Best Online Doctor Badge
In today’s fast-paced world, accessing healthcare should be convenient and efficient. The Best Online Doctors offer just that, providing a wide spectrum of medical services from the comfort of your home. Whether you need urgent care, mental health support, or even specialized consultations, virtual platforms are transforming how we manage our health. These platforms connect you with board-certified physicians, many with extensive experience, ensuring you receive quality medical attention remotely. This guide explores the top online doctor services of 2025, focusing on treatment options, insurance compatibility, and prescription capabilities to help you find the best online doctor for your needs.
The Top 14 Online Doctor Platforms for 2025
Navigating the landscape of telehealth can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best online doctor services in 2025, each excelling in different areas of virtual healthcare.
1. Doctor on Demand: Top Choice for Comprehensive Primary Care Online
Doctor on Demand stands out as a leading platform for ongoing primary care delivered virtually. This service offers a robust suite of healthcare options, including routine wellness exams, immediate urgent care, mental health counseling, and psychiatric support. A key advantage of Doctor on Demand is patient choice; you can select your preferred doctor and maintain consistent virtual visits with them, fostering a stronger doctor-patient relationship. This continuity of care is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions and preventative health.
2. BetterHelp.com: Best Online Therapy Services Available 24/7
Smiling woman in a BetterHelp therapy session online
BetterHelp.com is renowned for providing accessible and flexible online therapy. Understanding that mental health needs can arise at any time, BetterHelp offers multiple communication methods with licensed therapists. You can schedule live video sessions or utilize 24/7 text messaging for ongoing support. This on-demand access to therapy makes BetterHelp an ideal solution for individuals seeking mental health assistance that fits into their busy lives.
3. Ritual: Best Online Couples Counseling for Relationship Growth
Ritual specializes in online therapy focused on strengthening romantic relationships. Unlike traditional couples counseling, Ritual offers a personalized approach with one-on-one therapy sessions, whether you participate individually or with your partner. Their unique “Pathways” method targets specific relationship areas like intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution, providing structured activities and weekly sessions to facilitate improvement.
4. Hims: Best Online Doctor for Men’s Specific Health Concerns
Man looking at Hims men's health products
Hims is a virtual healthcare platform dedicated to addressing men’s health needs. Through the Hims platform, men can access medical professionals for advice and treatment for common conditions such as anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction, acne, and hair loss. Hims provides a discreet and convenient way for men to manage their health concerns online, including prescription delivery for certain medications.
5. Hers: Best Online Healthcare for Women’s Wellness
Hers mirrors Hims in its specialized approach, but focuses on women’s health and wellness. From mental health support for anxiety and depression to skincare and haircare solutions, Hers offers a wide range of resources tailored to women’s specific health needs. This platform provides a comfortable and accessible way for women to prioritize their health and well-being through online consultations and prescription services.
6. JustAnswer: Best for Fast Answers to Medical Questions Online
Doctor answering medical questions on JustAnswer
JustAnswer stands out for its speed in providing medical information. If you have a quick health question and need immediate advice without waiting for an appointment, JustAnswer connects you with doctors who can respond within minutes. This service is ideal for informational purposes and guidance on whether to seek in-person care, offering rapid access to medical expertise for general questions.
7. PlushCare: Best for All-in-One Comprehensive Virtual Care
PlushCare provides a comprehensive virtual healthcare experience, encompassing primary care, urgent care, and online therapy under a single platform. With a flat monthly fee, PlushCare offers access to a network of doctors for everyday health needs, immediate medical concerns, and mental health support. This integrated approach makes PlushCare a convenient and cost-effective option for managing various healthcare needs online.
8. Sesame: Best for Hybrid Virtual and In-Person Doctor Visits
Doctor using Sesame telehealth platform for virtual consultation
Sesame distinguishes itself by offering both virtual and in-person consultation options. Sesame doctors are often local to your area, providing the flexibility to choose between a virtual visit or an in-person appointment based on your preference and needs. This hybrid model is particularly advantageous for patients who value the option of face-to-face interaction when necessary.
9. WellTheory: Best Specialized Online Care for Autoimmune Conditions
WellTheory focuses on providing specialized support for individuals managing autoimmune diseases. This platform offers tailored coaching and guidance programs designed to help patients navigate the complexities of living with autoimmune conditions. WellTheory’s approach emphasizes personalized plans based on individual symptoms and lifestyles, aiming to improve overall well-being and disease management.
10. Teladoc: Best for Localized Virtual Doctor Network
Doctor on Teladoc platform providing virtual healthcare
Teladoc boasts a large network of providers across all 50 states, emphasizing localized virtual care. Teladoc matches you with doctors who understand the specific health trends and regional considerations in your area. This localized approach can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of virtual consultations, particularly for understanding and addressing area-specific health concerns.
11. Amwell: Best for Seeking Medical Second Opinions Online
Amwell’s MyConsult service is specifically designed for individuals seeking second opinions on medical diagnoses. If you’re uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan, Amwell offers a platform to consult with specialists and gain valuable insights. This service is particularly helpful for complex medical conditions where a second expert perspective can be crucial.
12. Maven Clinic: Best Online Support for Family Planning and Maternity
Pregnant woman using Maven Clinic app for maternity care
Maven Clinic specializes in providing comprehensive support for family planning and maternity journeys. Maven guides individuals and couples through every stage of family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Their services include access to a wide range of specialists, from OB-GYNs to lactation consultants, offering continuous virtual support throughout the parenthood journey.
13. MDLIVE: Best for Speedy Online Psychiatric Appointments
MDLIVE excels in providing quick access to psychiatric care. Recognizing the often lengthy wait times for in-person psychiatric appointments, MDLIVE connects you with psychiatrists in just a few days. This rapid access to mental health professionals is crucial for individuals needing timely psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care.
14. Lemonaid Health: Best for Personalized Doctor-Patient Matching Online
Woman smiling during a Lemonaid Health virtual doctor consultation
Lemonaid Health prioritizes matching patients with doctors who are well-suited to their individual lifestyles, health goals, and specific medical conditions. By focusing on personalized matching, Lemonaid aims to foster stronger doctor-patient relationships and more effective virtual care experiences. This tailored approach can lead to more satisfying and beneficial online healthcare interactions.
How We Selected the Best Online Doctors
Our selection process for identifying the best online doctors and medical services was rigorous and patient-centric. We prioritized factors that are most important to individuals seeking virtual healthcare, including:
- Reliability: Ensuring platforms offer consistent and dependable services.
- Appointment Flexibility: Assessing the availability of convenient appointment times to fit diverse schedules.
- Insurance Acceptance: Evaluating which platforms work with various insurance plans to maximize affordability.
- Customer Satisfaction: Analyzing user reviews and testimonials to gauge real-world experiences.
- Pricing Variety: Including options across different price points to accommodate various budgets.
By considering these key aspects, we aimed to provide a comprehensive and trustworthy guide to the best online doctor options available.
Accessing Your Online Doctor: What to Expect
The best online doctors ensure reaching them is simple and user-friendly. They offer multiple communication channels, such as:
- Live Chat: For quick questions and immediate support.
- Text Messaging: For convenient, asynchronous communication.
- Phone Calls: For direct verbal consultations.
- Email: For non-urgent inquiries and follow-ups.
- Video Consultations: The most common method, allowing for visual examination and detailed interaction crucial for accurate diagnoses.
Most telehealth services are app-based and accessible via desktop computers or mobile devices, providing seamless healthcare access wherever you are.
Services Offered by Online Doctors: Expanding Virtual Healthcare
Online doctors provide a wide array of services that mirror traditional in-person visits, including:
- Preventative Care: Wellness check-ups and screenings.
- Chronic Condition Management: Ongoing care for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Acute Medical Concerns: Treatment for sudden illnesses like colds and infections.
- Lab Orders: Ordering necessary diagnostic tests.
- Prescriptions: Sending prescriptions to your local pharmacy, although restrictions may apply to certain medications.
- Mental and Behavioral Health Care: Access to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists for mental health support.
- Referrals to Specialists: Physicians can provide referrals to specialists in your local area when needed.
While specialists are not always directly available within online doctor networks, the breadth of services offered continues to expand, making virtual healthcare increasingly comprehensive.
Timeliness of Care: How Quickly Can You See an Online Doctor?
One of the significant advantages of online doctors is the speed of access. Most telehealth services offer same-day appointments and can often connect you with a doctor almost immediately. The best online doctor platforms allow you to select a specific appointment time that suits your schedule. Services with extensive doctor networks often provide 24/7, on-demand virtual visits, ensuring you can receive medical care whenever you need it, day or night.
The Best Online Doctors of 2025: Detailed Platform Reviews
To give you a deeper understanding, let’s delve into detailed reviews of some of the top online doctor services of 2025.
Doctor on Demand – In-depth Review
Doctor on Demand delivers a comprehensive telemedicine experience, encompassing primary care, integrated behavioral health, urgent care, chronic condition management, preventative care, and dedicated care team support. Appointments are accessible 24/7 through their nationwide network of providers. A unique feature is the ability to consistently see the same provider, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship that can serve as a primary or supplementary healthcare resource. Doctors on Doctor on Demand can order lab tests, prescribe medications, and manage prescription refills. The service operates on a flat fee basis for 15-minute video consultations, with separate pricing for therapy and psychiatry services. Doctor on Demand is widely accepted by most major health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, enhancing its accessibility.
Their urgent care services address common issues like headaches, fevers, skin conditions, and allergies, as well as specific health concerns for men and women. However, it is crucial to note that Doctor on Demand is not designed for emergencies requiring immediate in-person care, such as chest pain, severe burns, fractures, or breathing difficulties.
Doctor on Demand also provides a valuable free mental health assessment to help users determine if professional counseling would be beneficial. Their network of therapists and psychiatrists offers talk therapy, medication management, and diagnoses for conditions like depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, making mental healthcare readily accessible.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| 15-minute live sessions: $75 | Yes | Primary care, Urgent care, Mental health care, Chronic condition management |
| Therapy: $129 | ||
| Psychiatry: $299 |
Pros and Cons of Doctor on Demand
Pros:
- Long-term Primary Care Focus: Ideal for establishing ongoing virtual primary care.
- Psychiatric Care Available: Integrated mental health services including psychiatry.
- Broad Insurance Acceptance: Accepted by most major insurance plans.
Cons:
- 15-Minute Time Limit: Additional $75 charge for consultations exceeding 15 minutes.
- Prescription Refill Limitations: Automatic refills are not available, except for psychiatric medications.
Customer Sentiment:
Customer reviews highlight Doctor on Demand’s excellent care quality and its time and cost-saving benefits. Users appreciate the convenience and efficiency, with comments like, “With my current health insurance, I’m actually SAVING money because I don’t have a copay to use this app,” and “I waited less than two minutes and the appointment probably only took five minutes.” The primary complaint revolves around customer service responsiveness, with some users reporting delays in receiving replies to inquiries.
BetterHelp – In-depth Review
Smiling woman in a BetterHelp therapy session online
BetterHelp positions itself as the world’s largest online counseling service, offering therapy to individuals 18 and older. The platform provides flexible consultation scheduling and 24/7 text-based communication with therapists, eliminating the need for appointments for text therapy. Upon signup, BetterHelp uses an algorithm to match you with a counselor based on your mental health concerns and preferences, ensuring a personalized therapeutic experience. Additional benefits include access to over 150 digital worksheets and modules to complement therapy, and weekly live group seminars led by expert therapists.
The BetterHelp network comprises accredited psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Matching with a therapist typically occurs within 24 hours of signing up. While BetterHelp services are generally not covered by insurance, their pricing is often comparable to traditional therapy co-pays. It’s important to note that BetterHelp is not suitable for individuals with severe mental illness or those mandated to attend therapy by court order.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| $80-$100/week, billed monthly | No | Individual counseling |
Pros and Cons of BetterHelp
Pros:
- Extensive Mental Health Resources: Offers a free library of mental health resources.
- Flexible Counseling Options: Provides diverse communication methods including text and video.
Cons:
- No Live Support: Lacks real-time customer service support.
- Insurance Not Accepted: Services are typically out-of-pocket.
Customer Sentiment:
Satisfied BetterHelp users frequently praise its easy process and effective counselors, with comments such as, “…Their easy process and amazing counselors have helped me become my best self,” and “Reasonably priced and they do a wonderful job at matching therapists.” Some users have reported challenges in finding the right therapist match initially or experiencing scheduling conflicts, indicating that the matching process isn’t always perfect.
Ritual – In-depth Review
Ritual is a specialized online therapy service focusing on romantic relationships, employing methods that differ from traditional couples counseling. Clients can participate individually or with a partner, and all receive one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. New clients begin with an online introductory session to discuss relationship goals, which are then categorized into “Pathways” focusing on areas like intimacy, communication, and conflict.
Therapy progresses through these Pathways, with clients working on one at a time. Therapists provide daily activities and exercises related to the current Pathway, supplemented by brief weekly one-on-one sessions (15-20 minutes) to discuss progress. Pathways are self-paced, typically lasting 1-2 months each. Ritual offers flexible cancellation without fees, though billing continues through the current month.
Individual therapy through Ritual offers options for weekly or bi-monthly therapist meetings. Couples therapy includes three individual sessions per person and a joint session monthly.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Therapy: $100 (bi-weekly) or $160 (weekly)/month | No | Individual and couples counseling |
| Couples therapy: $260/month |
Pros and Cons of Ritual
Pros:
- Tailored Relationship Counseling: Therapy customized to specific relationship needs and goals.
- One-on-One Therapist Sessions: Included with each membership, individualizing the therapy experience.
- Flexible Participation: Clients can choose to engage alone or with a partner.
Cons:
- Insurance Not Covered: Health insurance typically does not cover Ritual’s monthly fees.
- Cost for Couples Therapy: Monthly charges can be relatively high for couples therapy.
Customer Sentiment:
Ritual’s website features positive client testimonials organized by Pathway, highlighting improvements in areas such as conflict resolution, intimacy, and communication. Clients report positive transformations and enhanced relationship dynamics as a result of the Pathway-focused approach.
Hims – In-depth Review
Man looking at Hims men's health products
Hims is a virtual primary care service specializing in men’s health, addressing conditions like hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety. To begin, users provide their medical history and reason for consultation, and are then matched with a healthcare provider in their state for symptom evaluation and diagnosis. Hims providers can prescribe medications when appropriate, and Hims offers home delivery for certain prescriptions, including hair regrowth solutions, acne treatments, and anxiety/depression medications. Some medications, however, must be picked up at a pharmacy. Hims also sells non-prescription supplements and offers free, anonymous mental health support groups.
Hims’ primary care services cover over 30 common medical issues, accessible via computer or phone. Consultations are not covered by insurance, but prescription costs may be partially or fully covered depending on the insurance plan.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| $39/consultation | No | Men’s health, Primary care, Mental Health, Skin care, Sexual Health |
Pros and Cons of Hims
Pros:
- Specialized Men’s Care: Focuses on health issues specific to men.
- Home Prescription Delivery: Convenient home delivery for select prescription products.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers consultations at a relatively low cost.
Cons:
- Pharmacy Pickup Required: Some prescriptions necessitate pharmacy visits.
- Insurance Not Accepted: Consultation fees are out-of-pocket.
Customer Sentiment:
Many Hims customers express satisfaction with the service and products, highlighting a positive experience, appropriate product costs, and convenient packaging. Users also appreciate the website’s ease of navigation and prompt customer service. Some customers have noted slower shipping times than advertised.
Hers – In-depth Review
Hers is designed as a counterpart to Hims, focusing on online healthcare for women, offering a wide range of services from mental health treatment to birth control and skincare. For mental health services, users complete a questionnaire about their emotional state, history of anxiety or depression, and treatment goals. Upon approval, they are connected with a mental health specialist and may receive prescription medication delivered to their home.
Medical services follow a similar process, including a survey, consultation, and potential prescription deliveries. The initial consultation fee is not covered by insurance, but subsequent prescription costs may be covered depending on the insurance plan. Hers also offers birth control, cold sore treatments, and yeast infection remedies for eligible users. Subscriptions provide a 20% discount for the first three months, followed by a flat monthly fee.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| First consultation: $39 | No | Medical care, Mental health care, Hair and skin care, Sexual health |
| Subscription: $49/month |
Pros and Cons of Hers
Pros:
- Comprehensive Women’s Services: Covers physical, mental, and sexual health needs.
- Insurance Coverage for Medications: Most insurance plans cover prescription medications.
- Non-Prescription Products Available: Over-the-counter products accessible without a subscription.
Cons:
- Pharmacy Visits Possible: Some prescriptions may require pharmacy pickup.
- Consultation Fee Not Insured: Initial consultation cost is not covered by insurance.
Customer Sentiment:
Hers receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on its website, particularly for hair and skincare services. Customers highlight the convenience and effectiveness of Hers in managing conditions like stress-induced alopecia and improving skin health, often sharing “before and after” photos showcasing positive results.
JustAnswer – In-depth Review
Doctor answering medical questions on JustAnswer
JustAnswer Medical is a platform where you can ask health-related questions and receive responses from doctors via chat within minutes. It offers a basic but quick way to get expert advice on medications, illnesses, and healthy living tips. Doctors on JustAnswer listen to your symptoms and can advise on seeking in-person care if necessary. The network includes specialists in pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, and internal medicine. Physicians are vetted and must verify their credentials before answering questions.
JustAnswer charges a fee per question and follow-up questions. The service is available 24/7, though response times may vary based on doctor availability. It is not intended for primary or urgent care, and doctors cannot order lab tests or write prescriptions, but can answer questions about medications and drug interactions. Questions are asked via text chat, with phone consultations available for an additional fee.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| $16-$52 – monthly average cost of JustAnswer Medical | No | General health questions |
Pros and Cons of JustAnswer
Pros:
- Pay-per-Question Model: Cost-effective for specific inquiries.
- No Appointment Needed: Immediate access to doctors.
- Specialist Access: Includes doctors from various specialties.
Cons:
- No Primary Care: Not for ongoing or comprehensive care.
- Limited Service Scope: No lab tests, prescriptions, or sick notes provided.
Customer Sentiment:
Customers appreciate the quick and helpful responses from JustAnswer doctors, finding them encouraging and fear-calming. The service is seen as helpful for immediate concerns. Billing issues are a common complaint, with some users reporting unexpected monthly fees in addition to question fees.
PlushCare – In-depth Review
PlushCare features a network of physicians from top U.S. medical institutions, addressing urgent issues, chronic conditions, and mental health concerns. It is designed for everyday primary care, offering online talk therapy for various mental health challenges. Therapists coordinate with other doctors on your PlushCare team, facilitating medication prescriptions or in-person assessments when needed. Therapy availability is currently limited to select states but is expanding.
PlushCare charges a monthly fee plus a per-session fee or copay. It accepts most Blue Cross and Cigna plans. A medication delivery program is available for an additional monthly fee, open to cash-pay customers only. PlushCare membership includes a prescription discount card.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| $99/visit (or copay), plus $14.99/month | Yes | Everyday care, Urgent care, Chronic condition management, Mental health care, Online therapy |
| Prescription delivery program: $99/month |
Pros and Cons of PlushCare
Pros:
- Prescription Delivery: Medications can be mailed directly to your home.
- Military Discounts: Offers discounts for veterans and active military personnel.
Cons:
- Limited Therapy Availability: Therapy services are not available in all states.
- Subscription Required: Monthly membership fee is mandatory.
Customer Sentiment:
PlushCare customers describe doctors as compassionate and attentive listeners, praising their personable and professional manner. Some users have reported issues with customer service responsiveness.
Sesame – In-depth Review
Doctor using Sesame telehealth platform for virtual consultation
Sesame is a telehealth platform suited for urgent medical issues, offering treatment for infections, fevers, and nausea. Care is provided by board-certified physicians, dentists, or nurse practitioners. Sesame doctors set their own prices, availability, and services, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. Local doctors offer both virtual and in-person visits.
Sesame doctors can prescribe medications, provide refills, and order lab tests and imaging services. Since doctors set their own prices, insurance is not accepted, but rates are competitive, particularly for general urgent care, though specialty services may cost more.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Video consultation: $25-$55 | No | Urgent care, Mental health care, Dental care, Dermatology, Imaging |
| In-person visit: $37-$110 |
Pros and Cons of Sesame
Pros:
- In-Person Doctor Visits: Option to see a doctor face-to-face.
- Low Prices: Generally affordable service costs.
- Doctor Choice: Users can select their preferred doctor.
Cons:
- Limited Support Hours: Live support is only available during business hours.
- Insurance Not Accepted: Services are paid out-of-pocket.
Customer Sentiment:
Sesame is praised for its ease of use and affordability, with users appreciating the lower costs and straightforward service. Scheduling issues are a common complaint, highlighting the need for better appointment time management.
WellTheory – In-depth Review
WellTheory specializes in online services for individuals with autoimmune diseases. Staff are trained in autoimmune conditions and many have personal experience with chronic health issues. WellTheory supplements primary medical care, focusing on nutrition and lifestyle coaching to manage symptoms.
New users complete a survey about their autoimmune disease history and schedule a free initial consultation. Personalized care plans include nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, progress monitoring, and optional testing for microbiome analysis and food sensitivities. Subscriptions include monthly consultations, a care plan, and access to additional resources. Insurance is not accepted, but FSA/HSA cards are. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Medical: $125/month | Yes | 24/7 patient care, Medical testing (optional) |
Pros and Cons of WellTheory
Pros:
- Autoimmune Disease Focus: Specialized services for autoimmune conditions.
- Personalized Care Plans: Customized medical care plans for each subscriber.
- Optional Advanced Testing: Offers microbiome analysis and other specialized tests.
Cons:
- Insurance Not Accepted: Services are not covered by medical insurance.
- Symptom Requirement: Subscription requires currently experiencing autoimmune symptoms.
Customer Sentiment:
WellTheory receives positive testimonials from both staff and clients, as well as endorsements from physicians who recognize the program’s value in autoimmune disease management. Clients and medical professionals praise the supportive and expert guidance provided by WellTheory.
Teladoc – In-depth Review
Doctor on Teladoc platform providing virtual healthcare
Teladoc’s network includes urgent care doctors, therapists, pediatricians, and specialists across 450+ fields. Primary360 service matches users with local doctors for potentially more accurate diagnoses. Get Care Now service treats common illnesses for adults and children. Doctors can prescribe medication, order lab tests, and share medical notes. Mental health services and wellness coaching are also available.
Consultations are 24/7 via phone, video chat, and the Teladoc app. Urgent and primary care have flat rates, potentially as low as $0 with insurance. Psychiatry and dermatology services have additional fees not disclosed on the website.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Care: $0/visit (with insurance) | Yes | Urgent care, Primary care, Mental health care, Nutrition, Dermatology, STD testing |
| Everyday Care: $75/visit (without insurance) |
Pros & Cons of Teladoc
Pros:
- Extensive Specialist Network: Large network of specialists across many fields.
- Wellness Coaching: Offers wellness coaching programs.
- No Consultation Time Limits: Consultations are not strictly timed.
Cons:
- Unclear Pricing: Pricing for some services like psychiatry is not readily available.
- Primary360 Age Limit: Primary360 care is for adults 18+ only.
Customer Sentiment:
Teladoc users praise the app’s ease of setup and appointment scheduling, and the speed of service. Insurance coverage is seen as a major benefit. Some users have experienced phone connectivity issues, particularly with calls coming from unlisted numbers.
Amwell – In-depth Review
Amwell offers 24/7 urgent care consultations without appointments. Users are matched with board-certified physicians almost immediately after providing their reason for visit. Therapy and psychiatry services are available for additional fees, including counseling, mental illness screening, and medication management. Specialty services for women’s health and pediatrics are also offered. Amwell partners with Cleveland Clinic for second opinion services via MyConsult.
Amwell is not designed for ongoing primary care, and users cannot consistently see the same doctor. Doctors can prescribe many medications but cannot order lab tests. Amwell charges a per-10-minute visit fee and accepts major insurance plans.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent care: $79 | Yes | Urgent care, Second opinions, Mental health care, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Women’s health |
| Therapy: Master’s degree visit for $99, Ph.D. visit for $110 | ||
| Psychiatry: Initial assessment $269, Follow-up visits $99 |
Pros & Cons of Amwell
Pros:
- No Appointment Urgent Care: Urgent care available 24/7 without scheduling.
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock availability.
- Second Opinions: Offers medical second opinion service.
Cons:
- No Lab Orders: Doctors cannot order lab tests.
- Not for Primary Care: Not intended for ongoing primary healthcare management.
Customer Sentiment:
Amwell customers generally appreciate the accessible and convenient care, competent staff, and reasonable fees. Users find the visits convenient and effective. Billing issues have been reported, particularly regarding credit card and insurance plan management.
Maven Clinic – In-depth Review
Pregnant woman using Maven Clinic app for maternity care
Maven Clinic provides comprehensive care for family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum support. It offers guidance for fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption, and supports individuals and couples throughout pregnancy and parenthood with 24/7 virtual care. Services include breast milk shipping, postpartum depression counseling, and access to 25 types of specialists.
Maven complements in-person maternity care. Services may be free through employer sponsorship. Without sponsorship, Maven charges fixed service rates and does not accept insurance. Users are paired with a Care Consultant for support and referrals.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse practitioner, Midwife: $18/10-minute appointment | No | Family planning, Maternity care, Postpartum care, Pediatrics |
| Doctor: $35/10-minute appointment | ||
| Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, Lactation Consultant, Doula: $25/20-minute appointment | ||
| Baby Sleep Coach, Wellness Coach, Back-to-Work Coach, Sex Coach: $50/30-minute appointment | ||
| Therapist: $70/40-minute appointment | ||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: $90/30-minute appointment |
Pros and Cons of Maven
Pros:
- Extensive Family Planning Services: Comprehensive support for family planning and maternity.
- Employer Sponsorship: Services may be free with employer sponsorship.
Cons:
- Insurance Not Accepted: Direct insurance billing is not available.
- No Live Support: Lacks real-time customer service support.
Customer Sentiment:
Maven is considered an excellent supplement to in-person care, praised for quick appointments and prescription services. Some users have reported less welcoming experiences with certain physicians.
MDLIVE – In-depth Review
MDLIVE offers urgent care, dermatology, therapy, and psychiatric assessments. Counselors are available 24/7 for behavioral health concerns, including child and adolescent counseling. Psychiatric appointments are available within a few days, and dermatology appointments may be even faster. Dermatologists can diagnose skin conditions via photo or video chat.
MDLIVE is not a primary care provider, and users cannot consistently see the same doctor. Doctors can prescribe most medications but cannot order lab tests. Services are accessible via app and desktop, with HIPAA-compliant chat for deaf and hard of hearing patients.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Medical care: $82 or less with insurance | Yes | Urgent care, Dermatology, Therapy, Psychiatry |
| Counseling: $108 or less with insurance | ||
| Psychiatry: $284/initial visit, $108/follow-up appointment or less with insurance | ||
| Dermatology: $75 or less with insurance |
Pros and Cons of MDLIVE
Pros:
- Clear Pricing: Transparent cost structure.
- Fast Therapy/Psychiatry Appointments: Quick access to mental health professionals.
- Live Support: Offers real-time customer service.
Cons:
- No Lab Tests: Doctors cannot order lab tests.
- Not for Primary Care: Not designed for ongoing primary healthcare management.
Customer Sentiment:
MDLIVE is praised for convenient appointments and quick doctor response times, with users appreciating the ease and speed of getting prescriptions. Some users have reported difficulty accessing past appointment records.
Lemonaid Health – In-depth Review
Woman smiling during a Lemonaid Health virtual doctor consultation
Lemonaid Health focuses on building strong doctor-patient relationships for primary care. Users answer questions about their health concerns, goals, and lifestyle to be matched with a compatible doctor. Doctors support chronic conditions, urgent problems, preventative medicine, and offer services like mental health screenings and weight-loss counseling. Communication with matched doctors is available via call, text, or video chat at any time.
Lemonaid offers individual and family subscription plans with annual commitments and monthly service fees. Insurance is generally not accepted, but HSA/FSA/HRA accounts can be used for payment.
| Cost | Insurance Accepted | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Plan: $99/month | No | Primary care, Mental health care, Chronic conditions, Men’s and women’s health, Preventative care, Labs and screenings |
| Family Plan: Starting at $178/month |
Pros and Cons of Lemonaid Health
Pros:
- Personalized Long-Term Care: Focus on building ongoing doctor-patient relationships.
- Family Plan Option: Offers plans for families.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock customer service availability.
Cons:
- Annual Subscription Required: Requires a yearly commitment.
- Insurance Not Accepted: Direct insurance billing is not available.
Customer Sentiment:
Lemonaid doctors are described as precise, detailed, and empathetic, with excellent bedside manner. Customer support responsiveness is cited as an area for improvement, with some users reporting delays in getting responses.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Online Doctor
Services Offered: Ensure the online doctor service provides the specific medical services you need, whether it’s urgent care, primary care, mental health, dermatology, or maternity support.
Cost and Payment Structure: Understand the pricing, whether it’s per consultation, subscription-based, or a combination. Consider if it fits your budget and if they offer payment plans or discounts.
Insurance Compatibility: Check if the service accepts your health insurance plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Some services may also be HSA/FSA eligible.
Prescription Policies: Confirm if doctors can prescribe medications, including refills, and how prescriptions are handled (local pharmacy or home delivery). Be aware of restrictions on certain types of medications.
Lab Test Ordering: If you anticipate needing lab tests, verify if the online doctors can order them and the process for getting tests done.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Online Doctor Services
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of online medical care. Increased demand arose from both doctors and patients seeking to minimize in-person contact, making telehealth a crucial component of healthcare delivery.
Sources
The information in this guide is based on research and data from reputable sources within the telehealth industry. Further details on the evolving landscape of telemedicine can be found in these resources.
