Medical Products & Services Best Online Doctors MDLIVE is our top choice for the best online doctor By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer. She uses her 9+ years of clinical healthcare and diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 11, 2023 Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn LinkedIn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. The rise in online doctors has made health care more accessible and affordable across the country. There are times when seeing a doctor face-to-face is necessary, but remote care is a great option for non-emergency medical concerns, such as colds, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and online therapy. Plus, telehealth helps free up in-person healthcare facilities, making it easier for severely sick patients to be seen by doctors promptly. With so many telehealth options available, it can be challenging to know which virtual provider is right for you. Before you start your search, consider your symptoms, how often you’ll need care, your budget, and what your insurance—if you have health coverage—will and won't cover. To help you determine the telehealth services for your needs, we've compiled a list of the best online doctors available throughout the United States. Best Online Doctors of 2023 Best Overall: MDLIVE Best for Pregnancy: Maven Best for the LGBTQ+ Community: Folx Health Best for Pediatric Care: Blueberry Pediatrics Best for Psychiatry: Teladoc Best for Comprehensive Care: Doctor On Demand Best for Flexible Care Options: Sesame Best for the Uninsured: HealthTap Best for Affordable Care: LiveHealth Online Best Medication Refills: PlushCare Best Nutritionist: Tepper Nutrition Best Online Doctors View All Best Online Doctors Our Top Picks MDLIVE Maven Folx Health Blueberry Pediatrics Teladoc Doctor On Demand Sesame HealthTap LiveHealth Online PlushCare Tepper Nutrition See More (8) Final Verdict Compare Providers How To Choose FAQs Methodology Best Overall : MDLIVE MD Live Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Urgent care $0 to $82, behavioral health $0 to $284, dermatology $0 to $95Accepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Phone, web browser, and app Why We Chose It MDLIVE is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to schedule appointments within minutes. The service provides care for more than 80 different conditions across urgent care, mental health, and dermatology. Pros & Cons Pros Accepts several insurance plans Provides care for more than 80 conditions Licensed physicians available 24/7 Responsive hotline for questions or concerns Offers medication management services Cons Can be expensive without insurance Doesn’t provide care for certain issues Overview MDLIVE offers on-demand specialists for urgent care, a transparent fee structure, and live support for illnesses, injuries, mental health concerns, and hair, skin, and nail conditions. You can speak with healthcare providers via phone, computer, or app-based appointments. It's important to note that the service provides urgent care for both children and adults, but for primary care, it sees patients only if they're older than 18. To use MDLIVE, simply go to its website and create an account. Once you’re registered, you can input your insurance information to see if your plan is accepted. From there, you can search through providers and schedule an appointment. The medical doctors are available 24/7, but you may encounter a wait. Plans & Pricing MDLIVE’s pricing varies based on the type of care you need and your insurance if you have any. Urgent care: These visits cost up to $82 and include care for non-emergency medical concerns.Behavioral health: Talk therapy or psychotherapy can cost up to $108, while psychiatry visits can cost up to $284 for the first visit. There is care for depression, anxiety, and more.Dermatology: These visits can cost up to $95 and offer care for warts, eczema, and other skin, hair, and nail issues. MDLIVE accepts insurance plans from Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Independence, plus some Medicaid and Medicare plans. You also can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your visit. While MDLIVE is a great option, it does not offer a subscription plan or free consultations. However, you may be able to find a discount code online. Best for Pregnancy : Maven Maven Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $20 per appointmentAccepts Insurance: NoPlatform: Web browser and app Why We Chose It Maven is our top choice for pregnant people because of its affordable cost and comprehensive care. With medical experts from more than 30 different specialties, Maven is a great option for those who wish to become parents, as well as expectant and postpartum parents. Pros & Cons Pros Focuses on family planning services and pregnancy care Experts from 30+ different specialties Offers care in over 35 different languages Supports LGBTQ+ community Flexible app platform for on-the-go appointments Features large resource library Cons Doesn't accept insurance No live chat customer service No refunds for day-of cancellations Overview Maven is a great option for expectant parents due to its wide range of specialty care, affordable costs, and easy-to-navigate platforms. The telehealth service employs fertility specialists, certified sleep coaches, nutritionists, midwives, and more. From prenatal care to labor and delivery to postpartum support, Maven provides pregnant people and their families with the help they need. It’s important to note that Maven is not a replacement for your in-person OB-GYN or primary care provider. Rather, it’s a great way to receive care quickly and more efficiently from home as a supplement to in-person appointments. Maven provides you with a care advocate that can help you find an in-person provider when needed. Signing up for an account with Maven is as easy as creating a username and answering a few simple questions. You can browse the available specialists and choose which type of provider you need—or let Maven match you with the right doctor. From there, you can book an appointment at a time that works best for you. Plans & Pricing Maven’s pricing varies depending on the type of care needed and the provider’s level of experience. Maven calls shorter visits “education-only appointments” because you can get answers to general questions but can’t receive a diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Appointments allowing treatment and medication are available with Maven providers who are licensed in your state. Doulas, lactation consultants, nutritionists, and physical therapists: A video appointment with any of these specialists costs around $25 for a 20-minute appointment.Nurse practitioners and midwives: These services cost $20 for 10-minute video appointments.Physicians (OB/GYNS, pediatricians, etc.): Video appointments with any of these healthcare providers cost $40 for a 10-minute session.Reproductive endocrinologists: A video call with a reproductive endocrinologist costs $75 for a 15-minute appointment.Psychiatric nurse practitioners: This type of visit costs $90 for a 30-minute video call. Mental health providers: For your first week only, 10-minute video calls cost $20. Then, 40-minute appointments cost $70 with master's-level therapists and $120 with doctorate-level therapists.Coaches: Video calls with coaches cost $50 per 30-minute session. Unfortunately, insurance isn't accepted. However, some employers offer Maven as part of their benefits packages. You can also use HSA and FSA funds to pay for your visits. Best for the LGBTQ+ Community : Folx Health Folx Health Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Starts at $59 per visitAccepts Insurance: NoPlatform: Web browser Why We Chose It As the first transgender-specific telehealth platform, Folx Health offers care to LGBTQ+ individuals in a compassionate and supportive manner. The service offers care for sexual well-being, family planning, and hormone replacement therapy. Pros & Cons Pros Subscriptions for hormone replacement therapy Includes a virtual library of supportive resources Staffed by expert clinicians who specialize in LGBTQ+ care Provides one-on-one consultations Cons Currently available in only 38 states and D.C. Does not accept insurance Can only treat people over 18 Overview Launched in December 2020, this up-and-coming service provides a safe and supportive platform exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community. Folx Health's model focuses on giving you control of your health and wellness—and the freedom to access expert care, no matter where you are. Folx Health helps patients with fertility, gender consultation, nutrition, sex, and more, plus it supplies medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), erectile dysfunction (ED) meds, estrogen, and testosterone. To get started, you can either customize a subscription plan based on your needs or schedule a one-time visit with an experienced provider. Although Folx is available in only 38 states and Washington, D.C., its services and locations continue to expand. Folx doesn’t accept insurance, as it wants the costs to be as transparent as possible; however, you can choose to pay with an FSA/HSA card. Plans & Pricing Primary care visits cost $59, while the price of prescription plans varies depending on the type of medication. Clinician visit: Online doctor visits for the LGBTQ+ community cost $59 per visit.Estrogen subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for estrogen costs $119 a month and is for anyone who has been on hormone replacement therapy for less than one year. The maintenance plan costs $59 per month and is meant for those in their second year or more of HRT. Both plans include automatic refills, lab testing, free shipping, virtual visits, and expert consultation.Testosterone subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for testosterone costs $139 per month, while the maintenance plan costs $89 per month. These plans have the same perks as the estrogen plan.PrEP plan: This pre-exposure prophylaxis plan includes a three-month supply of daily HIV prevention pills for $90 a month. Best for Pediatric Care : Blueberry Pediatrics Blueberry Pediatrics Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $15 to $20 per month, plus cost of medical kitAccepts Insurance: NoPlatform: Web browser, phone, text, and app Why We Chose It Blueberry Pediatrics has affordable memberships, board-certified pediatric doctors, and 24/7 availability—even on holidays. Pros & Cons Pros 24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians Visits take 15 minutes or less Can prescribe medication and order labs Text option for support any time of day Memberships include at-home medical kit Cons Doesn't accept insurance One-time $100 fee to purchase a medical kit Can provide care in only 18 states Overview Blueberry Pediatrics is a telehealth service that provides comprehensive pediatric care to children younger than 21 years old. The company has board-certified pediatricians available 24/7 via web browser, phone, or app, plus its memberships come with at-home medical kits that include an ear infection kit, finger pulse oximeter, and digital oral thermometer for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Memberships include all children in your family at no additional cost, and there are no limits on how many times you can message the team. With 24/7 text support, you can ask the Blueberry Pediatrics team medical questions and receive a response within minutes. The staff can prescribe medications and send them to a pharmacy of your choice, and send medical information to your primary pediatrician to keep records up to date. The website and app are both very easy to use. After answering a few questions about your child's symptoms, you'll be connected with a pediatrician in a matter of minutes. Blueberry Pediatrics serves 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Plans & Pricing Blueberry Pediatrics offers a monthly and an annual membership plan; you'll save money if you choose the annual plan. Monthly membership: This costs $20 a month for 24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians. When you sign up, you’ll also pay a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit.Annual membership: At $180, the annual membership saves you $60 each year compared to the monthly plan. This membership also requires a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit. Because of its already low-cost membership, Blueberry Pediatrics doesn't accept insurance. You can, however, pay using an HSA or FSA card. Best for Psychiatry : Teladoc Teladoc Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Therapy $0 to $99, psychiatry $0 to $299, medical care $0 to $75Accepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Web browser, phone, and app Why We Chose It Whether you need therapy or psychiatric services, Teladoc offers convenient access to board-certified physicians who specialize in a variety of mental health conditions. Plus, the app makes scheduling easy with click-to-talk capabilities on your phone. Pros & Cons Pros Offers appointments seven days a week All therapists and psychiatrists are licensed Option to choose which doctor you'd like to see Medication management provided for some conditions Available in the US, Canada, and internationally Cons No subscription plans or packages available Doesn’t offer couples, group, or family therapy Psychiatric services can be expensive without insurance Overview Teladoc provides a quick and easy option for psychiatric services, whether you need therapy or medication management. Focusing on a whole-body approach to care, Teladoc offers comprehensive mental health services from board-certified doctors seven days a week. It also offers primary care, dermatology, and nutrition services. To create your account, enter standard information, such as your name, birthdate, and ZIP code. Next, you’ll be prompted to enter any insurance information, which will help give you a general idea of the cost. Once registered, you can search for a doctor and schedule an appointment right from your phone. Plans & Pricing Teladoc's pricing isn't as accessible as other platforms, mainly due to its customized approach. Here are the price ranges available on the site: Therapy session: Appointments can cost between $0 and $99, depending on what your insurance covers.Psychiatric visit: Your first visit can range from $0 to $299 and follow-up appointments cost up to $119.Medical care: General medical services cost between $0 and $75 per appointment, depending on insurance. Teladoc accepts insurance, including some Medicare Advantage plans, but you must set up an account to view specific coverage options. It doesn't offer subscription plans or free consults. Best for Comprehensive Care : Doctor On Demand Doctor on Demand Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Medical care $75 per visit, mental health care $129 to $299 per visitAccepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Web browser, phone, and app Why We Chose It Doctor On Demand provides care for a broad assortment of issues. Patients can use the service for mental health care, preventive care, urgent care, chronic issues, and more. As well, coverage is available for both adults and children. Pros & Cons Pros 24/7 access to medical and mental health care Offers medication management Accepts many insurance plans Services offered to adults and children Cons No subscription plans or discounts Therapy availability varies by state Can be expensive without insurance coverage Overview Doctor On Demand has been providing excellent service to patients around the country since 2013. The company offers a comprehensive lineup of services including urgent care, mental health, preventive health, and chronic care. From weight management to acute illness and stress, you'll find everything you need on one platform. Doctor On Demand makes scheduling simple through its app and web portal, and it has appointments available within minutes. In the web portal, you can schedule with a certain provider or select the next available appointment. The app is user-friendly and walks you through the entire process from initial account creation to insurance and scheduling. Plus, you're able to check your coverage before scheduling a visit. Plans & Pricing Doctor on Demand’s pricing varies based on the type of appointment and your benefits. Medical care: $75 for a 15-minute appointmentPsychology: $129 for a 25-minute therapy sessions; $179 for a 50-minute session Psychiatry: $299 for initial 25-minute consultation; $129 for 15-minute follow-up sessions One plus of going through a service like Doctor On Demand is that you can use your insurance benefits. The company accepts a long list of commercial health plans as well as some Medicare plans. If you need comprehensive treatment in a hurry, this telehealth service has you covered. Best for Flexible Care Options : Sesame Sesame Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Varies depending on location and providerAccepts Insurance: No for appointments; yes for medicationPlatform: Web browser Why We Chose It With thousands of doctors available, Sesame is perfect for those seeking flexible, affordable care. It offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, skin consultations, therapy, sexual health care, and more. Pros & Cons Pros Easily view available physicians, wait times, and costs Works with doctors across more than 80 specialties Optional cost-saving monthly membership available Affordable prices without insurance Accepts HSA and FSA payments Cons In-person clinics only available in some states Insurance coverage only for medication Must pay for appointment at the time of booking Overview Sesame was founded in 2018, and it offers affordable care to those with or without insurance across the country. As a superstore for health care, the telehealth service provides flexible care both virtually and in-person with experts specializing in more than 80 conditions. You can find providers for urgent care, prescription refills, mental health support, dermatology, dental care, and more. The website is easy to navigate and up-to-date. Sesame has in-person services in some states, but its virtual appointments (usually video calls) are what the company is known for. To see available providers near you, simply select your location in the upper-righthand corner. From there, it's simple to select whether you're looking for in-person, telehealth, or prescription services. Everything from basic scheduling to prescription refills is available through its platform. Plans & Pricing Sesame’s pricing varies depending on your needs and chosen provider. Costs are reasonable and outlined clearly on the website and app, which makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. To save money on the already affordable service, a Sesame Plus membership costs $11 per month and includes a free annual lab test and discounts on select medical services. However, you don’t need to be a member to use Sesame. Sesame doesn't accept insurance, but users are able to view pricing for each board-certified physician before booking an appointment with them. If you're looking for high-quality, flexible care, Sesame is a great choice. Best for the Uninsured : HealthTap HealthTap Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $99 per visit (or copay); $15 monthly memberships for $44 primary care visits and $59 urgent care visits (or copay)Accepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Web browser and app Why We Chose It Offering primary and urgent care with upfront pricing, HealthTap is a great choice for those looking for affordable telehealth appointments. It has a monthly subscription option that includes exclusive discounts and perks, making it a cost-saving option for those without insurance. Pros & Cons Pros Has upfront pricing Membership includes Talkspace discount Can have the same primary care doctor for every visit Features a free library with physician-answered questions Cons Prescription costs not included with membership Doesn’t offer mental health care Overview Founded in 2010, HealthTap offers low-cost appointments for people without insurance. The telehealth service provides 24/7 urgent and primary care to children and adults via text or video. The board-certified doctors can diagnose, prescribe medication, order lab tests, and give referral recommendations. HealthTap's app is extremely user-friendly, allowing you to easily book appointments, request refills, contact your doctor, and message other members of your care team—all through your smartphone. It even features a free library of questions from other patients and answers from its community of doctors, so you can learn more about topics outside of appointments. Plans & Pricing HealthTap has two membership options: HealthTap Prime: For $15 a month, this subscription membership offers primary care appointments for $44 per visit (or your insurance copay) and urgent care appointments for $59 per visit (or your insurance copay). This plan includes 24/7 access to on-demand care, $100 off online therapy visits with Talkspace, your choice of primary care doctor, and more. HealthTap Basic: This plan doesn’t have a monthly fee. Visits are $99 each (or your insurance copay). HealthTap accepts more than 100 insurance plans including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna, plus HSA and FSA funds. With affordable appointments for children and adults, HealthTap is a great choice for those without insurance. Best for Affordable Care : LiveHealth Online LiveHealth Online Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: Medical and allergy appointments up to $59 per visit, psychology sessions up to $95, psychiatry visits $75 to $175Accepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Web browser or app Why We Chose It LiveHealth Online offers telehealth appointments for medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry care, with medical visits averaging at just $59—no subscription required. Plus, it accepts several insurance plans. Pros & Cons Pros Affordable appointments No monthly fees You choose your doctor Provides care for children 24/7 access to medical and allergy care Cons No live chat support on the website Overview Health care doesn’t come cheap, but, luckily, LiveHealth Online offers inexpensive care for those with or without insurance. It’s free to sign up, doesn’t have any subscription fees, and you know the price of the visit before you commit to an appointment. LiveHealth Online has four types of services: medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry. The website is basic and straightforward. It features an easy sign-up form that asks for only essential information like your name, email, and password. After you sign up, you can scroll through available board-certified doctors and view their ratings to help you choose one that fits your needs. Unfortunately, there isn't a live chat option on the website, so if you have any questions, you have to reach out via email or telephone. Plans & Pricing LiveHealth Online has four different services and its pricing depends on your type of care and insurance coverage. You easily can see what your appointment will cost on the company’s website. Medical: Medical appointments cost $59 without insurance and might cost less if your health plan is in-network.Allergy: Rates are the same as for medical appointments.Psychology: Without insurance, therapist visits are $80 and psychologist visits are $95. They might cost less if you have insurance.Psychiatry: Your first appointment is $175. Follow-up sessions are $75 without insurance. They might cost less if you have insurance. LiveHealth Online doesn't offer any free services, consultations, memberships, or subscriptions. Its upfront pricing makes it an affordable choice for those in need of quick solutions for ailments like pink eye, rashes, or tooth pain. Though somewhat basic, LiveHealth Online is extremely budget-friendly. Best Medication Refills : PlushCare PlushCare Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $15 per month or $99 per year, plus $129 for the first visit and $69 for all repeat visits or insurance copayAccepts Insurance: YesPlatform: Web browser and app Why We Chose It As a PlushCare member, you can see a board-certified doctor and get medication refills sent to your pharmacy in as little as 15 minutes. The company offers a variety of services, but its quick online prescriptions are the cream of the crop. Pros & Cons Pros Same-day appointments available in just 15 minutes Hires doctors from top U.S. medical institutions Accepts insurance and HSA/FSA payments Offers four different types of care Cons Must pay a membership fee to use Cost is higher than other telehealth options Overview Since 2015, PlushCare has been a leading provider of telemedicine in the United States. Its services are available 24/7 and include primary care, urgent care, mental health, and therapy. With affordable pricing and low wait times, PlushCare makes it easy to get medication refills on prescriptions—like birth control, antidepressants, and diabetes medications—sent to your local pharmacy. Before ever creating an account, you can find available doctors and appointment times on PlushCare’s website and mobile app. You can view a physician's background, ratings, and reviews—and then make your selection. Once you become a member, getting started is easy; just enter the requested information into the form and book an appointment. Plans & Pricing PlushCare has two membership options: Monthly: Monthly membership is $15 a month. The first visit costs $129 with follow-up appointments costing $69, if not insured, or your insurance copay.Annual: For $99 a year, this membership is the best value. Appointment fees are the same, but you save $81 in membership fees. While the membership fee may be a drawback to some, the ease of getting medication refills sent quickly can be worth it. As a bonus, memberships include unlimited messaging with your online care team as well as same-day appointment options. Best Nutritionist : Tepper Nutrition Tepper Nutrition Learn More Key Specs Price: $170 to $220 for the initial appointmentAccepts Insurance: NoPlatform: Web browser Why We Chose It The registered dietitians at Tepper Nutrition use an overall lifestyle approach for each client, whether you have food allergies, sensitivities, or other chronic conditions that can be improved through nutrition, or just want to develop a more positive relationship with food and eating. Pros & Cons Pros Has sliding scale rates Consultations available Monday through Friday Offers retreats, workshops, and nutrition courses Weight-neutral, anti-diet values Cons Does not accept insurance In-person consultations only available in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Virtual consultations only available in 13 states and D.C. Overview Tepper Nutrition offers one-on-one nutrition therapy and coaching to those facing a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, Crohn’s disease, IBS, high cholesterol, allergies, celiac disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and more, plus services for pediatric, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition. The practice teaches clients to create lifestyle changes using non-diet, weight-inclusive Health At Every Size® principles. Depending on your location and preferences, you will meet with your dietitian either in person or virtually. There are two clinics in the state of Virginia (located in Alexandria and Leesburg) and one in Washington, D.C. The practice also offers telemedicine appointments to clients who live in those two areas and in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. Plans & Pricing Price is per session: An initial 60-minute consultation costs $195 out of pocket. Your provider will ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle, sleep habits, stress level, daily schedule, what you tend to eat, and other factors that may contribute to your current concerns.90-minute follow-up sessions are $160. Sliding scale payment plans are available to some clients on a case-by-case basis. The company can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer for out-of-network coverage. Tepper Nutrition also offers a weight-inclusive, self-guided intuitive eating program, Beyond the Fork ($349–$499), as well as occasional yoga retreats and nutrition workshops at varying prices. Final Verdict Overall, MDLIVE stands out thanks to its affordability and user-friendly features. Book a virtual appointment with a board-certified doctor within minutes of signing up—no matter what time it is. Plus, you can get prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy, use insurance, and pay with FSA/HSA funds. In addition, the customer support team is available 24/7 to handle any issues along the way. Compare the Best Online Doctors Company Price Accepts Insurance? Platform MDLIVE Best Overall Urgent care $0 to $82, behavioral health $0 to $284, dermatology $0 to $95 Yes Phone, web browser, and app Maven Best for Pregnancy Starts at $20 per appointment No Web browser and app Folx Health Best for the LGBTQ+ Community Starts at $59 perr visit No Web browser Blueberry Pediatrics Best for Pediatric Care $20 monthly or $180 per year No Web browser, phone, text, and app Teladoc Best for Psychiatry Therapy $0 to $99, psychiatry $0 to $299, medical care $75 to $95 Yes Web browser, phone, and app Doctor On Demand Best for Comprehensive Care Medical care $75 per visit, mental health visit $129 to $299 Yes Web browser, phone, and app Sesame Best for Flexible Care Options Varies depending on location and provider No for appointments; yes for medication Web browser HealthTap Best for the Uninsured $99 per visit (or copay); $15 monthly memberships for $44 primary care visits and $59 urgent care visits (or copay) Yes Web browser and app Live Health Online Best for Affordable Care Medical and allergy up to $59 per visit, psychology up to $95 per visit, psychiatry $75 to $175 per visit Yes Web browser and app PlushCare Best for Medication Refills $15 per month for membership, copay or $69-$129 per appointment Yes Web browser and app Tepper Nutrition Best Nutritionist $170 to $220 for initial appointment No Web browser and phone Guide for Choosing the Best Online Doctor What Is an Online Doctor? An online doctor can be thought of as a modern take on the traditional general practitioner (GP). Online doctors aren't a replacement for your in-person primary care physician (PCP), but they are a smart solution for individuals and families to have flexible urgent, medical, and mental health care readily available via a computer, phone, or app. Is an Online Doctor Right for You? Online doctors are a convenient option when you need flexible care. Since virtual appointments are conducted via the internet, you can book visits at any time of day—plus, you don't have to leave your couch for your appointment. Many online doctors can prescribe medication, order lab work, and provide referrals. While virtual appointments may be appropriate for mild illness or injury, not every condition qualifies for online care. Seek emergency assistance at the nearest hospital if you're experiencing chest pain, seizures, difficulty breathing, or suicidal ideation. Comparing Online Doctors Not every online doctor offers the same services. Do your research before choosing a virtual doctor and consider your preferences carefully. Some factors to weigh include: Cost: Telehealth costs vary greatly, so it's important to understand the pricing structure and fees of your chosen online doctor.Services: Some virtual clinics offer only urgent care, while others provide ongoing primary care and mental health support.Insurance: Many online doctors accept some insurance plans. If you plan to use insurance, you'll want to ensure your chosen online doctor accepts your plan first.Availability in your state: Availability varies by provider and state. Check the website of your chosen doctor to understand which locations they serve. It's especially important to research location availability if you're seeking mental health services.Platforms: Web browsers and apps are the most popular ways to connect with online doctors, but some providers offer services via phone calls or texting. Know what type of device you plan to use and check that your preferred online doctor supports it.Discounts or cost-saving options: Discount codes, membership plans, subscriptions, and free consultations can help you save money—especially if you don't have insurance.Reviews from other patients: Hearing firsthand experiences from other patients provides valuable insight into whether or not your needs will be met by your chosen online doctor.FSA/HSA: Having the ability to pay using a flexible spending account or a health savings account could help lower costs. Check to make sure they accept these forms of payment if you plan to use them. Scheduling an Appointment with an Online Doctor Once you've chosen an online doctor service, you'll likely be asked to create an account before booking an appointment. This helps keep your medical information in a safe, secure, and organized location for you and your provider. Once your account is set up, you should be able to choose an available provider and time based on your preference. If you're new to online care, it may be helpful to speak to a representative via online chat or phone. If your chosen online doctor accepts insurance, you'll input this information to give you a better idea of the cost before booking an appointment. Some common questions you may be asked: Personal Medical HistoryCurrent medicationsFamily historyReason for visit Most platforms are user-friendly; however, if you're not sure how to book an appointment, you can call the number provided on the contact page for assistance. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Different Types of Online Doctors? There are a variety of online doctors who provide a range of services. Many offer acute care for mild symptoms or illnesses, while others specialize in managing chronic diseases and promoting wellness. There also are some providers who offer only urgent care. You'll find board-certified physicians, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, and even mental health therapists and psychiatrists among online doctors. What Are the Benefits of Using an Online Doctor? Using online doctors ensures convenience, flexibility, and privacy. They also offer quick and easy access to care, allowing you to see a medical professional and get the help you or your family needs quicker than most in-person clinics. When Should You Not See an Online Doctor? Online doctors aren't meant for emergency visits. If you're having a medical emergency such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Can Online Doctors Prescribe Medication? Yes. Many online doctors prescribe medications to treat mild to moderate medical conditions, but they can’t prescribe controlled substances, such as opioids (codeine, morphine, Oxycontin), sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata), stimulants (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse), and certain anxiety medications (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax). Depending on the provider, they may prescribe antibiotics, birth control, antidepressants, or other prescriptions. What Do I Do If I See an Online Doctor And Need a Lab Test? Many online providers partner with local labs that offer convenient appointment times, locations, and results. However, most lab services are an additional cost—unless otherwise noted. Still, some online doctors don't have the capability of ordering these tests. Methodology We looked at dozens of online doctors to determine which ones offer all-encompassing features at affordable prices. Our primary focus was on cost, payment options, insurance, appointment scheduling, and convenience. We also took consumer reviews into consideration to determine how user-friendly the platform is, as well as overall satisfaction scores. Lastly, we considered which providers offered more than the traditional online doctor services. Those with 24/7 availability, prescription drug options, and even lab tests were highly regarded. In the end, we based our rankings on the total value provided by each online doctor platform. Maskot / Getty Images Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Koma W. Medicare and telehealth: coverage and use during the COVID-19 pandemic and options for the future. Kaiser Family Foundation. Center for Connected Health Policy. Compare state policies. By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience. Updated by April McCormick April McCormick April is the health editor for performance marketing at Verywell, where she oversees family health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Verywell Mind, Verywell Family, Verywell, Fit, Verywell Health, Time, Parents, Parents Magazine, The Straits Times, The Huffington Post, TripSavvy, Parenting, First Time Mom and Dad, Mama Mia, All4Women, the New York Times Bestseller, A Letter To My Mom, and more. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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