Top Telemedicine Websites 2020

With COVID-19 flaring up in many parts of the country, you might be hesitant to go to a doctor’s office unless absolutely necessary. Luckily, telemedicine has been increasing in popularity over the last few years, and you can see a doctor online for many different health conditions.

That said, not all telehealth sites are created equal. Which ones are the best, and why? Let’s talk about it. 

What Is Telehealth Vs Telemedicine?

While the terms telehealth and telemedicine may seem to be interchangeable, they’re actually different.

Telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, while telehealth refers to a variety of remote clinical or non-clinical services. 

What Is an Example of Telehealth?

Telehealth is a broad term that refers to a wide variety of services, including remote doctor-patient consultations (telemedicine); health education services; and remote monitoring of ECG, vital signs, or blood pressure.

An example of telehealth would be an online doctor appointment. With telehealth you can video chat with your doctor, get diagnosed and prescribed online.

Top 5 Telehealth Websites

#1 – PlushCare

PlushCare’s experienced, board certified doctors can treat a variety of conditions like:

With a $15 monthly membership fee, you get access to unlimited in-app messaging, same-day appointment booking, and our online care team.  PlushCare accepts patients with and without insurance.

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Read: Can a Phone Doctor Write a Prescription?

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#2 – MDLive

MDLive offers online doctors, psychiatrists, and dermatologists, allowing them to provide a number of treatment options for things like:

Prices vary depending on what type of doctor you see. For a medical doctor, appointments are $82 or less, depending on your insurance. Hearing-impaired patients can have a live chat option during their appointment on the website, but not through the app. 

#3 – Teladoc 

Teladoc was one of the first telehealth providers in the United States. They offer a variety of services, including:

The cost varies depending on the service. Everyday care appointments cost $75 or less, depending on your insurance. Teladoc does not offer clear pricing for their other services until after you set up an account with them.

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Read: How Much Does an Online Doctor Cost? 

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#4 – AmWell

Amwell has doctors available 24 hours a day with no appointments necessary. You just sign in and have an appointment. That’s not to say you’ll be seen immediately – wait times can be long, and with no way to make an appointment, you must simply wait on hold. Some common conditions AmWell treats include:

Urgent care visits are $79 or less, depending on your insurance. 

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Read: Telehealth Guide | Your Options in Telemedicine

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#5 – LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online offers medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry appointments. Some conditions they treat include:

Medical appointments are $59 or less. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Have a Telehealth Visit?

Having a telehealth visit is easy. All you need is a device that allows you to take video of yourself and see the video of the doctor. Sign up on the website or download the mobile app for the company you want to use, make an appointment, pay the fee, then show up to your appointment a few minutes early. 

Are Telehealth Visits Cheaper than In-Person Visits?

With insurance, telehealth visits are usually the same copay as in-person visits. For those without insurance, online appointments are usually cheaper than traditional office visits. 

How Much Is a Virtual Doctor Visit?

For those with health insurance, virtual doctor visits are typically your regular copay. Costs for those without insurance vary by provider but range from $59 to $99. 

Can I Talk to a Doctor Online for Free?

Generally, no, online doctors are not free. If you have health insurance or Medicare, you will pay your regular copay, and costs vary for those who are uninsured. Some insurance plans could have no copay for online appointments. Refer to your health insurance provider for more information. 

What Is the Best Telemedicine Website?

PlushCare is the best telemedicine website out there right now. You can often get an appointment within an hour or two, and our caring doctors will help you with your issue.

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97% of conditions are successfully treated on the first visit. All PlushCare’s doctors are graduates from the top 50 U.S. medical schools, and they have an average of 15 years experience. The quality of care provided at PlushCare simply cannot be beat.

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If you have insurance, you’ll pay your regular doctor copay. Without health insurance, appointments are $99. 

Remember, no telehealth service can remotely prescribe controlled substances, and you may be referred to an in-person doctor for some conditions that can’t be diagnosed or treated online. 

If the PlushCare doctor cannot help you, your appointment will be free and they will refer you to an in-person specialist.

To schedule an appointment, click here or call (888)798-0620. 

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Read More About Telehealth

• Online Doctor | Get Primary Care Online
• Can a Virtual Doctor Write a Prescription?
• How to Make the Most of Your Virtual Doctor Visit

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Sources

Healthline. 10 Best Telemedicine Companies. Accessed on July 21, 2020 at https://www.healthline.com/health/best-telemedicine-companies

Healthcare IT News. Comparing 11 top telehealth platforms: Company execs tout quality, safety, EHR integrations. Accessed on July 21, 2020 at https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/comparing-11-top-telehealth-platforms-company-execs-tout-quality-safety-ehr-integrations

AAFP. What’s the Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth? Accessed on July 22, 2020 at https://www.aafp.org/media-center/kits/telemedicine-and-telehealth.html

eVisit. What Is The Difference Between Telemedicine, Telecare and Telehealth? Accessed on July 23, 2020 at https://evisit.com/resources/what-is-the-difference-between-telemedicine-telecare-and-telehealth/