Introduction
The best online doctors are the current improvement in medical treatment. An amazing example of combining medicine with technology, telehealth, also known as online healthcare services, is changing the way people get medical care. And with the current world situation of social distancing, patients are happy to experience a change.
Are you new to the world of the best online doctors? This article contains everything you need to know about how telemedicine works and which online doctor is right for you.
A breakdown of my top 10 choices :
- Best for medication refills: Web Doctors
- Best for medical advice: SAMI-Aid
- Best for discreet medical care: Lemonaid
- Best for family care: SteadyMD
- Best for the uninsured: Sesame
- Best for medical questions: JustAnswer
- Best for affordable care: CallonDoc
- Best for fast treatment: Teladoc
- Best for monthly subscriptions: HealthSapiens
- Best for quick care: Amwell
1. WebDoctors.com
Telehealthcare available 24/7
WebDoctors.com is a telehealth service that enables patients to receive urgent medical care and routine medical treatment from their home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WebDoctors.com treats all types of non-emergency conditions including rosacea, urinary tract infections, and upper respiratory infections. All doctors are board-certified, trained, and properly licensed in the United States so it is one of the best online doctors.
In addition, WebDoctors.com has thousands of positive reviews from satisfied customers who have used the service.
WebDoctors.com offers telephone and video consultations so you can choose the level of care you want and pay only a fixed fee per visit. This saves time, effort, and money, especially for people who pay high co-pays for their insurance plans or have to pay for emergency care costs.
Pros
- Always available 24/7
- Prescriptions and refills available
- Phone and video consultations available
- No subscription needed
Cons
- Have to pay more for video consultations
Modes of Communication
- Phone
- Video
Pricing
- $39.95
2. SAMI-Aid
Medical advice and treatment when you need it
SAMI-Aid is one of the best online doctors. It provides instant access to medical professionals, including registered nurses and certified doctors, through a convenient mobile app.
Patients can obtain medical advice and guidance on medical issues like skin problems, mental health issues, diet, and nutrition from the comfort of their homes.
However, SAMI-Aid goes further and offers out-of-the-box medical services such as physician price comparison search, search, and EMR cloud storage.
SAMI-Aid also offers a practical medical tourism advice service. This helps patients find the most professional and affordable medical treatments in locations around the world for significant savings and better results.
Pros
- Offers unique telehealth services
- Available 24/7
- No subscription necessary
Cons
- Does not cover some types of medical issues
- Does not accept insurance
Modes of Communication
- Phone
- Video
- Computer
- App
Price
- $39.99-$59.99
3. Lemonaid
Discreet medication delivery services
Lemonaid, as one of the best online doctors, makes healthcare affordable and accessible to users across the country.
Choosing to get a diagnosis through an online questionnaire not only saves users time but also allows them to maintain privacy. The website and application are easy to navigate by users and the questionnaire can be sent at any time of the day.
With a variety of treatment options, door-to-door drug delivery, and top-notch medical staff, Lemonaid has a helpful service that can help.
Pros
- Medication inconspicuously delivered to your door
- Doctors licensed in all states
- Affordable prices
Cons
- Not covered by insurance
- Some treatments do require a live video or phone consultation
Modes of Communication
- Website
- IOS
- Android app
Pricing
- $15-$95 per month
- $25 consultation fee
4. SteadyMD
Personal online medical care tailored for you
SteadyMD takes telemedicine services to another level through personalized care. Instead of hiring a random doctor or choosing one from the list every time you have a medical problem, SteadyMD connects you with a doctor based on your specific medical needs, lifestyle, and goals.
In addition, this doctor will stay with you for the rest of your subscription. You don’t have to explain your medical condition, history, and lifestyle to a new doctor every time. It is continuous healthcare.
Another reason why SteadyMD is one of the best online doctors is that you have unlimited access to your doctor by getting a membership plan. You can call or send an SMS to your doctor whenever you have issues. You can also make an appointment by video or phone on the same day.
Pros
- Truly personalized medical care
- Online and 24/7 availability
- Unlimited follow-ups, appointments
Cons
- Annual membership only
- Limited to doctors in the network
Modes of Communication
- Video
- Phone
- SMS
Pricing
- $99-$178
5. Sesame
Huge selection of specialists of all varieties
Sesame’s network of world-class specialists gives you the opportunity to choose your own doctor and find the most suitable specialist for you. Not only can you choose the right specialist who is ideally suited to your medical needs, but you can also sort doctors by price and language for tailored care.
The software for booking appointments allows you to find the time that suits you best and the very affordable prices make insurance completely unnecessary. Add this to the fact that your appointment takes place in the comfort of your own home and, the reasons why Sesame is one of the best online doctors becomes evident.
Pros
- Direct contact with healthcare professionals
- Huge range of specialists available
- Full refund for cancellation within 24 hours of appointment
Cons
- Must be paid for out of pocket
- Issues may be missed with no in-person consultation
Modes of Communication
- Video
- Phone
Pricing
- $25-$60 for video appointments
6. JustAnswer
Get the answers to medical questions faster
JustAnswer is a quick and easy way to get specific medical advice for a wide range of medical conditions. From asthma to sexually transmitted diseases to the common cold, JustAnswer experts are here to answer your questions, making it one of the best online doctors.
JustAnswer has a subscription program that allows you to ask unlimited questions of an expert in the field. Also, you can ask as many questions as you want until you are completely satisfied with your conversation. And if you have more questions, you can always come back later for further clarification.
Pros
- Fast responses
- Access to thousands of professionals
- A fraction of the expense of traditional medical care
Cons
- Video chats only available as a premium service
- No medication prescriptions
- Surprise charges are possible
Modes of Communication
- Text
- Phone
Pricing
- $16-90
7. CallonDoc
Affordable, discreet, easier prescriptions
CallonDoc is an online healthcare platform that enables you to quickly and efficiently request and refill prescription drugs.
CallonDoc doctors are available during extended business hours and can give you a prescription based on the symptoms or conditions you identified in your online application. From there, CallonDoc will send your prescription directly to a local pharmacy.
CallonDoc offers most prescriptions such as antibiotics, allergy medications, and antifungal creams. You can also order lab tests, with the results sent directly to your personal account. Another reason why CallonDoc is one of the best online doctors is that you can order an STD test discreetly and privately.
Pros
- A faster and more convenient way to get medication
- Refills available
- Discreet STD testing
Cons
- Little to no personal interaction with a doctor
- Have to pay for each medication separately
- Not available 24/7
Modes of Communication
- Online platform
- Phone consultations
Pricing
- $39.99-$59.99
8. HealthSapiens
Monthly subscriptions for medical consultation
HealthSapiens is one of the best online doctors and also one of the most affordable medical services available online today. HealthSapiens costs just $19.95 a month for people, it provides you with 24/7 access to certified medical professionals.
They are trained to provide treatment and medical advice to you for all kinds of medical conditions, including rashes, coughs, colds, diarrhea, ear and eye pain, infections, and more.
What makes HealthSapiens unique is that it charges a one-time monthly fee and that’s it. You can receive unlimited medical visits and 24-hour access with this lump sum. In addition, you can send your prescriptions and supplements directly to your local pharmacy for faster delivery. HealthSapiens operates with or without health insurance.
Pros
- Monthly flat-fee plans
- 24/7 unlimited access
- Prescriptions and refills sent directly to a pharmacy
Cons
- FAQ section is small
- Cannot choose your preferred therapist
- Price for counseling subscription unclear
Modes of Communication
- Phone
- Video
Pricing
- $19.95-$24.95 per month
9. AmWell
Instant and affordable health care access
AmWell is a quick and easy way to get medical treatment for non-emergency medical conditions. With a large network of state-certified doctors available at any time of the day or night, Amwell offers a convenient and valuable service for anyone who needs immediate treatment. And at $69 per general practitioner visit, AmWell is an affordable option and one of the best online doctors.
AmWell offers convenient HD video chat sessions so you can talk directly to a doctor. AmWell doctors can prescribe medication and send the script directly to your pharmacy for collection on the same day. The simple online account allows you to keep track of all your doctor visits, medications, and your doctor notes in one organized place.
Pros
- 24/7 doctors’ appointments
- Medications available
- A huge network of professional doctors
Cons
- Not all medications are available online
- Can’t access AmWell internationally
- Specialty visits can be costly
Modes of Communication
- Video chat
- Phone
Pricing
- $69 per visit for general medicine
10. Teladoc
The easy to access medical treatment app
Teladoc is a quick and easy way to get the medical care and advice you need when you need it. The network has hundreds of on-call professionals trained to give you valuable medical guidance on a range of topics, including infections, rashes, stomach problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and more.
Teladoc subscriptions are affordable, starting at just $5 per month. You can also get professional advice for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Teladoc has an excellent mobile app that helps you monitor your medical history, set appointments whenever you like, and even communicate directly with your healthcare professional.
Pros
- Excellent mobile app
- 24/7 everyday care availability
- Personalized dermatological treatments
Cons
- Mental health is not available 24/7
- Only available in the US and Canada
Modes of Communication
- Phone, app
- Video
Pricing
- $75-$95 per visit plus subscription of $5/Month
- $30/year
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do online doctors work?
Online doctors depend on the use of technology. Through an online platform, patients can consult a doctor, get a diagnosis, and receive treatment for a variety of conditions.
There are several ways to get medical services through an online doctor, including texting, phone consultations, video chat, and sending online consultations.
Many services allow you to send a message containing your symptoms, your current medical condition, concerns, and medical questions directly to the doctor through the online platform. Your messages will be checked by the doctor and answered accordingly.
This is the most effective method if you are just looking for immediate answers to a specific question or prescription for the medicines you need.
Alternatively, if you want to interact with the doctor in real-time, you can use one of two methods: phone conversation or video chat. See how it works:
- Make an appointment for the near future or send an immediate appointment request.
- If you request an immediate appointment, you will be put on a waiting list and see the next available doctor.
- If you make an appointment in the near future, most telemedicine services will allow you to choose which doctor to see. This is a great feature as it allows you to choose a doctor with who you may already be familiar and more comfortable.
- When you see a doctor, your symptoms or health status will be discussed in detail. You will be asked to clarify issues such as medical or family history, lifestyle, diet, and more—anything relevant to your treatment.
- Your doctor will diagnose your medical condition and suggest a treatment plan that is appropriate for your condition.
- If you need medication, your doctor will send the prescription directly to the nearest pharmacy to collect it. Most online healthcare services will provide same-day medication delivery.
Online health services provide a convenient platform that brings your entire medical and treatment history together in one easily accessible place.
2. What types of services and areas of expertise do online doctors offer?
Online health services deal with a huge number of non-emergency medical conditions. The list ranges from basic, everyday illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or eye infection to more complex or chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, the best online doctors usually offer treatments for mental health issues such as depression, panic attacks, and anxiety. Here you will find psychiatric and psychological therapies as well as specialists dealing with dermatological problems and allergies.
The following is a partial list of medical conditions and services available through online medical services:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Birth control pills
- PrEP for HIV prevention
- Cold symptoms
- Flu symptoms
- Bodily injuries
- Acne
- Migraines
- STD tests
It is important to clarify that online doctors and medical services are not a good solution for emergency medical care.
Emergency situations or conditions, such as concussions, external hemorrhages, serious psychiatric illness, heart attack, suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or severe burns, should be treated by going directly to the emergency room for immediate emergency assistance.
3. How much do the best online doctors cost?
There are generally two different types of pricing models when it comes to doctor appointments and medical services: a monthly plan/subscription or a flat rate.
Subscription plans and memberships: Some telehealth services offer monthly or annual subscriptions. If you usually see a doctor more than once a month, have a chronic illness that requires regular medical attention, or need frequent medication, a subscription is the most affordable option for you.
With these online medical services, you have unrestricted access to all medical services that are offered at a single flat rate. This is also a good option for people who have any questions, have frequent medical problems, or want to contact a doctor.
These services range from $19 to $100 per month. You can also sign up for annual plans ranging from $50 to $1,200, depending on the services you need and the number of people you want to cover (ie, check out family plans).
One-off fees: Alternatively, many medical service providers operate one-time online. When using the service, you pay. When you don’t, you don’t pay.
If you don’t generally see a doctor very often, are generally healthy, or have no serious medical conditions to worry about, this may be a better option than paying for a full (though not always) subscription.
Depending on how much you pay for each service, you may be able to find monthly or yearly subscriptions cheaper than the one-time fee. Well, you have to do your homework.
Prices also vary for each visit, depending on the type of doctor appointment desired. For example, daily appointments or urgent care appointments generally cost less than a mental health session. Prices range from $55 per visit to $299.
It’s also worth noting that many online medical services partner with health insurance or the employees’ health insurance plan. In this case, the cost of visits, services, and sometimes membership is covered, so telemedicine services are an obvious option.
4. Why should I choose an online doctor?
Online medical services are growing in popularity and it is not hard to see why. Here are some of the benefits of using telehealth platforms over the more traditional doctor visit:
Convenience: You can make an appointment whenever you need it, consult a doctor and receive treatment from the comfort of your home, office or wherever you are.
Time: You do not have to sit in a doctor’s office or waiting room, waiting for an appointment to be made and waiting for results. Everything is done according to your schedule and your medical card is updated automatically after each visit.
Availability: Most online healthcare services work with a network of doctors, so someone is available 24/7 to help.
Affordability: Finally, telemedicine services come at a fraction of the amount you pay for emergency care, and in fact, many of these services are cheaper than the average health insurance subscription. With regular monthly subscriptions, you have unlimited access to medical professionals and services whenever you want.
Conclusion
Telehealth services offer Americans an easier, faster, and more convenient way to get the medical care they need. With affordable price plans, 24-hour availability, and large networks of personal physicians and specialists approved by the board, telehealth is a viable alternative to the traditional medical approach.