The Best Online Doctors

Monday, July 14th

2025 Online Doctor Reviews

Sesame

• Cost: Starting at $44-55 for most visits
• Sesame Plus membership available for $0.27/day with additional savings
• Wait time: Can book appointments within 1-2 hours
• Available to children and adults in all 50 states
• Browse and select your own doctor from available providers
• All doctors are licensed and credentials are viewable on profiles
• Direct-to-patient marketplace model
• Transparent pricing
• Concierge service for Plus members
• One free lab test per year for Plus members
• "A" BBB rating

Sesame is a first-of-its-kind healthcare marketplace that connects you directly with doctors across all 50 states. Through their platform, you can access over 40 different medical specialties and book appointments for both telemedicine and in-person visits within 1-2 hours. The best part? By cutting out insurance companies and middlemen, Sesame offers care at about half the typical price - with no surprise fees, no long wait times, and complete price transparency upfront. You can now get quality healthcare without the usual hassles and high costs.

Getting started with Sesame is quick and simple

You can book an appointment in under two minutes on Sesame's platform, where you'll find doctors available across all 50 states. The process only has a few steps: search for the type of care you need, pick a provider and time that works for you, pay upfront, fill out a brief medical history, and then either join your online appointment through a secure link or visit the doctor's office in person. For online doctor visits, you'll get a link to test your device beforehand, and their support team is ready to help if you run into any technical issues - something we love, given how prevalent tech issues seem to be with Sesame's competitors. Sesame's app is available on iOS, but we couldn't find it in the Google Play store for Android devices.

Controlled substances can't be prescribed via telehealth

You can get prescriptions for many common medications through Sesame's doctors, especially for treating conditions like infections and allergies. However, if you need controlled substances or narcotics, you'll need to visit a doctor in person since these can't be prescribed through virtual visits (which is true of basically every online doctor service). The good news is that most medications you'd typically get at an urgent care or doctor's office are available through Sesame - as long as your doctor decides it's appropriate for your situation. Here are the conditions and services covered:

• Urgent care: asthma, ear infections, fever, UTIs, sinus infections, and rashes
• Mental health: anxiety, depression, stress, nd ADHD
• Skin conditions: cold sores, dark spots, eczema, moles, and insect bites
• Women's health: birth control, yeast infections, UTIs, and OB-GYN consultations
• Pediatric care: fever, pink eye, ear infections, strep throat, and cold & flu symptoms
• Sexual health: STI/STD consultations, ED treatment, and vasectomy consultations

Basic pricing structure keeps things simple

Each healthcare provider on Sesame sets their own prices, but you'll find consistently affordable rates across different services. For example, you can get urgent care visits starting at $54, mental health consultations from $55, and even dental appointments from as low as $44. Most specialist visits, including dermatology, women's health, and sexual health services, hover around the $55 mark.

Membership perks make care even more affordable

If you're planning to use Sesame regularly, their Plus membership could save you serious money. For about 27 cents per day, you'll get $10 off both virtual and in-person visits, including primary care and specialist appointments. Plus members also get one free lab test per year (worth $65+) and access to Sesame's concierge service, which helps you find the right doctor for your needs - even if a particular service isn't listed on their platform. The concierge team will act as your personal healthcare assistant, helping match you with one of their 10,000+ listed doctors or leveraging their offline network to find providers in your area.

Sesame's doctors are licensed, but not supervised by Sesame

When you use Sesame, you'll be working with independent healthcare providers who share their full credentials and background information on their profiles. These clinicians either work directly with patients or through Sesame-affiliated medical groups. We love that you can see each provider's license details, years of experience, education, and specialties to help you make an informed choice before even signing up - most online doctor services don't directly employ or supervise their doctors, so it's nice to be able to do your own research before booking.

Finding your perfect doctor is straightforward

When you're ready to choose a physician on Sesame, you'll see a list of doctors licensed in your state that you can easily sort by price, availability, location, or ratings. (Sorting by "Nearest” comes in handy if you need a prescription for a controlled substance or a physical check-up.) You don't even need an account to check out doctor profiles, which show you everything from their next open appointments to their specialties, patient reviews, languages spoken, and professional background.

A user-friendly platform with quick, effective care

Sesame has earned a 4.5-star rating average from nearly 3,000 reviews and an "A" from the Better Business Bureau. Across review platforms, patients consistently praise how quickly they can get care - for instance, one person scheduled a strep throat appointment within 30 minutes and had their prescription ready at the pharmacy just an hour later. Sesame excels at handling prescriptions and follow-ups efficiently, with doctors being notably attentive even during late-night consultations. The quality of video consultations appears to be excellent, with patients saying they get checkups that feel just as thorough as in-person visits.

No-drama online healthcare

We're impressed by how Sesame has reimagined online healthcare delivery by cutting out the usual hassles. You'll find transparent pricing that's about half what you'd typically pay (even for non-members), zero surprise fees, and the ability to book appointments within 1-2 hours. Many telehealth platforms struggle with technical issues, but Sesame has thought of this too with troubleshooting tactics in place to prevent missed appointments and a support team on stand-by. The platform's high customer rating from nearly 3,000 reviews and "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau show that these things have paid off. Sesame is our top-rated online doctor service.

HealthTap

• With subscription ($15/month): $59 for urgent care, $44 for primary care visits
• Without subscription: $129 for urgent care visits
• Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM ET for urgent care services
• Available in all 50 states and D.C.
• Accepts most insurance plans, HSA & FSA funds
• Browse and select your preferred U.S.-licensed, board-certified doctors across 147 specialties
• Free Q&A service
• Free text messaging with doctors after first appointment
• "A+” BBB rating

You'll get access to quality healthcare right at your fingertips through HealthTap's network of 90,000 board-certified doctors across 147 specialties. The service focuses on providing ongoing care and is available everywhere in the U.S. Whether you have insurance or not, you can get affordable virtual visits by video, text, or audio through their web platform or app.

Provides care for chronic conditions

Through HealthTap, you'll be able to get help with everything from basic primary care to specialized needs like women's health (including UTIs and birth control), men's health (including STI symptoms and erectile issues), and children's health (covering cold symptoms and allergies). Unlike some of their competitors, HealthTap also handles chronic condition management for issues like diabetes and high blood pressure, plus wellness services like weight counseling and stress reduction. Their list of covered mental health conditions is a bit shorter: they can only help you with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Urgent care available until 11PM

HealthTap's urgent care service is open from 7 AM to 11 PM ET for common health issues like COVID symptoms, rashes, UTIs, and sinus infections. If you're experiencing serious symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, you should head straight to the ER or call 911.

Get free medical advice from real doctors

We love that anyone can get expert medical answers without paying a dime through HealthTap's Q&A service. Just create a free account and you'll be able to search through existing answers or ask your own health questions anonymously. After your first (paid) video appointment, you can also text your doctor for free about follow-up questions or prescription refills (which is great for those late-night health concerns). Your doctors can write prescriptions when medically necessary and order lab tests, with prescriptions sent directly to your preferred pharmacy.

Lower per-visit costs with subscription plan

For $15 per month, you can get video chats with doctors for $59 per visit (or your insurance copay) and primary care appointments for $44. You'll be able to choose your own doctor, get regular checkups, and even include care for your kids at no extra cost.

More expensive without a subscription

You can still use HealthTap without a monthly fee, but urgent care visits will cost $129 or your insurance copay. Either way, they accept most insurance plans, and you can pay with credit card, debit card, or PayPal if you're not using insurance. They also take HSA and FSA funds.

Know the time limits before you book

You should be aware that your HealthTap video consultation will automatically end after 15 minutes - no exceptions. This means your call will disconnect mid-sentence if you hit that limit (which can be pretty jarring if you're not expecting it). While this is standard practice for many telehealth services, you'll want to come prepared with your key questions ready to go. For complex health issues, consider booking a follow-up appointment instead of trying to cram everything into one session.

Great ratings in the app store

HealthTap's app has earned great ratings from users in the Google Play store, with a 4.8-star average rating from over 17,000 reviews. They also have a perfect "A+” from the BBB. People particularly appreciate being able to get medical care from home without "white coat syndrome" (when you only have a high blood pressure reading while sitting in a doctor's office) and access to doctors at convenient times.

Most people like the app, but it's not without bugs

While most people have found the HealthTap app easy to use, you could encounter a glitch or two. Some reviewers have reported problems with the messaging system and prescription ordering, and others have experienced timeout issues when trying to make appointments. If you're planning to use the annual subscription with text messaging, you might want to test this feature early on - some users report that their texts to their doctors disappear.

Finding your perfect doctor is super easy

We love that you can browse through HealthTap's award-winning doctors licensed in your state without even creating an account. When you look at a doctor's profile, you'll see everything you need to make your choice - from their customer ratings and available appointments to their full background (including specialties, education, and even published works) and an introduction video. Plus, you can read past patient testimonials and check out the health questions they've answered in the Q&A section.

Your data is in good hands with serious security measures

You can feel confident about your privacy at HealthTap, as they take security seriously with multiple layers of protection. Every employee goes through thorough background checks and privacy training. The company uses strict role-based access control, meaning only employees who absolutely need to see your data can access it. They also have comprehensive monitoring systems to prevent fraud and abuse, and they require multiple authentication factors for accessing the network (because one password just isn't enough these days).

A trustworthy online doctor service

We think HealthTap offers an impressive combination of accessibility and quality care that makes it worth trying out. You'll get access to highly-qualified doctors (who you can actually research before booking - which we love), reasonable pricing with or without insurance, and convenient features like text follow-ups. We especially appreciate the free Q&A feature for quick medical questions and the transparent pricing structure. Their "A+” BBB rating and stellar reviews make us feel confident about our recommendation to give it a shot. If you're looking for convenient healthcare access without sacrificing quality, HealthTap could be your answer.

Web Doctors

• Cost: $59.95 (Routine), $79.95 (VIP Priority), $89.95 (Video)
• Wait time: Routine: ~1 hour, VIP Priority: ~30 minutes, Video: ~2 hours
• Hours: 24/7/365
• Available for patients ages 2+
• Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna and other major providers accepted
• Board-certified physicians in all 50 states
• Money-back guarantee within 7 days if not satisfied
• 4.8-star average customer rating

You and your child 2 years of age or older can access board-certified physicians in your area through WebDoctors' telemedicine platform, available 24/7. When you need medical attention, you can choose between routine visits, VIP priority service for faster care, or video consultations. (Perfect for those times when you'd rather skip the waiting room, or your pharmacy is about to close!)

Sign up through your web browser

Getting medical care through WebDoctors is straightforward. You can access their online platform through your web browser - they don't appear to have an app. To start, you'll describe your medical concern and share relevant health information like your history and medications. Then you'll be connected with a board-certified doctor either online or by phone. If you need medication, they'll send the prescription straight to your preferred pharmacy.

Treatment for respiratory issues, infections, mental health conditions, and more

You can use WebDoctors for a wide range of medical issues. Common conditions treated include:

• Respiratory issues: COVID-19, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis
• Infections: UTIs, ear infections, pink eye
• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder
• Skin conditions: Acne, poison ivy/oak, contact dermatitis
• Sexual health: STDs, erectile dysfunction, yeast infections
• Other: Medication refills (non-narcotic), tooth pain, seasonal allergies

Doctor's notes made easy

If you need proof that you visited a WebDoctors physician, you can get written documentation of your visit that you can submit to your employer along with your pharmacy receipt. Just keep in mind that they won't provide paperwork for long-term disability or extended work absences.

Costs are transparent

You'll be glad to know there's no complicated membership system or hidden fees with WebDoctors - you simply pay per visit. The service accepts major insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Aetna.

Wait times from 30 minutes to 2 hours

We appreciate that WebDoctors gives three options for connecting with a doctor over the phone or video, each designed for different needs and urgency levels - because sometimes you can't trust an estimated wait-time at a first-come, first-serve online doctor. A routine phone consultation here costs $59.95 with about an hour wait time. If you're in a hurry, you can opt for the VIP Priority service at $79.95, which gets you connected in around 30 minutes. For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, video consultations are available for $89.95, typically with a two-hour wait time.

They'll refund you if you aren't satisfied

WebDoctors is the only online doctor service we've reviewed with this guarantee: if you're not 100% happy with your consultation, they'll give you your money back within a week of your visit. (Just remember that while they'll refund their service fee, they can't refund any pharmacy charges since they're not directly connected to pharmacies.)

Customer reviews show impressive satisfaction

We were pleased to learn that WebDoctors has earned an outstanding 4.8-star average rating from nearly 10,000 patient reviews. Patients consistently praise how quickly they can connect with doctors (usually in just minutes) and get their prescriptions sent to the pharmacy. One user shared how they got help for bronchitis when their regular doctor had a two-week wait, while another got urgent dental care in under 30 minutes. The doctors are known for being thorough with their consultations - they take time to review patient histories, ask detailed questions about symptoms, and make sure patients understand their treatment plans. They even managed to help someone get their prescription filled on Christmas Eve.

A perfect fit for urgent care needs

When you need to see a doctor quickly but don't want to deal with waiting rooms, WebDoctors might be exactly what you're looking for. Whether you've got seasonal allergies that need attention or a sinus infection on a major holiday, this service can connect you with care right away at a fair price. While you'll need to look elsewhere for routine checkups and screenings, WebDoctors is an excellent choice when you've got a minor medical issue that needs prompt attention.

Teladoc

• Cost: $89 per visit without insurance, as low as $0 with insurance
• Wait time: Can get appointments within an hour, though times vary by state and provider availability
• Hours: 24/7 access
• Available to all ages (with adult dependents needing their own account) in United States and Canada
• Works with many insurance plans including Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans
• U.S. board-certified internists, family doctors, nurse practitioners, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians
• Condition management programs for diabetes and other chronic conditions

Teladoc Health is a virtual healthcare company that's been around for over 20 years, connecting you with doctors and specialists through your computer or phone. You can get care for everything from basic medical needs to mental health support, with over a million virtual visits completed and a 90% patient retention rate.

General medical services for everyday health needs

Teladoc offers 24/7 care for common health issues like sinus problems, respiratory infections, allergies, flu symptoms, and rashes. Their providers are available around the clock through phone, video, or mobile app, and they'll give you a diagnosis and treatment plan that might include prescriptions (sent to your preferred pharmacy).

Prescription management with some limitations

When it makes medical sense, you can get 30-day prescription renewals up to twice per year through Teladoc. However, there are some medications they won't prescribe, including controlled substances, experimental drugs, and medications for things like hair loss, erectile dysfunction, or weight loss (so don't count on them for your next Ozempic refill).

Comprehensive specialist care at your fingertips

Beyond basic medical care, you can access a wide range of specialists including primary care doctors, mental health professionals, dermatologists, and sexual health providers. They also offer expert medical opinions when you need a second look at a diagnosis or help deciding about surgery.

Unique condition management programs

For ongoing health concerns, Teladoc's condition management programs offer personalized support for diabetes, hypertension, weight management, and prediabetes. You'll get one-on-one coaching, personalized action plans, and even connected medical devices to track your progress. (Even better, if you're eligible through your insurance or employer, these programs come at no cost to you).

Poor user experience with app functionality

While Teladoc's medical services may be solid, you'll likely have a hard time using their apps for iOS and Android. Users report frequent crashes, login problems, and features that simply won't load. You might find yourself having to close and reopen the app multiple times or even resort to calling instead of using the app (and nobody wants to deal with technical difficulties when they're already feeling under the weather). It might be wise to stick to the web platform.

$89 without insurance

The cost of your Teladoc visit depends on your insurance coverage. With insurance, you might pay nothing at all for general medical visits. Don't have insurance? No problem - you can still access Teladoc's services, including general medical, dermatology, and mental health care. If you're paying out of pocket, expect to shell out $89 (up from $75 at the time of our last review) for a general medical consultation. This is more expensive than some other online doctor services, but still cheaper than most urgent care visits. You can pay with any major credit card or PayPal, and if you have an HSA, FSA, or HRA, you can use those funds too.

Would be nice to see costs for specialty services upfront

You'll need to create an account just to see pricing for specialty services like dermatology, mental health, nutrition, and back/joint care. That's a bit frustrating and puts Teladoc behind competitors who openly display their full pricing structure.

Patients have good experiences with Teladoc's board-certified practitioners

Teladoc's healthcare providers are U.S. board-certified, including their internists, family doctors, nurse practitioners, and various specialists like dermatologists and psychiatrists. You might not be able to pick your provider depending on your benefits, but patient reviews suggest Teladoc doctors consistently deliver great care with excellent bedside manner. One thing to be aware of: you won't be able to browse provider profiles until after creating an account, which is an extra step if you just want to know how many licensed online doctors there are in your state.

Thousands of patients share positive experiences with quick, thorough care

According to people who have used it, you can expect to get an appointment through Teladoc quickly - sometimes within an hour - with doctors who are efficient but thorough. While some people mention the service can feel a bit rushed, they consistently report that providers take time to listen carefully, ask good questions, and explain their diagnoses clearly. Patients appreciate being able to skip the urgent care waiting room, though keep in mind that wait times can vary depending on how many doctors are available in your state. Teladoc has a 4.7-star "Excellent” score averaged from over 30,000 reviews on one platform, and a decent "A-” grade from the Better Business Bureau.

Recommended - if it comes with your employer benefits

If your employer or insurance plan includes Teladoc, you should definitely use it - it's a solid choice for virtual doctor visits that can save you a trip to urgent care. But if you're paying out of pocket, you might want to take a look at Teladoc's rivals. Their $89 per visit fee is on the pricey side, and Teladoc doesn't allow you to choose your own doctor. Other telehealth services offer similar care for less money and give you more control over your experience.

DoctorsCare

• Cost: $99 for self-pay virtual urgent care visits, or copay with insurance
• Wait time: As little as a few minutes (based on customer reviews)
• Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
• Available to customers ages 3+ in South Carolina and North Carolina only
• Most major insurance plans accepted
• Virtual visits via phone, tablet, or computer

You can connect with qualified healthcare providers through DoctorsCare Anywhere using your phone, tablet, or computer for secure virtual visits - but you'll need to be physically located in South Carolina or North Carolina to use the service. (Sorry, rest of America!) If you're 18 or older in these states, you can sign up directly. Parents and guardians can also set up accounts for kids who are at least 3 years old. After your visit, any prescriptions go straight to your local pharmacy, and you can review your visit summary in their patient portal.

Can treat common conditions, including mental health-related

DoctorsCare offers virtual medical attention for everyday health issues like colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections, skin problems, earaches, sore throats, pink eye, and UTIs. They also offer behavioral health services for depression and anxiety if you're 18 or older. If you're looking for ADHD treatment, you'll need to look elsewhere - they'll only give you a specialist referral for that. For any condition that needs more intensive care, they'll refer you to a nearby facility or specialist. COVID-19 testing and symptom management are available if needed.

Only available during certain hours

You can easily access virtual healthcare through the DoctorsCare Anywhere website or app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The Google Play Store app has a 4.2-star average rating, and customers say it's easy to use and minimally buggy. Urgent care through this platform is only available from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends, however - you'll need to use a 24/7 service if you have an emergency after-hours.

Free with insurance or $99+

You can use most major insurance plans at DoctorsCare, and they'll handle filing your claim. If you're paying out of pocket, virtual urgent care visits cost $99 - which is higher than some rivals. If you have an FSA, HSA, or HRA account, these visits might be covered, but check with your plan advisor to make sure.

Limited range of services

Additionally, while DoctorsCare Anywhere offers a convenient and secure platform for virtual healthcare, it's important to note that its range of services is still limited. They focus primarily on treating common ailments and behavioral health issues, meaning that for more complex or specialized healthcare needs, patients will need to seek care from a different provider or facility. Although they offer referrals for specialists, the lack of coverage for conditions like ADHD treatment within their own service limits the options for comprehensive care. Despite these limitations, the ease of access and affordability with insurance makes it a practical option for those in need of virtual care within the covered regions. However, for those living outside South and North Carolina or requiring more intensive care, other nationwide virtual healthcare services may provide better flexibility and a wider range of treatments.

Too limited in scope to give above average score

DoctorsCare offers decent virtual healthcare services (with a respectable "B” grade from the BBB) and their app works well enough, but you'll have to look elsewhere if you live outside of North or South Carolina. They're also more expensive than other online doctor services and have limited hours, so even if you live in the states they serve, there's not much advantage to choosing DoctorsCare over a provider that serves the whole nation.

PlushCare

• Cost: $129 per visit without insurance, plus $19.99/month or $99/year membership fee
• With insurance: costs vary based on coverage
• Wait time: Same-day appointments available
• Available in all 50 states
• Insurance accepted
• Select your own doctor based on experience, training, and availability
• All doctors are board-certified and selected from the top 50 U.S. medical schools, average 15 years experience
• Membership can be shared with up to 5 adult family members
• Discounted lab work
• In-app messaging with Care Team

You can get medical care through PlushCare's phone and computer app, which was started by Dr. James Wantuck and Ryan McQuaid in 2015 to solve the problem of crowded waiting rooms. Today, they've grown to over 100 physicians who are all board-certified and selected from the top 50 U.S. medical schools. The platform lets you connect with doctors through video appointments, making healthcare more accessible than traditional office visits.

Doctor's notes and prescriptions for non-controlled substances

When you need a doctor's note or prescription, PlushCare's physicians can help you with various documents and medications. You can get basic work/school excuses, and in some cases, more complex paperwork like FMLA or disability forms. Their doctors can prescribe many common medications, from antidepressants to blood pressure medications, though they can't prescribe controlled substances. Keep in mind that doctors will use their professional judgment to determine the best treatment plan, which may not always include prescriptions.

Get care for chronic conditions and emergency health issues

PlushCare can help with a range of conditions, including mental health issues. The chronic conditions they can help you with are:

• Heart and blood conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol)
• Mental health (anxiety, depression)
• Hormonal conditions (hypothyroidism, birth control)
• Sexual health (erectile dysfunction, PrEP)
• Pain and neurological (migraines, seizures, back pain)
• Skin conditions (acne, hair loss)

Urgent care/non-emergency conditions they can treat are:

• Respiratory issues (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections)
• Infections (strep throat, UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, male urethritis)
• Pain and inflammation (gout, ear pain)
• Skin conditions (rashes, cellulitis)
• Eye and mouth issues (pink eye, dental infections)
• Common illnesses (flu, cold, allergies)
• Other conditions (PEP, vertigo, tonsillitis)

$20 per month to be a member

You can choose between two PlushCare membership plans that offer the same core benefits: a $99 annual plan or a $19.99 monthly plan. With either option, you'll get access to same-day appointments, a prescription discount card, discounted lab work, and in-app messaging with your Care Team. Your membership starts with a 30-day free trial when you book your first appointment, and you can share your benefits with up to 5 adult family members at no extra cost.

High out-of-pocket costs

If you're using insurance, your visit cost will vary based on your specific plan and coverage. For those paying without insurance, appointments cost $129 per visit - which is almost 3 times what some of PlushCare's competitors charge. Additionally, each family member on your shared plan will need to cover their own copays and visit fees, even though the membership itself is shared.

Hard to confirm provider availability

PlushCare claims to offer same-day appointments with board-certified physicians who have impressive credentials. They say they have doctors licensed in all 50 states, have an average of 15 years of experience, and trained at the top 50 U.S. medical schools. However, we would trust PlushCare more if we could see the provider database without needing to make an account. Who knows - maybe you live in an underserved state and PlushCare doesn't offer as many providers as one of their competitor online doctor services.

Mixed reviews show concerning patterns

PlushCare has earned a just-okay 3.1-star average rating from over 2,000 customer reviews. When we read them, we found reports of major issues with doctors not showing up for appointments and technical glitches that leave patients hanging. (And nothing's more frustrating than waiting for a no-show doctor when you're sick.) Perhaps most concerning, multiple customers report getting hit with surprise bills way higher than their quoted prices - we're talking $200+ charges for brief consultations that were supposed to cost $25.

Some bright spots, but that doesn't negate the issues

To be fair, some patients rave about PlushCare's convenient scheduling and responsive care team. The app has gotten praise for making it easy to find medical records and visit summaries. PlushCare is responsive to complaints about billing issues, explaining that insurance estimates can be complex due to factors like deductibles and copays. (But shouldn't they figure that out before quoting prices to patients?)

Pricing isn't justified by services provided

It's hard to justify PlushCare's $20 monthly membership fee when other online doctor services offer similar or better services without requiring a subscription. The high per-visit costs ($129 without insurance) are significantly more expensive than competitors, and that's before any of the billing issues you might encounter. Even though PlushCare claims to offer same-day appointments, you can find this benefit with many other telehealth providers who don't charge membership fees. Given these factors, we recommend exploring other telehealth options before committing to PlushCare. Unless you have a specific reason for needing their services, you'll likely find better value and more reliable service with one of their competitors.

Doctor On Demand

• Cost: $99 for 15-min urgent care, $134-184 for therapy, $299 for initial psychiatric visit
• Wait time: Minutes for urgent care, 1-2 days for mental health appointments
• Hours: 24/7/365
• Many visits free with insurance
• Board-certified physicians and licensed psychologists
• Can prescribe Ozempic (if covered by employer/health plan)

Doctor On Demand is a virtual healthcare service that promises 24/7 access to doctors and mental health professionals through your phone or computer (though as you'll see, there are some serious issues with their service). Founded in 2013, they're now part of a larger company called Included Health, offering everything from urgent care to therapy sessions - all claimed to be just a few clicks away.

24/7 availability with instant access

You can connect with a doctor anytime, day or night, as Doctor On Demand offers round-the-clock service. For urgent care and everyday health issues, you don't even need an appointment - you can hop in line to see the next available clinician immediately. Their doctors can provide work and school notes and prescription refills. Some conditions they treat are:

• Upper respiratory infections (cold, flu, COVID, sinus)
• Allergies
• Yeast infections
• UTIs
• Rashes
• Sports injuries
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Back pain

Quick wait times that vary by service type

While urgent care visits can start within minutes, mental health appointments work differently. If you need to see a therapist or psychiatrist, you'll need to schedule ahead, but appointments are typically available within 1-2 days depending on your location. The mental health conditions they can treat are:

• Stress and anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Depression
• Mood changes
• Alcohol and tobacco addictions
• Eating disorders
• Psychiatric evaluations
• Initial diagnoses

Can help with ear infections if you have an otoscope

Doctor On Demand can help you with a lot, but you'll need to see an in-person doctor or go to the hospital if you're experiencing any serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries, chest pain, broken bones, severe burns, or if you're vomiting blood. They also can't prescribe controlled substances like codeine. There are some exceptions though - if you have a past brain injury that's stable, they can help with non-emergency issues, and if you have a digital otoscope, they can check out ear infections remotely.

Simple tech requirements and multiple access points

You can use either the mobile app (available on iOS and Android) or their website on your computer to access the service. Fair warning, though: recent app updates have made the interface frustrating to use, with some features like calendar integration being removed.

Easy signup process with no upfront commitment

Getting started at Doctor On Demand is straightforward - create a free account on their website or app. You won't need to enter credit card information or commit to a membership. During signup, you can enter your insurance information to check coverage, but insurance isn't required to use this service.

Free with insurance, $99+ otherwise

You won't need to pay any membership fees to use Doctor On Demand: you'll just pay per visit when you talk to a doctor. If you have insurance, your visits might even be free, but make sure to enter your insurance info when signing up. Without insurance, costs are high: expect to pay $99 for a quick 15-minute urgent care visit, $134-184 for therapy sessions, or $299 for your first psychiatry visit. Also keep in mind that if your visit runs longer than planned, you'll need to pay for extra time.

Not for medication management or life-or-death situations

If you need regular prescriptions or have ongoing health conditions, relying solely on Doctor On Demand could do you serious harm. Some patients have reported doctors refusing to prescribe necessary medications that were already in their charts, even when they could die without them.

Problems with documentation and follow-up care

Getting important paperwork like return-to-work notes from Doctor On Demand can be frustratingly difficult, too. In one case, a patient lost his job because the doctor failed to provide a promised work note, even after a week of repeated requests.

Technical difficulties can waste your time

If those things aren't enough to put you off this service, the platform also suffers from technical glitches that leave you hanging. Patients have reported waiting 30+ minutes for doctors who never show up to virtual appointments, only to be told it was a "tech issue" and that they need to start the whole process over again. We think this is especially negligent considering how heavily Doctor On Demand promotes their urgent care services - when you're seeking urgent care, time is of the essence, and you don't have time for tech problems.

A disappointing service that wastes your money

Several users report that Doctor On Demand will just refer you to urgent care or the ER anyway (and charge you $100 for the privilege). The service has earned an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau after failing to respond to complaints, and with only 3% positive reviews on third-party platforms, it's clear that customer satisfaction is extremely low.

Skip this service and look elsewhere

You'll want to steer clear of Doctor On Demand - it's just not worth your time or money. While the service promises convenient virtual healthcare, many users end up paying $99+ just to be told to visit urgent care anyway. The platform has serious issues with technical glitches that leave you hanging during appointments, doctors who won't prescribe necessary medications, and poor follow-up care that could even cost you your job. With an "F" rating from the BBB and only 3% positive reviews, there are definitely better telehealth options out there (and your wallet will thank you for finding them).

Lemonaid Health

• Cost: $25 consultation fee plus medication costs
• Wait time: Within 24 business hours
• Hours: 5am-4pm PST, seven days a week
• Available to customers 18+ in all 50 states and DC
• Unique features: Video/phone consultations may not be required depending on state and service; free prescription delivery from their pharmacy

Lemonaid Health is a telemedicine service that started in San Francisco in 2013 to help users get healthcare from home. You can get medical care without visiting a doctor's office, and they'll even deliver prescriptions right to your door through their pharmacy service. The service is available to anyone 18 or older in all 50 states and DC. Just make sure your ID matches the name and birth date you provide, or they won't be able to help you.

Fast response times with flexible consultation options

You can expect quick service from Lemonaid, with business hours from 5am-4pm PST, seven days a week. Unlike some telemedicine services, though, you might not even need a video call - it depends on your state's requirements and the service you need. Some states require a video chat or phone call, while others don't need either one. Whatever your situation, they aim to review your request within 24 business hours.

Can help with a wide range of health conditions

Here are the conditions and services treated by Lemonaid:

• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and seasonal affective disorder
• General Health: Asthma, acid reflux, high blood pressure, migraines, hypothyroidism, cholesterol management, cold sores, sinus infections
• Women's Health: Birth control, emergency contraception, UTIs, hot flashes
• Men's Health: Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss
• Other Services: Weight loss (including GLP-1 medications), skin conditions (acne, dark spots), various lab tests (STD, A1C, cholesterol, blood type)

$25 consultation fee, prescriptions paid out of pocket

Lemonade used to charge a $99/month subscription fee to use their service, but it appears they're doing things differently these days. Now when you use Lemonaid, you'll pay a $25 consultation fee that covers your evaluation and prescription writing (but not the actual medicine). If you need medicine, you can either get it shipped directly from their pharmacy (with free delivery) or sent to your local pharmacy where you'll pay their retail prices. This new payment model has the potential to be much cheaper, but it'll depend on what your medication costs. Insurance won't cover your consultation fee, and their mail-order pharmacy is cash-pay only. However, if you have insurance and want to use it, you can ask them to send your prescription to a local pharmacy instead. Good news if you have an FSA or HSA though: both your membership fees and medications might be eligible for reimbursement, and you can often use those cards at checkout.

App login headaches

You might run into some frustrating issues with Lemonaid's mobile app login system. Users report having to reset their passwords multiple times without success, and some can't even get the app to accept their email addresses (though interestingly, the same credentials work fine on their website). These kinds of issues seem fairly typical when it comes to online doctor services, but it's disappointing nonetheless.

Limited provider info available

While Lemonaid has a "Meet Your Medical Team” page showing their providers' names and certifications, you won't find detailed bios or background information about them. After signing up, it seems you'll be matched with whoever is available to help you at that time. That makes it harder to judge whether this service can provide coverage in your area.

In decline since 23andMe acquisition

Lemonaid Health currently holds a dismal average rating of just 1.9 stars on a major review platform. While they used to rate highly with us, we find their recent customer reviews quite troubling, especially since their acquisition by 23andMe. We found confusing reports of billing issues, with customers mentioning getting locked into expensive yearly contracts - despite Lemonaid advertising a pay-as-you-go approach on their website - and facing difficulties when trying to cancel within the 30-day window. Also, some say that the company's medication prices are much higher than local pharmacies, and if you request to use your own pharmacy, they might discontinue support. (That would explain how they can afford to charge a $25 consultation fee instead of $99/month.)

Long-term care comes with unexpected limitations

Your experience with ongoing care here might include some unexpected roadblocks, too. For instance, one customer was denied anxiety and depression medication because she was under 25, despite being able to prove she'd been on those medications for several years. Even more concerning, some long-term Lemonaid Health patients report being suddenly cut off after 24 months of service with minimal explanation. Some have speculated that this is part of Lemonaid's internal policy and is meant to mitigate liability.

Billing practices are too shady to recommend Lemonaid

Lemonaid might look affordable on the surface, but when you dig deeper, they appear to be price-gouging medications to line their pockets. They also wouldn't be the best solution in an urgent care situation, as they're only open until 4pm PST. Given the numerous complaints about billing practices, declining service quality, and difficulties with cancellation, you should probably look elsewhere for online doctor services.

LiveHealth Online

• Cost: $55 without insurance, copay/coinsurance with covered insurance
• Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Adults need their own accounts, children under 18 can be added to parent accounts
• Insurance accepted, particularly Anthem plans where doctors are in-network
• Board-certified doctors, including psychiatrists and allergy specialists
• Video chat consultations, sick notes available

LiveHealth Online is a 24/7 telehealth service that lets you connect with board-certified doctors through video chat on your phone or computer. You can get care for common health issues like colds, flu, rashes, and allergies without leaving home. Each session lasts about 10 minutes, and while it's not meant to replace your primary care doctor, it could be a convenient option when your regular physician isn't available. The service is family-friendly - you can even set up visits for children under 18 through your account, though adults need their own accounts to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Short-term prescription refills available

You can use LiveHealth Online for urgent care needs and common health conditions, with access to board-certified doctors including psychiatrists and allergy specialists. The platform can handle short-term prescription refills and provide sick notes for work or school. However, you can't get treatment for chronic conditions (which may need in-person care) or prescriptions for controlled substances.

$55 without insurance

You'll pay $55 for an urgent care visit at LiveHealth Online if you don't have insurance or haven't met your deductible, which is on par with what competitive online doctor services charge. If your insurance covers virtual visits, you might only need to pay a copay or coinsurance - and you'll always know the cost upfront. The price stays the same no matter when you use the service, and if you have Anthem insurance, these visits are typically covered since LiveHealth Online doctors are in their network.

The app is a hot mess right now

Don't be fooled by a high average rating for LiveHealth Online's app - according to dozens of recent customer reviews, it's pretty consistently glitchy. When you try to use it, you'll have to log in multiple times, deal with appointments that won't work in the app itself, and navigate a clunky system where virtual visits now require opening links in your browser instead of happening directly in the app. While some people manage to get through visits successfully, many users report that doctors end up canceling appointments because of technical difficulties.

The visits are rushed and unreliable

You'll likely find yourself frustrated with LiveHealth Online's service quality. Many patients report extremely brief consultations lasting just a few minutes, where doctors quickly dismiss concerns or redirect you to in-person care without much explanation. The wait times can be ridiculous too - you might spend over an hour trying to connect with a doctor, only to have your appointment suddenly cancelled or rescheduled. (And nothing says "we value your health" quite like getting ghosted by your virtual doctor.)

Billing and technical problems make everything worse

The billing situation at LiveHealth Online is particularly concerning, with multiple reports of overcharging - we're talking about $30 prescriptions mysteriously ballooning to $470. The technical experience isn't any better, with patients getting hit with no-show fees when doctors don't even appear for scheduled appointments. Customer service seems to vanish into thin air when you try to resolve these issues. (At this point, you might have better luck getting medical advice from a Magic 8-Ball.) It's therefore no surprise that LiveHealth Online has an "F” grade from the Better Business Bureau and a depressing 1.1-star average rating from one independent review platform.

An online doctor service on life support

LiveHealth Online appears to have been struggling to deliver on its promises for a while now - they also received a lower score the last time we reviewed them. While the concept sounds great - 24/7 access to board-certified doctors through video chat for $55 per visit - the execution falls seriously short. It's clear that LiveHealth Online needs some serious rehabilitation before it can be considered a reliable healthcare option.

MDLIVE

• Cost: $0-89 for urgent care, $0-95 for primary care/dermatology, $0-179 for initial therapy ($140 follow-ups), $0-299 for initial psychiatry ($159 follow-ups)
• Hours: 24/7 availability for urgent care
• Available to adults 18+ for primary care, no children under 3 months with fever, no children under 3 for eye/ear issues, no children under 10 for mental health
• Accepts most insurance plans
• HSA/FSA eligible
• Choose specific provider or take first available. Can maintain same doctor for primary care and mental health
• Board-certified doctors with minimum 4 years post-residency experience, active DEA license, average 15 years experience
• Video or phone appointments available

You can connect with board-certified doctors through MDLive's 24/7 telehealth platform for everything from urgent care to mental health appointments. Their network includes physicians with an average of 15 years of experience who can handle hundreds of medical conditions through phone or video visits. While they tout "no surprise costs" and high patient satisfaction rates (nine out of ten patients would recommend them, they claim), you'll want to read our full review before deciding if this service is right for you, as we've uncovered some significant issues with their platform and billing practices.

Care for hundreds of medical and mental health conditions

You can access four main types of healthcare through MDLive's platform. Their board-certified doctors provide 24/7 urgent care for over 100 non-emergency conditions, with options for both scheduled visits and on-demand care. For ongoing health needs, you can schedule primary care visits for things like annual checkups and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Mental health services include both talk therapy and psychiatry appointments with licensed professionals, while their dermatology service offers treatment for skin, hair, and nail conditions with responses typically within 24 hours.

Can't help with emergency issues or certain mental health conditions

While MDLive can help with many health issues, like all online doctor services, there are still certain conditions they don't treat. For adults, they won't handle emergency situations like broken bones or heart attacks, STDs (except some prescription refills), UTIs in men of any age or in young women under 18, type 1 diabetes care, severe type 2 diabetes, serious high blood pressure, or complex psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. For children, they can't treat babies under 3 months with fever, or eye and ear problems in kids under 3. As for mental health, they don't handle crisis situations, ADHD stimulant prescriptions, active psychosis, substance detox, severe autism, or children under 10. If you have any of these conditions, you'll need to see your regular doctor or visit an urgent care or emergency room.

MDLive's cash prices are higher than some competitors

MDLive charges varying costs for different services, with urgent care visits ranging from $0-89, mental health sessions from $0 to $179 for initial therapy (follow-ups at $140), and psychiatry from $0 to $299 (follow-ups at $159). Primary care and dermatology visits range from $0 to $95. While insurance can bring these costs down to $0 in some cases, the cash prices are still quite a bit higher than some of their competitors' flat-rate offerings of around $55 per visit.

Accepts most insurance

MDLive works with most insurance plans, and you can quickly check your coverage by creating a free account. If you're using HSA or FSA funds, you can apply those toward any costs not covered by insurance. Your out-of-pocket costs with MDLive will depend on your insurance coverage, but you'll be able to see the exact pricing before booking, so there shouldn't be any surprise bills.

Choose your doctor based on credentials or availability

When you need medical care, you can either see the first available doctor or schedule with a specific provider after reviewing their profile information. All physicians must be board-certified in their specialty (like Internal Medicine or Psychiatry) and have at least 4 years of post-residency experience, plus an active DEA license. For primary care and mental health, you can stick with the same doctor for continuity. Unfortunately, you'll need to create an account first to see which doctors are available in your state. We wish they'd let you browse their provider list without signing up, like some other telehealth services do.

MDLive's app and customer service are a technical nightmare

Unfortunately, MDLive's technology and support systems have some issues. Their mobile apps are notoriously glitchy, requiring multiple login attempts just to schedule a visit. Many users report serious billing issues, with some getting double-charged due to duplicate profiles and finding it nearly impossible to get help despite dozens of calls. And good luck getting a prescription refill - you'll need to pay for a whole new consultation if your provider hasn't enabled messaging. The platform is plagued by appointment scheduling errors that leave patients stuck in loops of failed bookings and missed appointment notifications.

Customer reviews paint a grim picture of MDLive

Most customers who chose MDLive for their health needs wish they hadn't. With a concerning 2.0 average rating from 12,000 reviews, users consistently report nightmare experiences with billing errors, insurance verification problems, and appointment scheduling chaos. While you might occasionally luck out with a quick 30-minute connection to a provider, you're more likely to encounter frustrating issues like incorrect prescription submissions, unexplained charges, and multiple failed appointment attempts. And when things go wrong, good luck getting your money back - they'll make you wait up to 45 days for refunds while happily charging your card instantly. Even if you manage to get an appointment, some users report encounters with rushed or disinterested doctors, and the customer service team seems more skilled at creating confusion than solving problems. We would not recommend using MDLive at this time.