gamut, including anxiety and depression treatment, birth control, and hair and skin care. 

Those seeking mental health care are asked to complete a questionnaire about their current emotional state, how long they’ve been experiencing issues with depression or anxiety, measures they’re taking to alleviate their symptoms, and goals they hope to accomplish through Hers. If approved, they’ll be connected with a mental health specialist and may also qualify for prescription medication delivered directly to their residence.

Medical services operate in a similar manner, including an initial survey, one-on-one consultation with a medical provider, and — if needed — prescription medication deliveries. You’ll pay a flat fee for the first consultation, which is not covered by insurance, but your subsequent prescriptions may be covered depending on your plan. 

Birth control, cold sore kits, and yeast infection treatments are also available for approved visitors who qualify for a prescription. The same applies to hair and skin treatment items that require a prescription. Other products such as prophylactics and shampoo normally sold over the counter are available to all site visitors. Hers subscriptions allow you to receive a 20% discount on your treatment plan for the first three months, after which you’ll pay a flat monthly fee.

Pros and Cons of Hers :

• Wide range of services covering physical, mental, and sexual health
• Medications qualify for coverage under most medical insurance plans
• Non-prescription products are available to all visitors, even without a subscription
• Pharmacy visits may be required for certain prescriptions
• Insurance does not cover the cost of the initial consultation

Do customers like Hers?

Reviews on the Hers website are positive across the board. Many testimonials focus on the company’s hair and skin care services. “Hers has made it easier for me to combat my stress induced alopecia without the hassle of in person doctor visits,” writes one satisfied customer. Others share “before and after” photos to show the positive effects of Hers’ skin care products.

Teladoc’s network includes urgent care doctors, therapists, pediatricians, and specialists in more than 450 fields. Its Primary360 service matches you with a local doctor who understands illnesses and health trends in your area, which may help you receive a more accurate diagnosis.

Get Care Now provides treatment for adults and kids suffering from colds, infections, stomachaches, and other non-emergency concerns. With both services, doctors can prescribe medication, order lab tests, and share medical notes with other clinicians in your care team. Counselors and psychiatrists are on call for mental health screenings and talk therapy. Teladoc offers wellness coaching for tobacco cessation, spine care, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Consultations are available 24 hours a day and provided via phone, video chat, and the Teladoc app. The company charges a flat rate for urgent and primary care, although you might pay as little as $0 per visit, depending on your insurance. There is an additional fee for psychiatry and dermatology services, but this isn’t disclosed on the Teladoc website, so you’ll need to set up an account to see the amount.

Pros & Cons of Teladoc

• A large network of specialists
• Wellness coaching
• No time limit for consultations
• Unclear pricing for some services
• Primary360 care for adults 18+ only

Do customers like Teladoc?

“The app is really easy to set up and walks you through everything. Scheduling appointments is easy and it’s fast,” says a customer who’s impressed with the service. Another is pleased with Teladoc’s pricing, saying, “My insurance covers this service so it is super convenient.” However, some customers had difficulty connecting with a doctor by phone. One writes, “My biggest irritation is when receiving calls from the doctor, it will come from an unlisted number.”

Amwell’s urgent care consultations are available 24/7, with no appointment required to see a doctor. You’ll provide the reason for your visit and get matched with a board-certified physician almost immediately.

Therapy and psychiatry services are also available for an extra fee and include one-on-one counseling, mental illness screening, and medication management. Amwell provides a number of specialty services for women who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or going through menopause. Its network includes pediatricians who treat infections, rashes, allergies, and many other common medical problems in kids.

Amwell is partnered with the Cleveland Clinic to offer its MyConsult service, which provides a second opinion on any third-party diagnosis.

Amwell isn’t intended for ongoing primary care, so you can’t choose to see the same doctor on a regular basis. Doctors can write prescriptions for many types of medications, such as antibiotics and blood pressure drugs, but they’re unable to order lab tests on your behalf. Amwell charges a flat rate per 10-minute visit and accepts all major insurance providers.

Pros & Cons of Amwell

• No appointment needed for urgent care
• 24/7 support
• Second opinions offered
• Can’t order lab tests
• Not for primary care

Do customers like Amwell?

Overall, Amwell customers praise the company’s accessible approach to care. “The visits are convenient, the staff more than competent, and the fees reasonable,” writes a user. Another notes, “The physician was personable and listened very well to my symptoms. The treatment he prescribed help me a lot.” However, some patients have experienced billing issues. One says, “I could not delete a credit card when I needed to change payment modes. Your insurance options listed do not match the plans you accept.”

Maven Clinic is a comprehensive care provider for couples and individuals wishing to have children. It provides caring medical guidance for those considering fertility treatments, surrogacy, egg freezing, or adoption, and can help individuals and couples choose their best option. Maven physicians support people during pregnancy and beyond with around-the-clock virtual care.

Patients who are pumping while traveling for work can use Maven’s breast milk shipping service to safely ship milk wherever it needs to go. Counseling is available for parents struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, and other common mental health issues. The company’s network includes 25 types of specialists, including OB-GYNs, sleep coaches, and lactation consultants.

Maven is intended to complement in-person maternity care, not replace it. Its services may be free if your employer offers Maven member sponsorship. You’ll pay a fixed rate per service without employer sponsorship as the company doesn’t accept insurance. Upon signing up, you’ll be paired with a dedicated Care Consultant who can help you find local specialists, provide referrals, and answer questions any time of day or night.

Pros and Cons of Maven :

• Extensive family planning services
• Free with employer sponsorship

Do customers like Maven Clinic?

Patients agree that Maven is an excellent supplement to in-person care. One user says, “I got a 7pm same-day appointment with a world class reproductive endocrinologist when I needed fertility advice after a miscarriage.” “It’s a life saver if you need a prescription between exams,” another writes. Some users express difficulty connecting with a doctor, though, “I really felt no sense of welcome from this physician, which is something I have never dealt with from the doctors I see face to face.”

Some of MDLIVE’s major services include urgent care, dermatology, talk therapy, and psychiatric assessments. Counselors in the MDLIVE network are on call 24/7 to help with a variety of behavioral health concerns. Counseling is available for children and adolescents. MDLIVE can get you an appointment with a doctor in a few days or less, much faster than in-person visits. Appointments for dermatology may be available even sooner. If you’re concerned about a strange rash, mole, or other skin condition, a dermatologist can provide a quick diagnosis with a photo or video chat.

MDLIVE is not a virtual primary care provider, so you can’t choose to see a doctor on a regular basis. Doctors can write prescriptions for most medications but are unable to order lab tests or interpret results. Services are provided through the iOS or Android app as well as most desktops equipped with a webcam and microphone. Deaf and hard of hearing patients can get care through MDLIVE’s HIPAA-compliant website chat feature.

Pros and Cons of MDLIVE

• Clear pricing
• Fast appointments for therapy/psychiatry
• Live support
• No lab tests

Do customers like MDLIVE?

Customers rave about the convenient appointments MDLIVE offers. As one user puts it, “I can’t remember the last time I had to go to my primary care doctor for a simple diagnosis because MDLIVE is that easy!” “I used their app and the doctor contacted me within 10 minutes. He promptly sent my prescription to my pharmacy,” says another. Some patients have issues locating records from their appointment, however. One remarks, “I do not have my chart and needed to refer back to it and couldn’t find it again.”

Lemonaid Health is a comprehensive primary care service focused on helping you build a great relationship with your online doctor. You’ll start by answering questions about medical concerns, health goals, and your overall lifestyle so Lemonaid can match you to a doctor who’s the perfect fit. If you follow a diet plan, such as Whole30 or gluten-free, you’ll be connected to a physician who supports your nutrition goals and specific health needs. Your doctor can help with chronic conditions and urgent problems, as well as preventative medicine, which may include mental health screenings, weight-loss counseling, and a smoking cessation treatment plan. Once you’re matched with a doctor, you can call, text, or video chat with them at any time.

Lemonaid offers two subscription plans for either individuals or families. Both plans require an annual membership commitment with service fees paid on a monthly basis. Most insurance won’t cover Lemonaid membership, but you can use your health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement account (HRA) to pay for care.

Pros and Cons of Lemonaid Health

• Personalized long-term care
• Family plan
• 24/7 customer support
• Annual subscription required

Do customers like Lemonaid Health?

“He was precise, concise and went into great detail with all of my questions/concerns,” one customer says about their Lemonaid doctor. Another remarks, “She has been one of the most empathetic doctors I have ever gone to. Her bedside manner is second to none.” Some users, though, find customer support lacking. “When you try to get in touch with customer service, it takes days to get a response,” one says.

Online doctors offer many services, including urgent and primary care, counseling, psychiatry, dermatology, and maternity care. Find one that provides the service you need.

Prices for online care vary considerably depending on the length of visit and services required. Typically, you’ll either pay a flat rate per consultation or a monthly subscription fee that includes multiple visits.

Insurance acceptance 

Many online doctors accept major health insurance plans. Insurance usually won’t cover telehealth subscriptions, although you may be able to pay the fees with your HSA or similar medical savings account. You should consider these factors before moving forward with a doctor.

Prescriptions

Most of the time, doctors can write prescriptions for various medications (including refills) if they feel it’s necessary. Prescriptions may be sent to your local pharmacy or directly to your home. Doctors can’t provide prescriptions for certain types of drugs, including narcotics and medications that are restricted by laws in your state. You should consider the medications you may need before picking a service.

In many cases, online physicians can order lab tests for blood work and imaging, including MRIs and x-rays. Whether a doctor can order tests depends on laws and regulations in your area, among other factors. You may need to visit a testing center in person, although some types of tests can be done at home.

The demand for online medical care has exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to doctors and patients who’d prefer to limit in-person contact when possible.

• Patients who lack transportation or live a long distance from the nearest clinic have benefited greatly from the convenience telemedicine provides. In many cases, doctors are able to virtually meet with patients who couldn’t get a ride to the office. 
• In July of 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report depicting impressive utilization trends for primary care telemedicine services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly by Medicare beneficiaries.
• In the D.C. metro area, Kaiser Permanente established a telemedicine health monitoring program to keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital, which relieved some of the burdens on the overwhelmed health care system.

Learn more about the evolving landscape of telemedicine from the sources we used for this guide.

• U.S. News & World Report | Health Care After COVID: The Rise of Telemedicine: Doctors and patients embrace telehealth’s ability to expand access to care. | Last accessed August 2024
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | HHS Issues New Report Highlighting Dramatic Trends in Medicare Beneficiary Telehealth Utilization amid COVID-19: An HHS report suggests what the field might look like post-pandemic. | Last accessed August 2024
• EurekAlert! | COVID-19 telemonitoring program helps reduce hospital admissions and ER visits: Online wellness checks helped COVID-19 patients avoid unnecessary hospitalization. | Last accessed August 2024

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Telehealth: Should You Try an Online Doctor?

What you should know about medical care you can get in your own home, sharing is nice.

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

It's Saturday night and you're battling a worsening fever . Should you wait until Monday to visit your doctor? Or should you "see" one of the thousands of doctors available online?

Telehealth is an umbrella term for medical care received through remote communications, such as smartphone apps, email, telephone, text, video, or the web.

It has been around for decades, but in recent years private insurers, employers, and government programs have expanded their coverage. By 2016 at least half of  U.S. healthcare institutions  and hospitals were using some form of telehealth. And last September the Senate passed a bill that will expand  Medicare coverage  for telehealth services, if it's signed into law.

"More and more, telehealth is being built into the normal course of care," says Margo Edmunds, Ph.D., a researcher and vice president of AcademyHealth, a nonprofit health services research company.

But don't expect it to "completely take the place of  meeting your doctor  in person," says John Shen, M.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Here's how telehealth is changing medical care, and how to know when to take advantage of what it has to offer.

How Telehealth Works

There are currently two major ways you can access remote care from your home: through e-visits with your own provider (if they're offered) or through a consult with an online-only service, such as Teladoc. This could be as simple as talking to your doctor over the phone or using the Teladoc app to video chat with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other provider who can write a prescription.

Today, experts say, telehealth may be most helpful for those in rural areas or with  mental health concerns , and for anyone with minor issues, such as a urinary tract infection, or UTI.

One recent study  found that people at home most commonly use telehealth for acute infections, such  as sinusitis . But such conditions may be tricky to diagnose remotely, according to Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports' chief medical adviser. "I don't know how good a look you can get down people's throats through Skype," he says.

And more complicated issues,  such as pneumonia  or abdominal pain, may require an in-person exam.

In the future, experts say, internet-­connected sensors—such as  blood pressure monitors —could be paired with e-visits to help people manage chronic conditions from home. So far, such devices aren't widely used. But the list of conditions that patients and doctors can manage remotely is "ever expanding," says Eric Topol, M.D., director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute.

Still, never rely on an online service during a medical emergency, Shen says. And if you have symptoms of a stroke or  heart attack , call 911.

Costs and Considerations

Online doctor visits are convenient, but do the savings add up? One recent study found they can cut cost and time, but people may be more inclined to use telehealth when they otherwise would have done nothing.

Insurance coverage also varies. Many large employer and government insurance programs, such as Medicaid, offer telehealth coverage, often for about the same cost as an in-person visit. But Medicare is currently more restrictive with its coverage.

If you're interested in telehealth, try a service affiliated with your own doctor, Lipman says. Otherwise, ones covered by employer or government insurance plans are best, says Edmunds, because they have probably been vetted by the insurer. Call your doctor and insurer to see what might be available.

And while telehealth services aren't immune to hacks, they're subject to the same privacy regulations as a doctor's physical office. Your provider can't share your medical information with others without your permission, for example.

If you're using a telehealth service not affiliated with your doctor, make sure your records are sent to your provider so that your medical info isn't fragmented . 

Editor's Note:  This article also appeared in the June 2018 issue of  Consumer Reports On Health . 

Julia Calderone

I'm a former scientist, using words and an audio recorder as my new research tools to untangle the health and food issues that matter most to consumers. I live in Brooklyn, N.Y., where I cook as much as possible. You can find me in the grocery aisle scrutinizing the fine print of every food item I put into my cart. Follow me on Twitter @juliacalderone .

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How to get the most from your virtual doctor's visit

Dr. Michael Sherman is chief medical officer and senior vice president of health services for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in Wellesley, Mass. He’s also a parent, so when his 10-year-old daughter Lila recently needed a checkup for her asthma , he decided to try a virtual doctor’s visit .

He and his family connected with Lila’s doctor through video — Lila took the lead, with Sherman and his wife in the background.

“They asked questions about her breathing, symptoms and medication use,” Sherman said. While Lila will have to hold off on some in-person testing until restrictions lift, Sherman said he was very satisfied with the experience.

“I admit as a parent, I was wondering, ‘Is this going to be quite as effective?’ I was happily surprised,” he said.

Sherman and his family are part of a skyrocketing number of people seeking care through virtual doctor’s visits these days. With the pandemic shutting down in-person appointments at medical offices nationwide, most primary care doctors and specialists have ramped up their telemedicine capabilities in the last couple of months. Sherman said his company saw online doctor’s visits climb 8,000% from February to April this year.

How do virtual doctor’s visits work?

With a virtual doctor’s appointment, you connect with a doctor over secure video. Typically, your doctor’s office will send you a link, or you download an app. Once you click on the link or open the app, you’ll likely answer some questions about your condition and then you’ll connect with your doctor for a conversation and evaluation.

Outside of procedures like surgeries and biopsies, you can schedule a virtual doctor’s visit for just about anything you would see a doctor in-person for

• routine follow-up care
• prenatal care
• annual wellness exams
• minor injuries
• symptom evaluation

“For most adult patients who have a chronic disease and see their doctor two, three or four times a year, telehealth has been a great way to accomplish some of those interval check-ins,” said Dr. Ethan Halm, head of COVID-19 telehealth for internal medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “You can do about 70 to 80% of what you can do in the office for most patients.”

How to make your virtual doctor’s visit go smoothly

If you haven’t tried a virtual doctor’s appointment yet, you might be apprehensive. These seven tips can make it less intimidating. Here's how to do a virtual doctor visit and make the most of it.

1. Try to schedule your visit with your regular doctor. Your doctor knows your medical history and medications. But if your doctor doesn’t have convenient time slots, an insurance company like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna or United Healthcare, or a pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS might offer virtual appointments.

2. Use a phone or a tablet if you can. Halm said that these devices tend to have fewer problems with connectivity compared to laptop or desktop machines. Plus, if your doctor wants a closer look at something — a rash or a swollen ankle, say — it’s easier to move the phone or tablet than to try to position yourself in front of a fixed computer camera.

3. Bump up your lighting. You want something brighter than that soft, flattering lighting you’re using for your Zoom meetings. Sherman said your doctor will want to get a good look at you, try to gauge your mood, and maybe estimate your breathing rate.

4. Find a private, quiet space. Your doctor may ask you sensitive questions or need you to undress. Dr. Ronald Tamler, director of digital health implementation for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, said a lot of patients go into the bathroom for their visits.

And Dr. Tania Elliott, the co-chair of the Virtual Health Clinical Task Force at New York University Langone Health and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, likes wearing headphones: “It reinforces the privacy piece — no one else is hearing what you’re saying.”

5. Log in 15 or 20 minutes before your virtual appointment time. You’ll need some time to fill out your online paperwork and to make sure your technology is working properly.

Health & Wellness Worried about coronavirus symptoms? A virtual doctor can see you now

6. Gather medications and information. Have your pill bottles nearby so your doctor can review them. Elliott said sometimes people will request refills on blood pressure medication when in fact it’s their cholesterol medication that’s running low.

If you track your blood pressure or blood glucose, have those details ready to share with your doctor. And it’s a good idea to have a handy way to take notes during the appointment.

7. See if you can loop in other people. Ahead of time, find out if multiple people can log in. Virtual visits are a great opportunity for people to join in with their aging parents or with their young adult children to help monitor their care.

Additionally, said Elliott, “It’s very easy with video to coordinate appointments with a couple of different doctors.” So you might be able to arrange to have, say, your cardiologist or endocrinologist join in on your virtual visit with your primary care doctor to better coordinate your care.

Stephanie Thurrott is a writer who covers mental health, personal growth, wellness, family, food and personal finance, and dabbles in just about any other topic that grabs her attention. When she's not writing, look for her out walking her dog or riding her bike in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. 

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How to Code for Telehealth, Audio-Only, and Virtual-Digital Visits 

Learn how to accurately get paid for telemedicine services with medical codes for telehealth, audio-only, and virtual-digital visits.

Looking for additional telemedicine coding resources?

Coding for Telehealth Visits

Note:  These tables are informational, not advisory. The AAFP recommends that physicians verify each payer's policy and ask patients to verify their coverage ahead of appointments. 

How do I code a new or established patient telehealth office visit that uses audio-video communications technology?

* Elevance's  policies vary by state; contact your provider-relations representative.

Coding for Audio-only Visits

How do i code an audio-only visit for a new or established patient .

CPT Codes: 99441-99443 

Audio-only scenario notes 

Medicare requires audio-video for most office visit evaluation and management (E/M) services (CPT codes 99202-99215) telehealth services. Audio-only encounters are allowed for certain services. Eligible services may be found on the Medicare Telehealth Services list. Medicare allows audio-only telehealth services for office visit E/M services (CPT codes 99202-99215) for the treatment of mental health conditions.   

UHC states they will consider payment for eligible audio-only services listed in Appendix P of the CPT book. Eligible services must be reported using either POS 02 or 10 and include the -93 modifier. CPT codes billed with modifier -93 that are not in Appendix P will not be considered for payment.   

Private payers vary on covered telehealth services. Check with your provider relations representatives for each payer’s telehealth policy and covered telehealth services. 

CMS will cover telephone evaluation and management (E/M) services (CPT codes 99441-99443) through the end of calendar year 2023. Other services that may be provided via audio-only are available on the Medicare Telehealth List. 

Telephone E/M services are provided to a patient, parent, or guardian and do not originate from a related E/M service within the previous seven days and do not lead to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment. 

The following codes may be used by physicians or other qualified health professionals who may report E/M services: 

• 99441: telephone E/M service; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion 
• 99442: telephone E/M service; 11-20 minutes of medical discussion 
• 99443: telephone E/M service, 21-30 minutes of medical discussion 

Telephone E/M services should not be reported when the time spent on the telephone is captured in other services reported, such as: 

• if CPT codes 99421-99423 have been reported by the same physician in the previous seven days for the same problem, 
• when CPT codes 99339-99340 and 99374-99380 are used for the same call, 
• during the same month with CPT codes 99487 and 99489, and 
• when performed during the same service period at CPT codes 99495-99496. 
• Self-funded plans can develop their own policies and may opt out of some cost-sharing waivers. Similarly, Medicaid policies are established at the state-level. The AAFP recommends reaching out to your provider relations representatives or Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to verify policies.  

Coding for Virtual-Digital Visits 

How do i code an e-visit (cpt 99421-99423) for an established patient .

CPT Codes: 99421-99423 

How do I code a virtual check-in (HCPCS codes G2012 and G2010) for an established patient? 

HCPCS Codes: G2012, G2252, G2010 

Virtual/Digital Scenario Notes 

• Patient consent is required and may be obtained either before or at the time of service. 
• Virtual check-ins and e-visits must technically be initiated by a patient; however, physicians and other providers may need to educate beneficiaries on the availability of the service prior to patient initiation. 
• There are no POS or modifier requirements for virtual check-ins or e-visits. Use the POS used for typical services. 

Virtual Check-in (HCPCS Code G2012, G2252) 

• These are brief conversations with a physician or other clinician to determine if an in-person visit is necessary. 
• The communication cannot be related to a medical visit within the previous seven days and cannot lead to medical visit within the next 24 hours (or soonest appointment available). 
• Physician or other clinician may respond to patient by telephone, audio/video, secure text messaging, email, or patient portal. 
• HCPCS code G2010 can be used when a captured video or image (store and forward) is sent to the physician. The physician must follow up with the patient within 24 business hours. The consultation must not originate from an evaluation and management (E/M) service provided within the previous seven days or lead to an E/M service within the next 24 hours (or soonest available appointment). 

E-Visits (online digital evaluation and management services) 

• These are non-face-to-face, patient-initiated communications with the physician through an online patient portal. The communications can occur over a seven-day period, and the exchange must be stored permanently. 
• Cumulative time includes review of the initial inquiry, review of patient records pertinent to the assessment of the patient’s problem, personal interaction with clinical staff focused on the patient’s problem, development of management plans (including generation of prescriptions or ordering of tests), and subsequent communication with the patient. Communication can occur through online, telephone, email, or other digitally supported communication 

Physicians and other clinicians who may independently bill Medicare for E/M services can use the following codes:

• 99421: Online digital evaluation and management service, for a patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 5-10 minutes 
• 99422: Online digital evaluation and management service, for a patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 11-20 minutes 
• 99423: Online digital evaluation and management service, for a patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 21 or more minutes 

E-visits should not be billed on the same day the physician reports an office visit E/M service (CPT codes 99202-99205 and 99211-99215) for the same patient. Additionally, e-visits should not be billed when using the following codes for the same communication: 

• 99339-99340 
• 99374-99380 
• 99487 and 99489 
• 99495-99466 

Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Family Physicians. All Rights Reserved.

Pfizer launches website to sell directly to patients

Struggling with plunging demand for its Covid products, Pfizer Inc. has a new plan to reach potential customers: Cutting out middleman and selling drugs straight to patients.

The company launched a website on Tuesday that allows users to schedule vaccine appointments or meet virtually with doctors who can prescribe its medicines for Covid, migraine and other conditions, which are then shipped to patients’ doorsteps. Called PfizerForAll, the site allows Pfizer to offer its products to customers where they so often are — online, Googling their various health anxieties.

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

“We’re all about delivering breakthroughs that change patients’ lives,” Aamir Malik, Pfizer’s US chief commercial officer, said in an interview, “but that’s only effective and impactful if you can get people the medicines they need when they need them.”

In January, Eli Lilly & Co. launched its LillyDirect portal to sell popular obesity and diabetes treatments, marking the first time a major drug company hawked products straight to consumers. While some doctors have questioned the model’s safety, the emergence of PfizerForAll suggests a potential Big Pharma arms race to sell directly to consumers, said Tim Mackey, a professor at the University of California, San Diego who studies the pharmaceutical industry. The direct sales also circumvent players like pharmacy benefit managers that drugmakers say reduce their revenue and hurt patient access.  

Drug companies have historically spent fortunes on speaking fees, lavish meals, and conference sponsorships to influence prescribers. Since the 1990s, drug companies have increasingly targeted consumers through ads urging them to ask their doctors for specific products. Patients may hold even more sway or medical decision-making when they meet with doctors online.  

“This is really the next evolution of direct-to-consumer advertising,” Mackey said. “With the rise of telehealth, I think manufacturers are realizing they need to get into this space.”

Some doctors worry this could be risky for patients. The American College of Physicians has warned that such platforms often rely on telehealth prescribers rather than family doctors with whom patients have a relationship. That could “leave patients confused and misinformed about medications,” the physicians’ group said. 

Checks, Balances

Pfizer says its platform has checks and balances in place to prevent any undue influence. Patients can use the site to schedule a Covid vaccination with Moderna Inc.’s shot just as easily as Pfizer’s. Those who suspect they have Covid can schedule a $35 virtual consultation through telehealth provider UpScriptHealth or an in-person doctor visit through ZocDoc Inc., each operating independently from the drugmaker, acciording to Pfizer. 

The encounters might yield a prescription for Paxlovid, Pfizer’s oral treatment for Covid, or a recommendation for bed rest. For migraine patients, a PfizerForAll telehealth consultation could spur a prescription for Nurtec, the company’s migraine drug that’s endorsed by Lady Gaga, or lead to patients getting Lilly’s Emgality.

Pfizer’s website is also the latest example of the New York pharmaceutical company embracing its brand. Pfizer released a minute-long Super Bowl commercial portraying the company as a force driving science forward, underscored by Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” 

Untapped Resource

The new portal offers “an opportunity to say Big Pharma isn’t necessarily bad pharma,” said Pradeep Chintagunta, a marketing professor at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business who studies the drug industry. “They can communicate more directly with people and say, ‘I’m actually trying to help people. We’re not as bad of folks as people might make us out to be.’”

And Pfizer could use the sales boost. The company’s revenue hit $100 billion in 2022 on pandemic-related sales but has since declined on waning demand for its Covid shot and pill. Efforts to cut in on the massive market for novel weight-loss medicines have also run into disappointments and delay. Sizable bets on cancer therapies have yet to win over Wall Street.

Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla has indicated that he sees the company name as an untapped resource. In an investor conference last month, he crowed about the results of the Super Bowl ad, without offering specifics.   

“That was an investment in the brand equity of Pfizer,” Bourla said. “It was tremendous, a tremendous success on that front.”

© 2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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Time to Get Digital in Your Practice: Improving and Making Healthcare Easier for Patients, Practices, Providers and Payors

Digital tools are producing a more efficient patient-centered system. Practices tuned in to the new digital world operate more smoothly, deliver higher-quality care, and allow payers to manage costs and risks more effectively.

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Can you imagine if you were shopping online and placing an order took eight hours? What if your order took 26 days to arrive? Sadly, this is the current state of many Americans’ struggle to schedule a doctor’s appointment. We, as physicians, can do better.

Americans are spending an average of eight hours a month managing their healthcare and are waiting 26 days to see a new doctor in many big cities. In 2020, nearly 44 percent of adults in the United States said they skipped or delayed care — not surprising, considering the many barriers to care. Even more distressing, nearly 100 million Americans don’t even have a primary care doctor. Perhaps it’s just too much hassle for the American health consumer to navigate the path to better health.

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Today’s physicians can do better, and lots of new(ish) technology is available to doctor’s offices to improve patient experiences. The main barrier isn’t complexity or even cost – it’s just overcoming the inertia of change. Change is hard for everyone, but it is frequently said that it is particularly hard in healthcare. Yet the pace of treatment innovation in the U.S. is astounding, so why not the pace of using technology to improve accessibility and patient engagement? 

The integration of new digital tools in healthcare can benefit multiple stakeholders, including practices, providers, and payers. Technological upgrades can improve practice efficiency and productivity: Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have already streamlined administrative tasks, reduced paperwork, and minimized errors, leading to more efficient practice management. State-of-the-art physician ambient listening apps on doctors’ smartphones, with AI help, can now edit and accurately enter the physician’s spoken word into an EHR, saving time and reducing physician burnout.

Patient portals and mobile apps are improving patient access, satisfaction and engagement due to better communication between practice and patients. New practice digital tools leverage data analytics to gain insights into patient demographics, treatment outcomes, and operational efficiency. 

Digital tools allow practices to scale more easily, whether through telemedicine services or by expanding patient outreach with automated scheduling and follow-ups. Cost deduction can be achieved by automating routine tasks, which reduces the need for additional staff and lowers operational costs.

What’s Keeping Healthcare CIOs Up at Night: How to Improve Patient Satisfaction by Handling Calls More Efficiently

Health systems have spent billions on portals while investments in modernizing the voice channel — the dominant preference of healthcare consumers — have taken a backseat.

For providers, Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) tools provide evidence-based recommendations and can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment plans. Time management, always a concern for providers, is being addressed by automated prescription renewals and test result notifications. 

Telemedicine virtual consultations let providers increase accessibility for patients and reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups or follow-up care. All these advances of the new digital healthcare age are resulting in comprehensive patients records and an advanced level of continuity of care. 

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of new technology is the promise of a reduction in physician burnout. Streamlined administrative tasks and improving work-life balance through the flexible tools of telemedicine ambient listening are letting doctors spend more time with their patients and enjoying their chosen profession more. 

The digital tools aren’t just more efficient for practices and providers. Payors are seeing benefits as well in cost savings, improved risk management, enhanced fraud protection, streamlined claims processing, and better patient outcomes. 

The vision is for more Americans to have timely access to quality healthcare. But, in order to achieve that vision, doctors need to get on board the process as patients demand easier access. 

In the interest of patient convenience, physicians should take a few minutes to see what patient experience tools they offer and how they can be improved. Quick evaluations can usually be made just by checking out your practice’s website. 

• Can your patients self-schedule an office visit, pay a bill, or join a virtual visit without logging into an online portal? 
• Is there a digital waitlist where you offer an earlier appointment if there is a cancellation? 
• Is messaging a patient’s care team an option when they have a quick question, or must patients call and wait on hold? 
• Are patients able to read their lab results or complete the dreaded pre-visit paperwork from their phone?

Easier access to healthcare ultimately leads to better health outcomes, a goal we physicians all share.

As a family medicine physician who has adapted these digital tools into my organization, I suggest you examine ways to institute these technological advances in your practice. Your patients and your family will thank you.

Photo: elenabs, Getty Images

Dr. Robert (Bob) Murry

A nationally respected physician and health tech leader, Dr. Robert (Bob) Murry , Chief Medical Officer at NextGen Healthcare , has been featured on CNBC, HIMSS TV, and at many industry events. He joined NextGen Healthcare in July 2012 and was appointed chief medical officer in December 2021, bringing more than 20 years of extensive clinical experience and background in health IT. Dr. Murry practices family medicine and is board certified in Clinical Informatics and Family Medicine. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

This post appears through the  MedCity Influencers program. Anyone can publish their perspective on business and innovation in healthcare on MedCity News through MedCity Influencers.  Click here to find out how .

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Digital Transformation in Healthcare in 2024: 7 Key Trends

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Stay up to date with the latest digital trends.

As a healthcare business, you probably know that keeping up with digital transformation in healthcare can feel overwhelming.

Deciding which emerging technologies are worth investing in and getting your team on board with change is often the hardest part.

Look, adapting to the digital era requires a shift towards a flexible and risk-taking mindset.

It means letting go of outdated business processes and trusting that disruption could yield big results. Before we dive deeper into this topic, a quick recap.

Want to learn more about the Digital Authority Partners approach to Digital Marketing? Watch this video!

Digital transformation in healthcare is the positive impact of technology in healthcare.

Here's why: Telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices, and blockchain electronic health records are just a few concrete examples of digital transformation in healthcare which are completely reshaping how we interact with health professionals, how our data is shared among providers and how decisions are made about our treatment plans and health outcomes.

Innovation is the name of the game here, with the main goal of streamlining physicians’ work, optimizing systems, improving patient outcomes, reducing human error, and lowering costs through amazing web and mobile experiences .

Unfortunately, the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have lagged behind when it comes to implementing digital strategies. Yes, you read that right!

In fact, in a recent survey , only seven percent of healthcare and pharmaceutical companies said they had gone digital, compared to 15 percent of companies in other industries.

Despite that, the U.S. healthcare market is enormous; with the national health spending projected to reach $5.7 trillion by 2026 . There’s still time for you to get well-versed in digital technology and use it to bring in more business.  But in order to transform your standard practice into a thriving, digital machine in 2024, you first need a comprehensive picture of the modern healthcare landscape.

Thanks to technology, patients get better treatment with virtual reality tools, wearable medical devices, telehealth, and 5G mobile technology. Doctors, on the other hand, can streamline their workflows using artificial intelligence-powered systems.

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Here’s a better look at the state of digital transformation in healthcare in 2024:

1) The rise of on-demand healthcare (why patients want healthcare on their own schedule)

When you think of ‘on-demand,’ you think of consumers who want things at their own convenience, on their own time, and wherever they happen to be. The healthcare industry is entering the era of digital innovation, as patients seek on-demand healthcare because of their busy schedules.  Mobile is especially important when considering content marketing.

People have simply become far more mobile in the past decade. Mobility is the name of the game, and recent statistics show that more than 50% of all web browsing in the world occurs on mobile devices.

One of the first rules of content marketing is that you must identify where your targeted consumers gather and reach them on those platforms, i.e. mobile. That’s not surprising given that 77 percent of U.S. residents own a smartphone . On top of that, the number of mobile phone users in the world passed the five billion mark in recent years.

Factor in the billions of people globally on the Internet and you can start to see the possibilities that digital transformation in healthcare offers.

Consumers are going online to obtain medical information for the following reasons:

• 47% want to research doctors
• 38% want to research hospital and medical facilities
• 77% want to book medical appointments

But on-demand healthcare is also driven by the growth of the ‘gig’ economy, in which freelance professionals in various industries hire themselves out per job or ‘gig,’ instead of tethering themselves to one company.

Companies such as Nomad Health – an online marketplace that links doctors directly with medical facilities for short-term work – are making it easier for physicians to provide on-demand healthcare to clients in specific circumstances that match their talents, expertise, and schedule. In other words, doctors themselves become on-demand healthcare providers to better meet the changing needs of their patients, another benefit of digital transformation in the healthcare industry.

2) The importance of big data in healthcare

Big data aggregates information about a business through formats such as social media, ecommerce, online transactions, and financial transactions, and identifies patterns and trends for future use.

For the healthcare industry, big data can provide several important benefits , including:

• Lower Rate of Medication Errors – through patient record analysis, software can flag any inconsistencies between a patient’s health and drug prescriptions, alerting health professionals and patients when there is a potential risk of a medication error.
• Facilitating Preventive Care – a high volume of people stepping into emergency rooms are recurring patients also called "frequent flyers.” They can account for up to 28% of visits . Big data analysis could identify these people and create preventive plans to keep them from returning.
• More Accurate Staffing – big data’s predictive analysis could help hospitals and clinics estimate future admission rates, which helps these facilities allocate the proper staff to deal with patients. This saves money and reduces emergency room wait times when a facility is understaffed.

With these benefits in mind, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies should invest in organizing their data. That requires an investment in analytics experts who can crunch the data to not only identify areas of weakness but also help companies better understand their market.

For example, if you’re in the pharmaceutical industry, you probably understand that marketing dynamics are constantly shifting. In fact, drugmakers believe that the biggest advantage of big data is how it helps them understand the market . And with that understanding, they can determine product iteration and product budgets based on existing and future demand.

With a better grasp of the market, your healthcare marketing and sales teams can have an easier time identifying your ideal consumer. A big part of that is creating a customer persona , which compiles demographic information on what your prospects want and need, and the platforms where you can reach them.

3) Treating patients with virtual reality

Ten years ago, telling people you could reduce their pain with a device similar to a video game would have garnered a lot of blank stares. Now, Virtual Reality (VR) is the pièce de résistance of digital transformation in healthcare. Its myriad of applications are profoundly changing the way patients are being treated.

Take pain management, for instance. Up until recently, doctors were handing out opioid prescriptions without much thought. Migraines? Postoperative pain? Here’s some OxyContin, Vicodin, or Percocet. As a result, the country is currently facing the worst drug crisis in American history, representing an economic burden of dozens of billions a year . 

Here’s the thing: millions of people are still struggling with chronic pain. According to the CDC, 50 million U.S. adults experience chronic pain. For them, VR could be a safer, more efficient alternative to drugs . VR technology is being used not only to treat pain but everything from anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and stroke.

And that’s just a fraction of VR’s proven capabilities in the medical field. Other uses include doctors and residents using virtual-reality simulations to hone their skills or to plan complicated surgeries. VR headsets could also motivate wearers to exercise and help children with autism learn how to navigate the world.

From startups to pharma giants, everyone is betting on VR and there are numbers to back them up. The global virtual and augmented reality healthcare market is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2025 . If you’re a healthcare company planning your digital marketing strategy, consider investing in this technology.

VR is a powerful communication channel that would allow you, among other things, to get a better sense of your customers’ needs and virtually engage them with your products or services .

4) The growth of wearable medical devices

Another trend of the digital transformation in healthcare is companies collecting their own health data from medical devices, including wearable technology.

In the past, most patients were satisfied with undergoing a physical once a year, and only checking in with their doctors when something went wrong. But in the digital age, patients are focusing on prevention and maintenance, and demanding information about their health more frequently.

As a result, healthcare companies are being proactive by investing in wearable technology devices that can provide up-to-date monitoring of high-risk patients to determine the likelihood of a major health event. According to a recent report, the wearable medical device market is expected to reach more than $27 million soon (a spectacular jump from almost $8 million in 2017).

Some of the most common of these devices include:

• Heart rate sensors
• Exercise trackers
• Sweat meters – used for diabetics to monitor blood sugar levels.
• Oximeters – monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. They are often used by patients with respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma.

Other benefits for healthcare companies who invest in these products:

• Personalizes the healthcare experience – medical devices give patients a sense of ownership in the process of improving their health.
• Targets insurance pricing – information obtained from wearable devices can help insurers more accurately rate a patient’s risk for illness.
• Provides insurance incentives – patients who take preventive measures to improve their health can obtain lower insurance premiums.
• Provides gamification opportunities – some medical devices, such as fitness watches can create competitive goals for users to achieve through exercise, diet, and nutrition. 

Furthermore, wearable technology can also help healthcare companies save money. One study found that health apps and wearables for preventative care could save the U.S. healthcare system close to $7 billion per year.

5) Predictive healthcare

Earlier, we touched on how big data could provide healthcare companies with predictive analysis about admission rates and help them properly staff their facilities. Another factor supporting the digital transformation in healthcare is predicting what illnesses and diseases could become major problems in the near future.

Information aggregated through Big Data and other marketing sources can help healthcare companies develop healthy lifestyle recommendations for their patients.

For example, you could hire an analyst to analyze keyword activity across social media channels and on major search engines to determine the most common searches for medical conditions , illnesses, and general health. The analyst could then develop a predictive model that would anticipate where and when the next big health scare might occur and how your company can prepare for that event.

But on a smaller scale, predictive analysis could help businesses of all sizes determine when to hire temporary staff due to impending outbreaks of colds and flu that could result in a worker shortage.

6) The wonders of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a digital transformation trend in healthcare. AI represents the epitome of medical innovation. Industry players are eager to invest millions in it. The healthcare AI-powered tools market is expected to exceed $34 billion by 2025 , which means this technology will likely shape almost all facets of the industry.

For most patients, AI in medicine brings to mind Japanese nurse robots. But now, there are plenty of American versions too, like Moxi , a friendly hospital droid designed to assist human nurses with routine tasks such as fetching and restocking supplies.

Chatbots and virtual health assistants are another AI-based technology that patients are becoming familiar with. Chatbots can fill a multitude of roles, from customer service representatives to diagnostic tools and even therapists . Their versatility is being translated into heavy investments. The global healthcare chatbots market is projected to reach $314.3 million from $122 million in 2018.

But the real power of AI can be best observed in areas like precision medicine , medical imaging, drug discovery, and genomics. For instance, cancer patients used to receive cookie-cutter treatments with high failure rates. Now, thanks to AI’s sophisticated pattern recognition, these patients have access to personalized therapies tailored to their genetic makeup and lifestyle.

What AI-powered computer programs do for oncology, in a nutshell, is analyze thousands of pathology images of various cancers to provide highly accurate diagnoses and predict the best possible anti-cancer drug combinations. And, in medical imaging diagnostics, this technology helps radiologists spot details that escape the human eye.

What’s more, top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are using machine learning algorithms to shorten the drug development cycle. In fact, recent findings show that AI can slash early drug discovery timelines by four years against the industry average and generate cost savings of 60 percent.

Overall, AI is predicted to bring billions of dollars in annual savings for the US healthcare economy. Startups are already jumping on this opportunity; the number of active AI startups has increased 14-fold since 2000 .

These numbers alone should be enough to convince any CEO looking to usher their health organization into reaching digital maturity that AI is worth the investment.

7) Blockchain and the promise of better electronic health records

Blockchain has recently developed a bad reputation due to cryptocurrency instability . Now, many might think blockchain to be a vague, puzzling concept that doesn't have much of an impact on their life. In reality, this technology might soon play an instrumental role in keeping their electronic health records accurate and safe.

Blockchain is a digital ledger or a computerized database of transactions.  Shared across a network of computers, it allows customers to safely exchange financial information with suppliers, without the need of a third party such as a bank.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are already vouching for its efficiency by investing millions in this market. According to a recent report, blockchain in the healthcare market is expected to reach $890.5 million by 2023 .

In healthcare, blockchain can be an effective tool in preventing data breaches, improving the accuracy of medical records, and cutting costs.

For years, health officials and experts have been trying to come up with doable solutions to the problem of fragmented medical records .

An electronic health record (EHR) is basically the digital version of a medical chart and includes everything from a patient’s medical history and diagnoses to treatment plans, immunization dates, and test results. It also contains their home address, previous workplaces, as well as financial information like credit card numbers. This is what makes EHRs such an appealing target for hackers, who are selling them for up to $1,000 on the black market.

Yet, as valuable as they are, hospitals are falling short in managing their EHRs. 

Medical data is currently being recorded in unstructured formats and stretched across multiple EHR systems. Already short-staffed doctors and nurses struggle to manually log in every piece of information. This leads to huge errors such as duplicate medical records, misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and even deaths.

Some countries like Australia and the UK have started to experiment with blockchain technology to manage medical records and transactions among patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Thanks to a decentralized network of computers that handle the blockchain and simultaneously register every transaction, conflicting information is automatically detected. Records are not only closer to 100% accurate but are also harder to hack.

I n the U.S., regulations make it harder for companies to create blockchain-based EHRs. Some startups are making big strides toward a future  where patients can control their EHRs from an app , where doctors, pharmacists, or health insurers may request permission to access their data, and where all transactions can be recorded on the distributed ledger.

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Health in the palm of your hand

The healthcare system is undergoing a seismic shift in how information is obtained and disseminated. Gone are the days when all medical information was under the lock and key of doctors and surgeons, and patients had to sign away their lives to access their own health information – consumers want to be able to access all aspects of their health records and do so from the palm of their hand.

Through tools such as online patient portals that provide medical test results, diagnoses, and explanations of illnesses, patients are now becoming participants in their well-being. T hat allows doctors to analyze patients in real time.

What does it really mean when your smartwatch says you’ve completed 14,000 steps in a day? By itself, that is just information. It becomes valuable when doctors and medical analysts transform that this data into actionable knowledge about how those steps helped you. While digital technology is a valuable tool in healthcare, it’s important to remember that it is still just a tool that you can add to your repertoire.

5G mobile technology for instantaneous healthcare

Speaking of health in the palm of your health or in your pocket…As wireless technology gets more sophisticated, so does the delivery of medicine.

Introduced by Qualcomm, the world's largest mobile chipset supplier, 5G enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB) is considered to be the driver of the new mobile industry revolution.

The technology can run up to 100 times faster than the current cellular connection, which made industry experts confident that it could completely change the healthcare landscape and lead to savings of up to $650 billion by 2025 .  

Here’s how.

First, Qualcomm says 5G could make “buffering” a thing of the past, allowing for instantaneous streaming, downloading, and uploading. For telemedicine, this means patients could experience better video conference quality, regardless of location. More importantly, doctors have access to accurate, real-time imaging of organs, soft tissue, and bones, which in turn could greatly decrease the risk of misdiagnosis .

With the current network bandwidth, it takes hours for doctors to send large imaging files to a specialist. Once health facilities might switch to 5G networks, the transmission process could take just a couple of minutes.

And that’s not even a fraction of how 5G could transform healthcare. Pairing 5G with tech like AI and XR can improve existing services and applications for a more friendly, personalized user experience. 

Let’s take a look at some practical examples:

• Clinicians could soon use ultra-reliable connections to teleport to virtual environments and perform robotic surgeries.
• Augmented reality (AR) glasses would allow first responders to connect with faraway specialists and “show” them exactly what they are seeing, in order to receive better guidance.
• 5G could also support medical training, enabling students to use virtual reality headsets to practice at their own pace the steps of complex surgeries.
• 5G-enabled drones could deliver life-saving medicine or devices to patients in hard-to-reach rural areas. A university in Sweden is already testing these drones to deliver defibrillators to cardiac arrest victims.

But it is in the wearable medical device market where 5G causes the greatest disruption. Remote monitoring technology has yet to reach its full potential due to slow network speeds and unreliable connections. With 5G, clinicians can able to instantaneously collect medical data such as vitals or physical activity levels from disparate sources and large groups of patients and make fast, reliable diagnoses .

This is preventative care at its best: fewer people developing chronic conditions and less money spent caring for patients in hospitals or in emergency rooms. All in all, 5G is guaranteed to play a major role in healthcare this year and patients might be the first ones to feel the positive changes. The first 5G data cards were launched in 2019 along with 5G smartphones.

The state of digital transformation in healthcare (both web and mobile ) in 2024 looks quite promising, doesn’t it?

As with any business, the goal is to create products and services that improve lives or fulfill a want or need. Technology can help you realize this goal. Use this guide as a compass to navigate your way through the digital healthcare space and to build transformative experiences – with the client at the center of everything you do.

Do you need guidance with your digital transformation initiatives? Digital Authority Partners has worked with companies like Athenahealth, Omron Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield on cutting-edge digital initiatives that improve patient outcomes and quality of care. Contact Digital Authority Partners at [email protected] or 312-820-9893.

You may also be interested in reading our in-depth Healthcare industry reports:

• Blockchain in Healthcare: An Executive’s Guide for 2024
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: 27 Companies Leveraging AI to Improve Health Outcomes
• Artificial Intelligence & the Pharma Industry: What’s Next
• Big Data in Healthcare: All You Need to Know
• 5 Tips for Healthcare Website Design Initiatives in 2024
• The State of Digital Transformation in Healthcare in 2024
• 9 Cardiovascular Health Technologies Doctors Should Know
• Alexa in Healthcare: 17 Real Use Cases You Should Know About

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