What You Should Know About Teladoc
Best features
- Simple website design
- Accepts many insurance plans
- A range of care options
- Quality doctors
Drawbacks
- Isn’t upfront about pricing
- Doctors can sometimes be difficult to contact
- Scheduling is sometimes a hassle
How Does Teladoc Work?
Simple service is one of the hallmarks Teladoc prides itself on, so first-time users should have no problem finding the help they need in just a few minutes. After you’ve registered an account, you can join a waiting room and set an appointment for a future time or wait for the next available doctor.
Pricing for services varies, although general medical consultations are always $75 and are covered by many major insurance plans. These general consultations are designed to treat common conditions such as sinus infections and the flu. For more specific concerns, you can try one of Teladoc’s specialty services. Either way, your doctor will provide quality treatment, including providing prescriptions you may need.
How do you use Teladoc?
The Teladoc app offers the most straightforward way for most users to access the platform’s services. You can find a tutorial video on the website that runs through the basics. However, if you prefer to schedule and manage your appointments through the Teladoc website, this option is available as well. When you set an appointment with your doctor, you can meet by phone or video chat.
How much does Teladoc cost?
| Appointment type | Price |
| General medical consultation | $75 |
| Dermatology review | Based on user details |
| Mental health visit | Based on user details |
Does insurance cover Teladoc?
Teladoc accepts most medical insurance plans, which may cover some or all the consultation fees. To check whether your insurance pays for Teladoc services, you can begin the registration process and fill in your information. Insurance may also cover prescription medications obtained through the service.
What does Teladoc treat?
Through Teladoc’s Get Care Now service, you can receive treatment for a variety of common medical conditions, including respiratory infections, sinus problems, allergies, or the flu. Teladoc also offers specialty services for mental health, dermatology, and sexual health, where more specific conditions and problems can be addressed. In addition to these services, the platform’s Primary360 service offers some of the most comprehensive care based on a full user profile that includes your lifestyle and specific health needs.
While there are many medical conditions Teladoc is great at treating, it’s not able to handle emergency situations or more serious health conditions. If your condition can’t be treated through Teladoc, you may be referred to another doctor.
Can Teladoc write prescriptions?
Prescriptions are available through the service, although Teladoc is clear that they’re not guaranteed. Just as with a traditional doctor, whether or not you get a prescription depends on your doctor’s judgment. When a prescription is written, it’s sent electronically to your local pharmacy, where you can pick it up. Teladoc can’t prescribe DEA-controlled drugs such as opioids or narcotics.
When can you get a Teladoc appointment?
To set up an appointment with Teladoc, visit the website or use the mobile app and click Join Waiting Room. From there, you can either schedule an appointment at a later time or choose ASAP Visit to speak with the next available health care provider. For ASAP visits, you’ll be given an estimated wait time, which is often just a few minutes. Appointments can be scheduled 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can you pick a Teladoc doctor?
All of Teladoc’s doctors are board-certified internists, family doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and therapists chosen to provide quality care and friendly service. When setting an appointment through the app, you may be able to choose a specific doctor to see, depending on your insurance benefits.
How can you get Teladoc support?
Teladoc offers a 24/7 toll-free support hotline. By calling 1-800-835-2362, you can speak to a support team member who can answer questions or address your concerns. The platform also offers an in-depth FAQ section, where you can find answers to some of the most common customer questions about billing, services, and troubleshooting issues.
What Customers Say About Teladoc
Good reviews about Teladoc
“Once set up, it’s easy to initiate a call with a doctor and they’ve always been kind and understanding–and fairly quick to call too.”
“I felt like I got more explanation than I have got at my last in-person visits. This was so easy and the response times were so fast.”
“This is an amazing service and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Bad reviews about Teladoc
“The technology behind the service for a Teladoc appointment was easy to use. However, the doctor they employed was horrible.”
“After having to wait 72 hrs to speak to a medical professional, the appointment time arrived, and the Dr. does not show up for the appointment.”
“Overall, very disorganized. I’m not comfortable using this company for anything health-related; there were too many points of connection that they completely fumbled.”
Bottom Line
There are plenty of reasons for new telehealth users to try Teladoc. With 24/7 care, hassle-free scheduling, and quick visits, getting medical attention from home is easier than ever before. And while convenience is one of the service’s main benefits, it doesn’t skimp on quality. All of the doctors are board-certified and able to treat a wide range of common medical conditions. Whether you need a prescription, a therapist to talk to, or advice about an existing health condition, you can feel confident about the quality of care provided through Teladoc.
However, one common complaint with the service is the lack of information on its pricing. While Teladoc is clear that general consultations are offered at a $75 flat rate, finding any prices for specialty services is more difficult. While this may be frustrating, the service itself works smoothly, and concerns about affordability may be negated if your insurance is one of the many major plans accepted by Teladoc. In the end, it may be worth registering to see if your insurance covers the service, so you can benefit from the convenient range of health care services Teladoc offers.
