If you need to see a doctor but you’re in a location where that’s not possible or your doctor is too busy, you can get all the help you need online.
Going to the doctor is not always easy, not just when there’s a pandemic going on. Many times, appointments aren’t convenient, work and family get in the way, or you simply feel too sick to get out of the bed for an appointment.
Telemedicine apps are transforming the healthcare industry because today you can get immediate consultation from a doctor even at 3 AM simply by using instant video chat on your iPhone or Android. You can even get assistance with your medication if you need to.
These apps are often a lifesaver for millions of people who don’t live in a major metropolitan area, as the doctor will be able to see you for any kind of issues ranging from diabetes to breast-feeding without a face-to-face appointment.
Here are some of the best telemedicine apps you can download right now to quickly and safely get all the help you need with UTIs, sinus infections, anxiety, migraines and much more.
Table of Contents
1. Teladoc
One of the leading telemedicine apps, Teladoc has both an app and an online portal that offers easy access to everyday care to patients. It covers standard health issues that typically require urgent care, including flu symptoms, sinus and respiratory infections, rashes and allergies. Doctors can prescribe medication that you can pick up from your preferred pharmacy.
Pros
- Nationwide support in the U.S.
- 24/7 phone support
- Only a phone signal required for the app to work
Cons
- Pricing model is not very clear
- Doctors can prescribe medicines but can’t order tests
Review Summary
Patients are typically happy with Teladoc, mentioning that even though the service is not free, it’s great for emergency situations. Negative reviews are typically about the price structure, which is not always clear.
Score 9.7/10
Price: No membership fee, $49 one-time payment per user, Everyday Care plans starting from $55
Compatible devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android
Countries Available In: United States
2. Doxy.me
Doxy.me is a simple and convenient telemedicine app that allows you to see your doctor from anywhere in the world. The app is free to download, but the cost of the appointments is decided by the specific provider. Unlike other apps, Doxy.me has a custom virtual waiting room that patients can log in at any time.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Offers multiple free services
- Accessible on desktop, tablet and smartphone with no download necessary
Cons
- Interface is a bit clunky
Review Summary
Score: 9.5/10
Doxy.me receives mostly positive reviews from users, who mention how easy and convenient it is to use this HIPAA compliant app. There are some negative reviews about the interface, which may freeze from time to time.
Price: Free plan available, paid plans starting from $35 per month
Compatible Devices: Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android
Countries Available In: Worldwide
No downloads necessary to use Doxy.me on smartphones; works via web browser
Read also: Best Apps for Intermittent Fasting
3. Amwell
Amwell is a Massachusetts-based medical provider that provides urgent virtual care visits for all 50 states in the US. Providers are available 24/7 and all of them are board-certified. The physicians can prescribe medication and have your prescription sent to a pharmacy of your choice. You can choose to have your primary care provider notified about your virtual visits, but that’s entirely optional.
Pros
- Covered by numerous insurance providers
- Transparent pricing
- Providers are available 24/7
Cons
- Video visits are required for prescriptions
Review Summary
Score: 9.3/10
Amwell receives mostly positive reviews, with users liking the fairly simple process, but there are multiple negative reviews for more complex conditions and billing issues.
Price: Urgent care visit for common conditions from $69; various prices for more complex services and mental health services
Compatible Devices: iPhone, Android, iPad
Countries Available In: United States
4. Doctor on Demand
This is a telemedicine app that covers urgent care needs such as migraines, coughs and colds, yeast infections, IBS and more. Scheduled and immediate appointments are available, depending on urgency. Unlike other telehealth apps, Doctor on Demand gives attention to preventative and chronic care. It also offers childhood development counselling and a whole range of pediatric and family services.
Pros
- Makes it very clear what conditions are covered and which are not
- 24/7 availability
- Choice of support methods
Cons
- No email or chat support
Review Summary
Score: 9/10
Many reviews for Doctor on Demand are positive, with users liking the convenience of the app. However, some reviewers mentioned that the doctors simply told them to visit their local physician.
Price: Fees starting at $75 per session for a wide range of conditions.
Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android
Countries Available In: United States
5. MDLIVE
With MDLIVE, you get easy access to board-certified practitioners in the U.S. that provide 24/7 treatments. You can sign up for an account in approximately 15 minutes and contact a doctor for anything from a sore throat and back pain to acne and panic disorders.
Pros
- No membership fees
- Comprehensive list of conditions treated available
- Choice of support options
Cons
- Expensive
- Payments are collected before the appointment
Review Summary
MDLIVE has lots of positive reviews, but some users mention that they had a less than positive experience, with some patients feeling not listened to during the appointment.
Score 8.5/10
Price: Free to download, consultations available from $0 to $82 depending on specialty and insurance
Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, Chrome
Countries Available In: United States