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Telemedicine has become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This convenient and accessible healthcare option allows individuals to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their own homes. With the demand for telemedicine on the rise, there are now numerous services available to choose from. In this article, we will explore some of the best telehealth services of the year.
Amwell
Amwell offers a wide range of treatment specialties, including online psychiatry, urgent care, pediatrics, and even second opinions. Their Second Opinion option may be valuable for those who have received a serious diagnosis and want a second opinion about their recommended treatment course. Amwell sources specialists from the renowned Cleveland Clinic for these consultations. While the Second Opinion option is expensive at $1,850 per consultation, it provides an opportunity for individuals to seek additional expert advice.
Without insurance, the baseline cost for an urgent care or pediatric visit through Amwell is $79. For a psychiatrist assessment, the first visit is $279. Amwell works with a variety of insurance providers, making their services accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Sesame Care
Sesame Care offers straightforward and affordable healthcare for a variety of concerns, including primary care, sexual health, mental health, and healthcare for children. One of the key features of Sesame Care is the ability to easily search for a provider’s availability and see the price of each doctor’s online appointment. This transparency ensures that patients are not surprised by hidden fees.
If you have health insurance, Sesame Care states that you will likely pay less than your deductible for their services. Although their services are considered out-of-network for insurance purposes, some insurance companies may offer reimbursement. Appointments with Sesame Care start at $19. For added perks, individuals can opt for the Sesame Plus membership at $11 per month, which includes a free blood or lab test.
Dr. B
Dr. B stands out from other telehealth services because it provides care to patients even if they cannot afford the flat consultation fee of $15. The company offers care for common health conditions that may require a simple prescription, such as the flu, COVID-19, urinary tract infections, and some sexual health conditions. They also offer dermatology consultations for hair loss, eczema, and more.
To qualify for the no-pay service, individuals need to answer questions about their income and household. While the consultation fee cannot be paid with insurance under the no-pay model, insurance can be used for any prescribed medicine. Individuals who qualify for the no-pay service may still be responsible for the cost of their prescriptions, but Dr. B provides a list of resources for additional payment support.
Teladoc
Teladoc is a comprehensive telehealth service that can diagnose and treat a wide range of general medical conditions. They also offer specialist services for mental health, dermatology, sexual health, and more. Teladoc is known for being a leader in online mental health services, including couples therapy.
Unlike other services, Teladoc does not put a time cap on General Medical visits. Patients can talk to their doctor for as long as needed. They also offer an “Expert Medical Opinion” service for those seeking a second opinion on a treatment plan or have specific concerns.
The cost of a Teladoc visit varies depending on the individual’s plan, insurance, and the services used. The company states that individuals could pay as low as $0, but a general medical visit costs $75 without insurance.
Doctor On Demand
Doctor On Demand offers a range of services categorized into urgent care, mental health, chronic care, skin care, and preventive care. Their preventive health category sets them apart from other telehealth services, as it includes lab screenings and proactive healthcare.
Prices for Doctor On Demand start at $79 without insurance. They provide convenient access to healthcare professionals through video chat, making it easy for individuals to receive the care they need.
TytoCare
TytoCare is a unique telemedicine option that provides an at-home medical exam kit. With TytoCare, individuals can check for common conditions by sending high-quality video and audio to a doctor through the app. The kit allows doctors to hear the patient’s heart and lungs and see their ears, throat, and skin. This enables the diagnosis of conditions like ear infections, colds, flu, allergies, and rashes.
The TytoCare kit is a one-time purchase of $300, and the price of a visit starts at $59 before insurance. This innovative option appeals to those who prefer a more hands-on approach to telemedicine.
PlushCare
PlushCare offers virtual primary care and mental health treatment. Making an appointment with PlushCare is a simple process. Individuals can indicate whether they are paying with insurance, select their state, and then choose a doctor from a list of available appointment times.
PlushCare operates as a subscription service, costing $99 per year or $15 per month. Without insurance, the first visit is $129, and subsequent visits cost $69.
K Health
K Health provides a unique symptom-checking app that aggregates data from millions of users. This app shows how doctors have previously treated patients with symptoms similar to the user’s. It is a helpful tool for situations when individuals are unsure about their symptoms and need guidance. K Health also answers questions parents may have about their child’s symptoms.
For those who prefer to speak to a doctor, K Health offers a $39 one-time visit fee. Monthly membership fees of $29 or $49 are available, depending on the level of access desired to K Health’s various platforms.
One Medical
One Medical offers a convenient and comprehensive healthcare service through their app. Users can book appointments, renew prescriptions, access medical records, and receive health reminders all within the One Medical app. If an in-person visit is not desired, individuals can simply message their doctor or have a video chat appointment.
One Medical operates on a yearly membership model, costing $199 per year. The copay for each visit depends on the individual’s insurance and the reason for the visit. One Medical also has a member financial assistance program for eligible individuals.
Forward Health
Forward Health is often referred to as the “doctor’s office of the future.” This telehealth service provides a thorough baseline visit followed by unlimited in-person visits and online chats with a healthcare provider. A membership at Forward Health costs $149 per month with no copays. While insurance is not required to be a member, it is highly recommended for emergencies or specialist visits.
Forward Health has locations in major cities across the US, making their comprehensive wellness and primary care services accessible to many.
In conclusion, there are numerous telehealth services available to meet the growing demand for virtual healthcare. Whether seeking primary care, mental health services, or specialty consultations, these services offer convenient and accessible healthcare options. Consider the specific features and pricing of each service to find the best fit for your individual needs.
