As the world of technology and the internet have evolved, so has its impact on our lives. Information has become readily accessible, connection easily forged and vital questions answered in a few easy swipes or clicks.
eHealth, as it is is termed, dates back to 1999 in various forms. From electronic recording and sharing of patient information to virtual diagnosis and support, it has slowly evolved into a complete online service.
The medical and health industry is no different. Major strides have been taken in the field to make information more accessible to the public on vital health and medical questions.
As medical costs soar, many patients turn to online information before visiting a GP. Health and medical questions are some of the top searched topics on the internet.
Many authorities show concern about the quality of the eHealth services to the patients, however, the advantages lie in the increased amount and ease of access to medical information.
We took a look at some of the best online medical services for you. We took into consideration various factors for the qualifying sites. Ease of use, effectiveness, accuracy, level of assistance that you receive on the site and innovative technology.
Let’s take a look at the various options.
This is one of the highest rated online medical services in the U.S. It is smart, effective and has been created to essentially replace your normal GP services. What we really liked about the site was that they essentially bring together all of your health details being recorded on your devices and apps into one comprehensive report.
You are also properly matched with a professional by providing your profile to the site. You are then not just considered just a number in the machine and the professional that you are matched with takes their time to get to know you and create your full profile based on an hour-long conversation.
Ways of Contacting A Professional
- Call
- Text
- Video
Costs Involved
Because it is one of the more advanced, you will be paying more for these services than others. But if full access is what you want, then you simply cannot go wrong with this accessible service. You are most likely going to be asked to join on an annual basis due to the accessibility to the doctors.
The individual plan is $99 a month, while the family plan is $169 a month which includes your children under the age of 14.
Services Offered
You will have full access to a GP who will immerse themselves into your full health history, including all previous doctor and hospital records and exercise and diet regimes. Because of the efficiency of the service, you will be paired with someone who specializes in your condition or your lifestyle. You get personal attention from one doctor at all times and are not considered just a number.
Ease of Appointments
Your doctor is available at all times, and if they are not, the site will match you up to a similar professional who will be able to assist. You will receive unlimited calls, texts and video chats with your doctor.
Sign Up Time and Period Being Matched To A Professional
You will go through an initial one-hour session with your doctor whereby all of your medical information will be pulled. You will be able to go into detail with your doctor about your lifestyle, diet and any conditions you are facing. All medical history will be pulled by the site, so you won’t have to do a lot of the work.
Does Insurance Cover It?
In most cases, you can get reimbursed by your plan for the services.
Can You Get Prescriptions?
Yes, you can get your prescription within minutes. But not only this, but your professional can also reach out to their community of specialists if you need to see someone like a dermatologist, neurologist, etc.
MDLive is one of the most popular online medical services in the U.S. with over 27 million users. The site does not match you with a doctor like SteadyMD, but rather provides you easily accessible appointments, charged per appointment.
If a quick appointment is what you are needing without the commitment of a plan, this is your answer. You can get your health concerns answered in under 15 minutes and pay for what you receive.
Ways of Contacting A Professional
- Mobile app
- Video
- Phone
Costs Involved
Appointments are charged depending on the type:
- Urgent Care- $75
- Counselling- $99
- Psychiatry- $259
- Dermatology- $69
Services Offered
- Urgent Care
- General Medical
- Behavioral
- Dermatological Care
Ease of Appointments
Booking an appointment is quick and easy and you usually get seen to in under 15 minutes. Even though sign up is free, you will pay for each appointment depending on which service you choose. Appointments do only last around 15 minutes though, so you will need to be as efficient as possible.
Sign Up Time and Period Being Matched To A Professional
Signing up is free and only takes 15 minutes. You will then be matched with a professional and seen in under 20 minutes.
Does Insurance Cover It?
Yes, the site works side-by-side with your health plan.
Can You Get Prescriptions?
Yes, you can get your prescription within minutes that can be sent to your local pharmacy.
While most other sites offer a variety of medical services, this site concentrates on the all-important focus of mental health. The site has partnered up with Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps and currently has over 3,000 practitioners and counselors that you have access to.
The site matches you up with a counselor by sending you a form to fill out. Once you answer the questions, your profile is matched to someone who will be able to assist you. If, at any stage during the sessions, you feel that you are not properly matched to your counselor, you can elect to change.
While most of the other disciplines in eHealth are somewhat limited in diagnosis, online counseling is a lot more effective and successful. Nurturing patient engagement is easier, and the methodologies of treating patients is more conducive with technological abilities.
Ways of Contacting A Professional
- Messaging
- Chat
- Video
- Phone
Costs Involved
You will be paying in the range of $40-$70 per week for the use of all of the services. You can cancel the subscription at any time, however, you do have to pay for a full month of therapy as it is billed at the end of the month.
Services Offered
- Marriage and Family Counselling
- Clinical Social Workers
- Board Licensed Counselling Professionals
Ease of Appointments
After sign-up, it will usually take around 24 hours for the site to match you with the right counselor for you. Thereafter, you can either schedule appointments with your counselor or make use of the live chat rooms that are open 24/7.
Does Insurance Cover It?
Most plans do not cover this site at all so you will have to pay out of your own pocket.
Can You Get Prescriptions?
No, none of the professionals are able to provide you with prescriptions.
