Telehealth Affordable Options

LEARN ABOUT HEALTH OPTIONS FROM MOBILEMEDICINE.COM

Introduction

Find the Medical Service that allows you to reduce the burden of cost!!
COST:
Pricing is complicated but presented here to help you understand the different options.
Service Delivery Options Presented
Pros and Cons of each program.

$14.99 per month

Plushcare

Very affordable plan for primary care
COST:
14.99 or 99.00 for year
First visit is either $129 or the patient's insurance copay
Service Delivery options:
Video-based service deliveryEasy-to-use platformCommunication issues have been reportedCertain medications cannot be prescribed
RE: smoking, dermatology, and mental health
Services:
Primary care needs, including dermatology, and mental health
Prescriptions and refills, excluding stimulants and controlled substances
Same doctor available for follow-up appointments
Summary Of Service:
PlushCare is a telehealth platform that offers affordable medical care for primary care concerns, such as quitting smoking, dermatology, and mental health. The platform provides video appointments that can be booked ahead of time or for same-day appointments via the website or mobile app.
Choose plan ($14.99)

$As low as $19

SesameCare

Cost: Affordable Overall but differ by location
Services:

Sesame Care is an affordable and convenient option for patients seeking a range of telehealth services. With its user-friendly platform, patients can access medical care from the comfort of their own home. Though wait times may be long and documentation is not provided, Sesame Care's providers are available for same-day appointments and the platform offers a wide range of treatments for medical issues.

Sesame Care offers comprehensive treatments for medical issues such as mental health, dental (symptom assessment), skin care, sexual health, and other specialties.The platform also offers prescriptions and refills, but does not provide controlled substances.
Service Delivery options:
Sesame Care's service delivery is video-based and easy to use.Wait times can be long, and documentation is not provided.
Typically less than Copay cost.
Summary


Pros:
same-day appointments and affordable prices
Cons:
Long wait times in some instances documentation not provided

Choose plan ($by location)

$15.00 per month

Healthtap

COST: Memberships cost $15 monthly
Service Delivery options:HealthTap's service delivery is video-based.Patients can also use messaging and phone consultations.
Summary:
Best for: consistencyPrice: $15/monthSpecialty: urgent care, general medical care, primary care relationship building through video conference, talk, and text messagePrescriptions?: offers prescriptions and refills; does not prescribe opioids and other controlled substances, along with psychiatric drugsPros: more affordable for people without insurance, option to have a free account, can use the same doctor for consistencyCons: response times can be slow, depending on the issue, some consultations may be general or not specialized.
Services:
Patients can choose from a range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals.The platform offers virtual appointments, messaging, and phone consultations.HealthTap claims to have 90,000 U.S.-licensed physicians to answer your health questions.Doctors are available for video chats or to answer text messages.They can also order lab tests and write or refill prescriptions.HealthTap does not prescribe opioids and other controlled substances, along with psychiatric drugs.
Summary:
Best for: consistencyPrice: $15/monthSpecialty: urgent care, general medical care, primary care relationship building through video conference, talk, and text messagePrescriptions?: offers prescriptions and refills; does not prescribe opioids and other controlled substances, along with psychiatric drugsPros: more affordable for people without insurance, option to have a free account, can use the same doctor for consistencyCons: response times can be slow, depending on the issue, some consultations may be general or not specialized.
Choose plan ($15.00)

$79.00 w/o ins.

Amwell

Services:
In addition to urgent care and general medical questions, Amwell offers a variety of other video medical services, such as:
Therapy
Psychiatry
Breastfeeding support
Nutrition counseling
Pediatrics
Women's health
Second opinions
Delivery options:
Amwell's service delivery is video-based, and patients can use the website or the mobile application to access care. Patients can choose their own physician, and enrollment is easy.
Pros:
Easy enrollmentPatients can choose their own physician
Cons:
Only certain insurers cover servicesPatients may experience technical issues while using the service
Cost of Service:
Amwell's pricing varies based on the type of appointment, and urgent care visits start at $79 before insurance.
Patients can use the platform to access general medical care and can also receive therapy, psychiatry, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, pediatrics, women's health, and second opinions.


Choose plan ($79)

$75.00 w/o ins.

MeMD

Services:
Patients can discuss one or multiple symptoms or conditions with a healthcare professional during a single consultation without paying an additional fee.Lab tests cannot be ordered through MeMD, but healthcare professionals can answer questions about existing lab reports.MeMD healthcare professionals offer prescriptions and refills as needed, but do not provide anticonvulsants, narcotic pain relievers, or other drugs listed as controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Delivery options:
MeMD's service delivery is video-based.Creating an account on MeMD is simple, and patients can speak directly with a nurse practitioner or physician via webcam.
Pros:
MeMD is known for good customer service, and its tool is easy and fast to use.
Cons:
Appointments may be rescheduled if healthcare professionals are not available, and some patients may need to be referred to other clinics or doctors.
Cost of Service:
Urgent care services and men's and women's health visits cost $67.Therapy sessions can cost up to $85, while an initial 45-minute psychiatry visit costs $229. Follow-up visits to manage medications and evaluate progress are $99.Pricing may vary based on patients' insurance plan and medical needs.


Choose plan ($67)

$59.00 w/o ins.

LiveHealth Online

Services:
Teladoc physicians can analyze lab results and send prescriptions to patients' pharmacies.
Primary care physicians can order lab work, imaging studies, vaccinations, and referrals.
Prescriptions require consultation with doctor to determine best treatment.
Teladoc does not provide controlled substances, stimulants, or ED pills like Viagra and Cialis.
Delivery options:
Service delivery is exclusively video-based.Patients can select their preferred doctor from a list of available healthcare providers in their state.
Pros:
Patients can choose their own doctor.Prescriptions can be sent electronically to the pharmacy of the patient's choice.Customized treatment plans are available.
Cons:
Some patients may experience long wait times.Appointments may be canceled or rescheduled.
Cost of Service:
LiveHealth Online visits start from $59 without insurance.The cost of service may vary depending on the specific medical condition and the patient's insurance plan.


Choose plan ($59)

$59.00 w/o ins.

Virtuwell

Services:
Virtuwell is a telehealth platform that provides fast, responsive medical care to patients across the United States. Patients can access care for a variety of medical conditions, including colds, flu, and allergies. The platform offers virtual appointments with licensed healthcare providers within minutes, and prescriptions can be sent directly to the patient's preferred pharmacy.
Delivery options:
Service delivery through online formGeneral Info:Best for response timeStaffed by board certified nurse practitioners who cannot offer as many services as doctors

Pros:
Advice available for a variety of conditionsSimple platform
Cons:
Need to answer a questionnaire first before being connected with a nurse practitionerStaffed by board certified nurse practitioners who cannot offer as many services as doctors
Cost of Service:
Service costs $59 without insuranceVirtuwell guarantees satisfaction or provides a refund


Choose plan ($59)

$75.00 w/o ins.

Doctor on Demand

Services:
Doctor on Demand offers virtual appointments for a variety of medical conditions, including mental health, general medical care, and pediatrics.
Delivery options:
Doctor on Demand's service delivery is video-based.
Pros:
Patients can choose a therapist or psychiatrist based on their specialty and qualifications.The full team, including primary care, therapist, and psychiatrist, is available to help patients.Patients can select a “favorite” doctor.
Cons:
Without insurance, a short teletherapy visit may cost more than a longer, in-person therapy appointment.It might take a few days to get an appointment.
Cost of Service:
Doctor on Demand charges $75 for mental health services, and the price scales up to $299 for an initial 45-minute psychiatric consultation.Video visits under this service are covered by Medicare Part B.



Choose plan ($75)

$82.00 per visit (base version)

MDLive

Services:
Board-certified physicians and other healthcare professionals are available by phone or online video 24/7.
Mental health professionals are also available.MDLive offers non-emergency medical consultations, including for allergies, urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, rashes, fever, and more.
Best for comprehensiveness.
Prescriptions: offers prescriptions except for DEA-controlled medications, lifestyle medications (such as ED, weight loss, etc.), detox medication, medications that require regular lab work, and more.
Pros:Accepts psychiatry or therapy appointments for children 10 and up.Appointments can be made 24/7 for 365 days per year.
Cons:Therapist availability may be limited.Certain medications cannot be prescribed.
Cost of Service:
Urgent care visits are $82 or possibly less, depending on your insurance.Dermatology appointments cost $95.Counseling costs $108.An initial psychiatric visit is $284, with follow-ups at $108.Insurance is accepted for all visits, including behavioral health, so the costs will depend on your insurance plan.


Choose plan ($82)
Mobilemedicine.com FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Telehealth

What are some issues with telehealth?

  • Concerns about patient privacy and reimbursement hindered the use of telemedicine.
  • Physical examination and certain procedures were impossible to perform via telemedicine.

What is possibly the biggest disadvantage to telehealth?

  • The largest downside to telehealth may be inequitable access.
  • People without reliable internet or wireless service and those who do not have a computer, tablet, or smartphone cannot participate in telehealth.

What are the 4 types of telehealth?

  • Live video
  • Store-and-forward
  • Remote patient monitoring
  • Mobile health

How will telehealth impact healthcare?

  • Telehealth helps increase healthcare value and affordability.
  • Virtual care technology saves patients time and money, reduces patient transfers, emergency department and urgent care center visits, and delivers savings to payers.

Does telehealth improve patient outcomes?

  • Telehealth is ideally suited to improving patient outcomes after hospitalization by allowing for easier follow-up care.
  • Providers can assess the patient's condition and response to treatment virtually, allowing them to intervene on behalf of their patients before costly hospital readmissions become necessary.

What are the three major ways telehealth services are delivered?

  • Video conferencing, which is used for real-time patient-provider consultations, provider-to-provider discussions, and language translation services.
  • Remote patient monitoring, which allows patients to be monitored in their own homes.
  • Store-and-forward, which enables providers to send patient information to specialists who can evaluate it and provide recommendations.

What is the difference between virtual care and telehealth?

  • Virtual care is just one component of the holistic telehealth services moniker.
  • While telehealth includes all forms of technology used to transfer digital information for remote health care, virtual care focuses exclusively on communication between healthcare providers and their patients.

Telehealth Trends
Mar. 2023

Doctors and Patients see Telehealth Differently Mar. 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in the healthcare industry, with the adoption of telehealth. Patients have embraced telehealth for behavioral health treatment, and virtual visits accounted for almost one-third of outpatient visits.

  • Patients prefer the convenience of virtual care and digital engagement.
  • Physicians have concerns about telehealth's long-term sustainability and reimbursement.
  • Providers need to streamline operational workflows for in-person and virtual care delivery.
  • Physician-patient relationships are changing, with physicians losing patients and consumers switching primary care physicians.
  • Patient demand for telehealth may be underestimated, with many preferring it over in-person appointments.
  • Physicians expect to return to primarily in-person care delivery, but telehealth is a permanent change.

Providers must ensure that both in-person and virtual care delivery are seamless for providers and patients.


While patients value the convenience and accessibility of telehealth, physicians' concerns about its long-term viability and reimbursement must be addressed. Despite the growth and high valuations of virtual-first care providers, physicians may prefer in-person care delivery, and more than half of them would be less likely to offer telehealth if virtual rates were lower than in-person rates.

Physicians need to invest in the technology required to deliver telehealth seamlessly, with only 45% having done so during the pandemic. As telehealth becomes a permanent part of healthcare delivery, providers need to be prepared to design operational workflows that meet the needs of both providers and patients.

In conclusion, telehealth is here to stay, and the healthcare industry must adapt to the changes it brings. Providers must ensure that telehealth and in-person care delivery are seamless, address physicians' concerns about reimbursement, and invest in the technology required to deliver telehealth seamlessly. Patients value the convenience and accessibility of telehealth, and providers must meet their needs while providing quality care.

Acupuncture and Telemedicine
Mar. 2023

Acupucture and Telehealth: Does it work? Mar. 2023

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. However, many people wonder if it's possible to receive acupuncture remotely. The answer is yes - remote acupuncture sessions are now available for those who want to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home.


Kyleen Lee, a leading acupuncturist in Edmonds, Washington State stated that she has successfully provided virtual visits to patients mainly for Herbal work. She has also done medical intake and tongue diagnosis over a remote connection. “Coaching about proper nutrition and lifestyle also works well remotely.” See kyleenlee.com >>

During a remote acupuncture session, the practitioner and patient connect online or over the phone. The practitioner can offer guidance and healing techniques to the patient to promote well-being and prevent disease. However, there are some cases where acupuncture should not be used, including active infections, malignancy, and severe neutropenia.

While acupuncture is commonly associated with needles, acupuncturists offer more than just needling techniques. They can also provide movement therapy, dietary advice, breathing exercises, body awareness techniques, knowledge of herbs, and self-acupressure. These techniques promote a holistic approach to healing and can be accessed through telehealth services during and after the pandemic.

In conclusion, acupuncture therapy and associated techniques focus on mind and body, promoting a holistic approach to healing. Telehealth offers access to these techniques during and now post-pandemic. Healthy lifestyle changes are essential for promoting an improved quality of life, increased lifespan, and disease prevention. Telehealth may also cost less than office visits and offers unique convenience for those seeking to promote well-being from the comfort of their own home.

DOD Telehealth
Mar. 2023

US DOD Telemedicine/Telehealth/Virtual Care

Telehealth is changing how healthcare is delivered within the US Department of Defense (DOD). The pandemic has accelerated the expansion of telehealth capabilities, leading to the development of sustainable solutions that meet the healthcare needs of the DOD's beneficiaries. The following are key points:

I. Telehealth in Emergency and Remote Locations

  • Telemedicine and satellite communications enable active duty service members to receive expert medical help regardless of their location.
  • The US military uses telehealth globally to aid civilians during natural disasters.

II. Telehealth in Puerto Rico

  • During Hurricane Maria, US Army mobile medics and nurses provided critical care and specialty virtual health encounters.
  • Remote medical support was provided from providers at BAMC, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and the US Naval Ship Comfort.

III. Telehealth in Europe

  • The Regional Telehealth Department at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center provides telehealth services.
  • Telehealth services include more than 40 specialties, resulting in improved patient and provider satisfaction.
  • Telehealth has saved more than 2,300 work and school days, 1.5 million dollars in travel costs, and more than 900,000 kilometers.
  • The LRMC telehealth operation accomplished 2,600+ virtual visits in a 12-month period, a 160 percent increase from the previous year.

IV. Telehealth on US Navy Hospital Ships

  • Telehealth technology enabled remote access to specialists who are not on staff in hospital ships.
  • The US Navy hospital ship Mercy transmitted the first-ever portable telemedicine broadcast from a ship at sea.

V. Telehealth in the Post-COVID-19 World

  • Telehealth is a core health care capability that is here to stay.
  • Telehealth requires people, processes, and technologies to work together to create healthcare access solutions for beneficiaries worldwide.
  • Key stakeholders involved in the development of sustainable solutions include the Defense Health Agency markets, the Virtual Medical Center, the Connected Health Branch's Virtual Health Clinical Integration Office, the TRICARE private sector care network, and military services and interagency partners such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act required the DOD to expand telehealth across a wide spectrum of services and specialties and across all direct and private sector care networks.
  • The ultimate goal is to create an integrated, comprehensive, high-quality, and reliable telehealth capability that reaches from forward deployment to fixed medical facilities, community settings, and to DOD partners such as the Department of Veteran Affairs.
  • Pre-planning, collaboration, and effort are essential in fielding telehealth capabilities in the MHS.

VI. Conclusion

  • Telehealth has had a significant impact on the lives of active duty service members and veterans, reducing the cost of caring for them and enabling the military to aid disaster-stricken regions of the country and the world.
  • Telehealth is a powerful force multiplier that delivers great health outcomes, supports a ready medical force, and enhances beneficiary satisfaction.
  • The path forward is to continue to expand telehealth capabilities while planning for sustainable long-term growth of telehealth.