What is telemedicine?

You can use your smartphone for a telemedicine visit. But a regular phone (non-smartphone) will not work for most telemedicine visits because it does not have internet access to connect with a provider. If you do not have access to the technology needed for a telemedicine visit, or if you are having trouble using your technology, call our customer service line to talk with our care team about your options.

Aside from the PlushCare app which allows you to create an account and set up video visits, you do not need to install other apps to use telemedicine. For most visits – including appointments through PlushCare – you can use the technology you already have.  

With that said, there are apps that can help with things like communicating with your doctor or monitoring health conditions. These are often referred to as “telehealth” apps. 

The terms telemedicine and telehealth are sometimes used interchangeably. But they are not exactly the same. Both involve the use of technology to provide health services. However, telehealth is a broader term.   

Telehealth can include things like online therapy, patient education, social support, and medication adherence.³ Telemedicine, on the other hand, usually involves the direct delivery of medical services by doctors, such as an online medical appointment. Therefore, you can think of telemedicine as being a part of telehealth.  

With our telemedicine services, you can get help with online prescriptions, chronic conditions, and non-emergency medical issues. For example, some of the conditions doctors treat through PlushCare can include allergies, gout, migraines, sinus infections, UTI’s, flu, colds, strep/sore throat, and many others. PlushCare doctors can also help with weight management, online prescriptions, and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. 
 
 

Please note – telemedicine is not for emergencies. If you are experiencing severe symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or bleeding that will not stop, seek immediate in-person emergency care, or call 911.  

You typically do not get a phone call for a telemedicine appointment. Instead, everything is done online through the PlushCare app. After you schedule your appointment, you can expect to receive an email or text with a link that you can use on the day of your appointment. You click on that link to start your telemedicine visit.