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Online Doctor Telehealth Appointments

What are the pros and cons of telemedicine?

PlushCare Content Team
Written by PlushCare Content Team
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Medically reviewed by Stacy Doyle, MD
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Telemedicine can expand your care options and allow you to get care from virtually anywhere.1 You can use your computer or smartphone to connect with providers for all types of health needs. For example, you can get help managing non-emergency and chronic health issues. When appropriate, you can also get online prescriptions and mental health support. 

 

At PlushCare, we believe in making telemedicine accessible and convenient for our patients. Below, we explore the advantages and limitations of telemedicine in detail.  

Benefits of telemedicine

Time savings

Telemedicine eliminates the need to travel to and from doctor’s appointments, minimizing time spent in waiting rooms and freeing up more of your schedule for other priorities.2 Online visits with PlushCare typically take about 15 minutes, making it easier for you to get care while managing work and family responsibilities. 

More choices

With telemedicine, you may have access to more providers, including doctors who are located further away from where you would normally travel. This can expand your care options and improve your chances of finding a provider with the medical expertise you need. PlushCare is fully licensed in all 50 states, with a team of doctors from the top 50 medical schools in America. We are also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This can help give you more choices if you need care.

No waiting rooms or exposure to illness

Having your doctors’ appointments online can help you avoid the potential exposure to germs from sitting in doctors’ waiting rooms. This can help prevent the spread of illnesses. 

Faster, easier appointment booking

Often, you can get an appointment faster with telemedicine. You may also enjoy the ease and convenience of booking online. For example, you can book your appointment any time when you use PlushCare. Many times, you may find same-day appointments.  

Convenience

Finding time to attend doctors’ appointments or manage your prescriptions can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming. Having easier access to online prescriptions and medical appointments can make it easier to stay on track.  

Possible disadvantages of telemedicine

Technology challenges and other barriers

Telemedicine requires access to technology, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, as well as a stable internet connection. Individuals without these resources may find it challenging to utilize telemedicine services. Moreover, patients with certain conditions (e.g., hearing loss, vision impairment) may encounter additional obstacles.   

Treatment limitations

Telemedicine can be used for many health services and conditions – from cold and flu symptoms to weight loss management and prescription refills. However, telemedicine is not an option in all situations. For example, telemedicine is not an option if you need in-person services such as vaccines, X-rays, or certain other kinds of care. It is also not an option if you require certain medications like Controlled Substances. Examples of these are Adderall, opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines like Xanax, or Testosterone.  Telehealth may also have limitations in different areas of care, such as conducting comprehensive physical examinations and diagnosing some conditions.5 

 

Please note: Telemedicine is not an option for emergency treatment. 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.  

Regulations and insurance

Regulations and rules for telemedicine vary by state and are constantly changing. This can make it harder for providers to establish clear standards and guidelines for telemedicine. Insurance also varies. Most insurance providers cover at least some form of telehealth service, but it is important to check with your individual plan to understand your coverage.3 

At PlushCare, we accept most major insurances. However, we do not require insurance for your appointment. 

Potential privacy concerns

Telemedicine care providers are required to protect patients’ protected health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).5 However, there is not a 100% guarantee from hackers or privacy breaches when using technology instead of face-to-face interactions for care delivery.  

Is telemedicine less expensive?

The amount you pay for telemedicine can depend on several factors. For example, you do not need insurance to use telemedicine, but your insurance coverage can affect your costs.  

 

In many reports and studies, telemedicine visits are less expensive than in-person appointments.6 This can be due to different factors. For example, using telemedicine can help to eliminate travel costs and avoid lost income from work while traveling for treatment. There can also be lower overhead costs for providers (for things like facilities, staff, and supplies), which can affect overall costs. 

 

At PlushCare, we are committed to making care more affordable for you. We can help you find the lowest cost option when booking appointments. Also, our prescription discount card could help you save up to 80% on your prescriptions and medications. 

3 simple steps to get started today

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Step 1

Book a visit with one of our top-rated doctors or therapists

Book a same-day appointment from the comfort of wherever you are.
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Step 2

Talk to your physician about your concerns

Visit with a doctor or therapist through the convenience of your smartphone or computer.
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Step 3

Pick up a prescription or follow up, if needed

Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. If medication is prescribed, it will be sent to your pharmacy of choice.

How does pricing work?

At PlushCare, we believe in straightforward and affordable healthcare.

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Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

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Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Why Use Telehealth?” Telehealth.HHS.gov, https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/why-use-telehealth. Accessed January 3, 2025.
  2. National Cancer Institute. “Telehealth Can Save People with Cancer Time, Travel, and Money.” Cancer.gov, 6 Apr. 2023, https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/telehealth-cancer-care-saves-time-money. Accessed January 3, 2025.
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Private Insurance Coverage for Telehealth.” Telehealth.HHS.gov, https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/billing-and-reimbursement/private-insurance-coverage-for-telehealth. Accessed January 3, 2025.
  4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “HIPAA Rules for Telehealth Technology.” Telehealth.HHS.gov, https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/hipaa-for-telehealth-technology. Accessed January 3, 2025.
  5. Kruse, Clemens Scott, et al. “Telehealth Benefits and Barriers.” Journal of Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, vol. 13, 2020, pp. 399–409, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7577680/. Accessed January 3, 2025.
  6. Penn Medicine News. “Employee Telemedicine Visits Nearly 25 Percent Less Costly Than In-Person for Health Systems.” PennMedicine.org, 1 June 2023, https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2023/june/employee-telemed-visits-25-percent-less-costly-for-health-system. Accessed January 3, 2025.


PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.