Countless Americans frequently use the internet to look up symptoms, attempting to discern the nature of their health issues. Regrettably, these efforts to diagnose themselves often do not yield success. Rather than attempting to diagnose what could be ailing you by yourself, think about arranging a consultation with a physician. However, instead of opting for a standard in-person visit, consider booking an appointment with a virtual doctor.

Digital medical consultations are now accessible via credible websites, with these physicians being just as credentialed as those you would encounter face-to-face. They have the capability to issue electronic prescriptions for routine conditions and forward these directly to your pharmacy. Should you require the advice of a medical professional, think about opting for a virtual doctor. However, ensure that you first verify the legitimacy of the website you opt for. Below are the top online doctor services we have identified.

1. Amwell

Amwell provides a round-the-clock online urgent care service, operational 24/7. This service can be accessed from any location using your mobile device or computer. The doctors at Amwell are board-certified and possess an average experience of 15 years.

Signing up takes only sixty seconds. You will answer inquiries regarding your medical history and personal health issues. Afterward, select a physician from a roster provided. Your consultation will occur via high-definition video streaming. A session costs $59, potentially reduced by your health insurance. The physicians can assist with various frequent health problems such as acne, conjunctivitis, influenza, sinus infections, among others. Your virtual doctor will have the capability to forward prescriptions directly to the pharmacy of your choice and provide suggestions for non-prescription drugs to manage your symptoms.

2. HealthTap

HealthTap provides various tiers of telemedicine services, setting it apart from many competitors. This platform grants access to an extensive collection of medical articles authored by specialists, elevating the trustworthiness of the data beyond basic Google searches. Additionally, users have the option to seek a consultation or obtain a referral.

HealthTap operates an online triage system and imposes higher fees for comprehensive care. HealthTap provides a no-cost membership that enables access to its article library, yet it does not permit free consultations with doctors. The premium membership of the company is priced at $99 monthly, and consultations with doctors range from $44 to $49 per visit. HealthTap's doctors have the capability to dispatch prescriptions to your pharmacy, and the company collaborates with Quest Diagnostics to facilitate lab orders by doctors. HealthTap is accessible around the clock, every day of the week.

3. VirtuWell

VirtuWell operates around the clock, every day of the week. It is manned by board-certified nurse practitioners rather than physicians. Although these healthcare providers are not doctors, they possess Masters of Science in Nursing, have the authority to prescribe medications, and can assist individuals with 60 distinct typical health conditions.

The fee for a consultation with a CNP at Virtuwell is priced at $49, which also covers a subsequent follow-up appointment. If you have insurance, this fee might be reduced. Should your nurse practitioner be unable to address or diagnose your condition, you will not be billed for the service.

4. Walgreens MD Live

In 2014, Walgreens teamed up with MD Live to offer its consumers the ability to consult with board-certified doctors online at any hour of the day. Originally, this service could only be accessed in two states, though it has expanded and is now accessible across all states with the exception of North Dakota, Louisiana, Georgia, Vermont, New Jersey, and Delaware. Simply go online from your home to begin using the service.

A video consultation with a licensed physician through Walgreens MD Live is priced at $49. These consultations can be conducted on either your smartphone or computer using video communication, and the physicians are equipped to assist with numerous frequent health issues. The physicians have the capability to prescribe medications, although these prescriptions must be collected exclusively at Walgreens. Registration for the Walgreens app is also required.

5. TelaDoc

TelaDoc emerged as one of the pioneering telemedicine services in the United States and is accessible nationwide. Physicians can be reached around the clock, every day of the week. A wide variety of medical conditions can be treated under numerous specializations such as general medicine, skin care, mental health counseling, and assistance with quitting smoking. The registration process and app download are quick, taking only a few minutes, and the typical waiting period to consult with a certified doctor averages about 10 minutes.

TelaDoc has a fee of $40 for a standard medical consultation. An initial consultation with a psychiatrist is priced at $160, while follow-up sessions cost $90. Visiting therapists and psychologists incurs a charge of $80 each time. If you possess insurance, you might be able to reduce these expenses.

Get Started with a Virtual Doctor

The emergence of online doctor services stands to revolutionize healthcare. Should you find yourself unable to visit your physician and are experiencing a non-emergency but common health issue, engaging with one of these telehealth providers presents a secure, efficient way to receive the necessary treatment.

Prior to engaging with online physicians, it's crucial to conduct thorough research to confirm their qualifications and expertise in the medical field. You definitely would not want to endanger your well-being by consulting with someone inadequate. Additionally, always remember to verify your insurance coverage prior to scheduling an appointment with a virtual doctor - significant savings could be realized if your policy includes these consultations, medications, and subsequent follow-ups.

As with all things, staying informed about recent studies is wise. It is advisable to evaluate a minimum of three to four alternatives prior to finalizing your choice. An online search is generally the fastest and most comprehensive method to gather all the advantages and disadvantages necessary for consideration.