Virtual doctor visits: find care when you need it

What is a virtual doctor visit and is it right for you?

A virtual doctor’s visit is a meeting with a doctor that takes place through a video call, messaging app, or phone call. In all cases it involves communicating digitally with a licensed doctor. The use of technology to communicate makes it distinct from in-person doctor's visits, and there are different laws and rules for in-person visits vs. virtual visits.

Virtual doctor’s visits offer the conveniences of having a same-day appointment while also letting you talk to a doctor from the comfort of your own home. While they recently gained in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual doctor visits have remained popular due to their ability to provide quicker access to healthcare.¹

Advantages of virtual doctor visit

You can book same-day appointments or schedule a future appointment that fits your schedule.You can see a doctor day or night, as it fits your schedule.No need to commute, reducing stress and time commitments. You do not have to wait for an in-person visit to renew prescriptions or discuss new medications. Reduced risk of exposure to contagious diseases by avoiding waiting rooms.You can easily connect to mail order pharmacies that send prescriptions via mail.

Disadvantages of virtual doctor visit

The technology may be difficult to navigate for some users.
There are limits to diagnostic abilities and treatment abilities via telehealth.
They are not appropriate for patients requiring stitches or surgery.
They are not appropriate for patients in acute distress or emergencies such as breathing concerns, chest pain, or acute bleeding.

The main case in which virtual doctor visits are never appropriate is emergencies. In cases of breathing issues, chest pain or any life-threatening medical issue, call an ambulance or go to an emergency room in person, do not use a virtual doctor service.

Virtual doctor visits often have different technology platforms. Use of the platform may require downloading an app on your phone or logging into a video call on your computer. It also may be difficult if patients have an inadequate internet connection that does not allow for detailed video. If you have little experience with video calls, it is beneficial to reach out to the administration team ahead of your appointment to get assistance with logging into the call.

Certain tests like pap smears, x-rays, and ultrasound medical imaging cannot be conducted via virtual doctor visits. Other exams such as breast exams, gynecologic, and urologic exams are impossible to do through telehealth. The more invasive an exam is, the more likely it is that you will not be able to do it over a video call. Also, virtual doctors are unable to provide hands-on wound care procedures such as draining a cyst or providing or removing stitches. They are also unable to provide IV fluids for dehydration.

How to get a virtual doctors visit

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.

Step 2

Talk to your physician about your concerns

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

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.

What can be treated by a virtual doctor visit?

Virtual doctor visits can provide treatment for acute or new illnesses and for ongoing or chronic health conditions.

Weight Loss

Access ongoing weight loss & GLP-1 medication with board-certified doctors.

Urgent Care

Urgent care services for non-emergency needs available day and night.

Online Prescriptions

Get a new prescription or a refill online.

Mental Health

Medication and online therapy are available online.

Sexual Health

Board-certified doctors for screenings, advice, and prescriptions.

At-Home Labs

Fast, accurate tests. Save up to 80% on lab costs.

Chronic care management

Easily manage chronic conditions, track your progress, and work closely with your doctor on a personalized treatment plan using our holistic approach to chronic care.

General and preventative care

Preventive health services can identify and address potential illnesses and medical problems early, helping to stop them from developing into serious conditions.

Weight Loss

Access ongoing weight loss & GLP-1 medication with board-certified doctors.

Urgent Care

Urgent care services for non-emergency needs available day and night.

Online Prescriptions

Get a new prescription or a refill online.

Mental Health

Medication and online therapy are available online.

Sexual Health

Board-certified doctors for screenings, advice, and prescriptions.

At-Home Labs

Fast, accurate tests. Save up to 80% on lab costs.

Chronic care management

Easily manage chronic conditions, track your progress, and work closely with your doctor on a personalized treatment plan using our holistic approach to chronic care.

General and preventative care

Preventive health services can identify and address potential illnesses and medical problems early, helping to stop them from developing into serious conditions.

Care available from a virtual doctor's visit.

Virtual doctor's visits can replace a wide range of non-emergency in-person doctors visits.

Primary care

The main services provided by primary care providers are annual wellness visits and the management of chronic health conditions, however there are other benefits to telehealth. Doctors will also ask questions about exercise and drug habits, conduct depression screening, and evaluate your need for referral services. During a wellness visit, doctors will discuss your medical history, family history and discuss cancer screenings that are appropriate based on your age. Bloodwork may also be ordered. Compared to other virtual doctors' visits, these visits are more thorough, take longer, and cost more if it is not covered by insurance.

If conducting a virtual annual wellness visit, it is helpful if you can take readings and provide metrics related to your weight, height, pulse, and temperature. It is important to remember that if you had an annual wellness exam in person, your insurance will likely not cover one through a virtual doctor visit in the same Calander year, but you can still see a virtual doctor without insurance.

Specialists

Our board-certified online doctors can refer you to a specialist if further diagnosis or treatment, such as in-person care, lab tests, or imaging, is needed. Virtual referrals make it easy to access specialized care tailored to your health needs.

Urgent care

If you have a non-emergency urgent care health issue, you can get helpful care through a virtual doctor visit.

Medical issues that are best suited for urgent care visits include colds, flu, and COVID-19. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms while cutting down on exposure risk. If necessary, they can order follow-up tests.

For other issues infections such as strep throat, STIs, UTIs and sinus infections, a virtual doctor can prescribe you antibiotics. If there is a need for further testing, you can do it in person or by using at-home labs.

Of all categories of doctors' visits, urgent care visits are the most likely to escalate into situations that require hospitalization. If you are unsure whether you need to go to an emergency room, go to an emergency room. A virtual doctor's visit will not be able to administer life-saving care if it becomes necessary.

At-home lab tests

We offer convenient lab tests, including affordable at-home test kits starting at $15. These tests cover a wide range of health needs, such as STI screenings, general health panels, diabetes monitoring, and thyroid assessments. Our board-certified doctors provide virtual consultations for personalized treatment and care based on test results. We aim to make lab testing accessible, discreet, and accurate for better health management.

Online therapy

Our online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists through video or phone sessions, making mental health support accessible and flexible. Therapists assist with issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and more, and may refer clients to doctors if medication is needed. Sessions fit your schedule and prioritize personalized, confidential care.

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Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
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Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

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:

Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

*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.

https://www.mckinsey.com. Is virtual care delivering on its promise of improving access?. Accessed September 24, 2024. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/is-virtual-care-delivering-on-its-promise-of-improving-access
https://sickday.com. The History of Medical House Calls. Accessed September 24, 2024.

https://sickday.com/the-history-of-medical-house-calls/

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.

Virtual doctor visits