Written by: Online Doctor Cost
Why risk getting sick by going into the doctor’s office when you can see a doctor online?
Telehealth makes is possible to get medical treatment from home. Telehealth, also called telemedicine or telecare, is the use of technology, like computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely.
Appointments as low as $20.
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Telehealth Savings
Telehealth is often cheaper than urgent or emergency care.
Many insurance companies allow you to pay your regular copay for an online appointment.
And if you don’t have insurance, telehealth is much cheaper than a visit to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.
Read: Doctors For Patients Without Insurance
According to a 2017 study, the average telehealth visit costs $79. The average in-person or urgent care doctor’s visit is $149, while the average trip to the emergency room is $1,734.
At PlushCare the average insured patient pays less than $25 and we have a $99 fee for the uninsured, this is way lower than urgent and emergency care visits.
Online Doctor Cost | A Look at Some Top Digital Care Providers
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top online doctors, what they offer, how much they cost, and what customers have to say about their experience.
| Company | What They Offer | Cost With Insurance | Cost Without Insurance | Reviews |
| PlushCare | Digital Primary Care, Urgent Care, Online Therapy, and Mental Health Medication Delivery. Same-day appointment booking, unlimited phone and video access to online care team, access to doctors from the top 50 U.S. medical schools, unlimited in-app post appointment messaging | $14.99/month membership, plus typical in office copay | $14.99/month membership plus $99 for your first visit | 4.5/5 on Yelp. 97% of conditions successfully treated on the first visit. Most people were happy with their experience and would recommend PlushCare to a friend. |
| MDLive | Phone or video appointments for routine medical conditions, online counseling, psychiatry, and dermatology | Urgent care: $82 or less Counseling: $99 or less Psychiatry: $259 first visit, $99 follow-up visits Dermatology: $69 or less | Same costs as insured | 4.5/5 on Trustpilot. Most people were happy with their experience. Many of the complaints revolve around problems encountered after the initial appointment. |
| Teladoc | Phone, video, or app appointments for “Everyday Care,” online mental health and dermatology appointments | Everyday care: $49 or less Licensed therapist: $90 or less Psychiatrist: $229 or less first visit, $99 or less for follow-up appointments Dermatology: $75 or less | Same as insured | 4.8/5 stars on Appgrooves. Most people are satisfied with their Teladoc experience. Some people complained about not being able to get antibiotics, while others had problems with the mobile app. |
| Dr on Demand | Urgent care, behavioral health, preventive health. chronic care | Medical visits: $75 or less Therapy $129+ Psychiatry: $299 initial visit | Same as insured | 3/5 stars on Yelp. While most people are happy with their experience, some people had trouble getting their prescriptions in a timely manner. |
| Amwell | Urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, breastfeeding support, cardiology, dermatology, nutrition, counseling, pediatrics, physical therapy, women’s health | Urgent care: $69 or less Therapy: $85 or less (master’s level); $99 Psychiatry: $199 first visit, $95 follow-up visits Nutrition: $65 or less Breastfeeding support: $129 or less first visit; $75 or less Follow-up visits support: $129 or less first visit; $75 or less follow-up visits | Same as insured | 3/5 stars on Yelp. Amwell has poor reviews compared to the other companies on our list. Many people reported issues with the prescriptions not being sent in and spent many hours on hold trying to resolve the issue. |
| LiveHealth Online | Medical, allergy, psychology, psychiatry | Medical: $59 or less Allergy: $59 or less Therapist: $80 or less Psychologist: $95 or less Psychiatry: $175 or less first visit; $75 or less follow-up visits | Same as insured | 2.5/5 stars on Trustpilot. LiveHealth Online used to get great reviews, but they have not done well managing a new influx of patients during the COVID-19 crisis. People are reporting waiting up to 12 hours for an appointment, losing their spot in line if they close the app, and having doctors not show up for their appointments. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Doctors
Can I Consult a Doctor Online?
Yes, as shown above, there are many telehealth services that allow you to consult a doctor online. In many cases these digital consultations can replace an in person visit. Online doctors can write prescriptions and prescription refills for all noncontrolled substances.
Can I Get a Prescription Without Seeing a Doctor?
By law, you must talk to a doctor in order to get a prescription. However, you don’t need to see a doctor in person – you can get a prescription after a phone or video appointment.
What Can Be Treated Online?
Bacterial infections, cold and flu, sinus infections, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTI), STDs, pink eye, headaches, anxiety, asthma, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, PrEp, prescriptions, birth control, mental health, hair loss.
What Can’t be Treated Online?
Emergency conditions cannot be treated online. If you are experiencing an emergency call 911. Broken bones cannot be treated online and other conditions that require an in person examination, such as an x-ray or cat scan, cannot be treated online. Online doctors are also unable to prescribe all controlled substances, including Adderall, Xanax, and opiods, among others.
What Is the Best Online Doctor Service?
The best online doctor service for you will vary depending on your health insurance, healthcare needs and personal preferences. However, PlushCare does have a leg up on the competition since they offer access to the top doctors in the country along with unlimited in-app messaging, making it easier to resolve any issues that may come up after your appointment, and they accept insurance making them cheaper than many companies who use flat rate pricing for all patients.
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Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
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See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
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Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Learn More about PlushCare
To make an appointment with a trusted PlushCare doctor, simply click here or call (888)798-0620.
You can have a same-day phone or video appointment with a licensed doctor. If you need prescriptions, the doctor can electronically send them to your pharmacy. It’s easy to see an online doctor with PlushCare!
Read More About Online Doctor Cost
- How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?
- Free COVID-19 Antibody Testing
- How Much Does it Cost to go to Urgent Care?
