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It can be difficult to make time to see a doctor at the best of times. Now with online video platforms, it’s possible to talk with a doctor without leaving your home.
The best telemedicine provider for you can vary based on your needs, price point, and level of urgency. Certain companies may be covered by some insurance plans. Some help you find the doctor who is best for you.
It can be difficult to make time to see a doctor at the best of times, and even more so if the ongoing pandemic creates additional concerns. Between busy schedules and limited appointment availability, staying healthy can lead to extra stress.
Telemedicine allows you to discuss non-emergency medical issues with a doctor by phone or online at a time that’s convenient for you.
Telemedicine offers access to licensed medical professionals for people who may not have access otherwise. It often provides lower costs for services.
It also can be a cost-effective way for people who do not have insurance, or whose insurance does not cover certain costs, to get care.
Though telemedicine can be beneficial for a number of reasons, it should not replace in-person doctor visits.
It’s important to keep in mind that telemedicine healthcare professionals do not have the ability to take your blood or urine samples, heart rate, blood pressure, or other important medical tests. For example, with the lack of physical touch in telemedicine, the results of a physical exam could be greatly hampered.
We chose the following telemedicine options based on:
Ratings: We carefully considered customer reviews to find out what it’s really like to use these telemedicine companies.
Types of services offered: We looked for companies that can help with a variety of medical issues, and many also offer lab testing and mental health services.
Pricing: We chose companies that offer different payment options to suit a variety of budgets.
Accessibility: We considered how services and results are delivered — via phone call, video, apps, and more — and whether you’ll have access to 24/7 care.
Vetting: The companies on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
Telemedicine is great and very convenient for anyone with a busy job, hectic life, or otherwise jam-packed schedule.
Attending an appointment virtually, either at your home or office, can make all the difference. For some people, it can reduce — or even eliminate — the need to find and pay for child care, or take time off from work.
Plus, it’s a great option for people who may not otherwise have access to certain physicians or physician types, or who cannot afford, or prefer not to pay, the price of standard medical visits.
Additionally, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying health conditions could be at greater risk when in a doctor’s office.
Telemedicine is also a very accessible way to see a physician for certain purposes, like refilling a prescription or sharing preliminary information, checking symptoms, or bringing up concerns about a health issue that does not require a physical examination.
This is especially true for people with disabilities or who have limitations getting around physically, or those who are geographically isolated or incarcerated.
That said, telemedicine is inaccessible to anyone without computer or smartphone access or a reliable internet connection. It’s also important to keep in mind that there can be safety concerns, both physical and otherwise, when you have the ability to be on the go. Driving while taking a telemedicine appointment is not recommended at all — both tasks require your full attention, and it would be better if you were in a safe space to take your appointment.
While telemedicine makes appointments easier and more mobile, be careful not to take your appointment in public places, as privacy could be an issue. Whether it’s privacy concerns regarding the internet, or how much you say in a public space, it’s safer for you to talk to your doctor in a secluded, secure space for you to discuss any concerns you have openly without an audience.
With so many telemedicine options to choose from, you might not know where to begin. By focusing on which companies specialize in or accommodate what you need, you can narrow down the right options for you.
For example, if you have a specific health condition or communication style preference, look into telemedicine companies that have experience with similar ailments or work the way you want.
You should also consider whether you’ll need lab work or prescriptions, and ensure the company or medical professional you’re considering can arrange for those.
Lastly, it’s important to consider your preferred payment method. Maybe you need a company that can provide documentation for your health insurance reimbursement, or maybe you prefer to pay by debit. Find out in advance if the company you choose can accommodate different payment options.
Telemedicine services allow people to get healthcare services digitally, usually with a computer or smartphone app. Some telemedicine platforms also provide services through phone calls and emails.
Telemedicine should not be used in place of an in-person doctor visit. Instead, services can be used to:
assess when an in-person visit is necessary
prescribe and refill certain medications
treat minor medical conditions
provide mental health services
Many telemedicine services accept insurance plans from major providers, but one benefit of telemedicine is that most services are made to be cost-effective for people who do not have insurance.
Both telemedicine and telehealth refer to services offered via phone or video compared to in-person services. However, there is a difference between the two.
Telemedicine specifically refers to digital clinical healthcare services.
Telehealth is broader and includes nonclinical health services.
Telehealth can include services such as training for healthcare professionals and medical education, as well as other non-clinical services and information.
Though there are slight differences between telemedicine and telehealth, the two terms are often used interchangeably.
If you’re looking to save money on healthcare expenses, or you do not have health insurance, there are some low cost and free health services available.
For example, the Health and Human Services Health Resources Services Administration and Find a Health Center offer a directory of health clinics that operate on a sliding scale. If you do not have insurance or cannot pay, you can still get care.
If you’re looking for a pregnancy test, birth control, or services related to sexual health, Planned Parenthood offers many discounted and free services.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a confidential free service for anyone needing assistance regarding substance and mental health issues. Some of the telehealth services mentioned above can be free with insurance, like Teledoc and LiveHealth Online.
Teladoc Health is the largest telemedicine provider, with $1.09 billion in revenue and over 1,800 employees.
Who are the leaders in telemedicine?
Aside from Teladoc Health, the key leaders in telemedicine are Amwell, MDLive, and Doctor on Demand.
Who is Teladoc’s biggest competitor?
MDLive is Teladoc’s biggest competitor, with $140.9 million in revenue.
What does telemedicine exclude?
Telemedicine healthcare professionals cannot take blood or urine samples, heart rate, blood pressure, or other important medical tests like a hands-on physical exam (which includes listening to the heart and lungs, examining the abdomen, and more). These services still must be done at a lab or through an in-person physician visit.
Telemedicine makes it easier than ever to get medical treatment and information. It can also be a more affordable alternative for people without insurance.
Last medically reviewed on May 17, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Edge C, et al. (2020). Using telemedicine to improve access, cost and quality of secondary care for people in prison in England: A hybrid type 2 implementation effectiveness study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7044812/
