Can an online doctor prescribe medication?

In many cases, yes. Licensed healthcare providers may prescribe medications during a telehealth visit when they determine it is clinically appropriate and permitted under applicable laws and regulations. Not every condition can be treated virtually, and not every visit results in a prescription. Some medications cannot legally be prescribed through telehealth or require an in-person evaluation. Prescription availability also varies by provider and state.

Does insurance cover telehealth?

Coverage depends on your health insurance plan, the provider, and the type of service you receive. Some telehealth providers accept insurance directly, while others operate on a self-pay or membership basis. Before booking, verify whether the provider accepts your insurance and confirm any expected copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs.

How quickly can I speak with a provider?

Wait times vary by provider, your location, appointment demand, and the type of care requested. Some telehealth services offer on-demand appointments that may be available the same day, while others schedule visits several days in advance. Availability also varies based on provider schedules, state licensing requirements, and appointment demand.

What conditions can telehealth treat?

Telehealth is commonly used for many non-emergency health concerns, including: Cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms; Allergies and sinus infections; Skin conditions and rashes; Urinary tract infections (when appropriate); Prescription refills (when appropriate); Mental health counseling; Routine follow-up care; Preventive health consultations; Weight management and lifestyle programs Some conditions require an in-person examination, imaging, laboratory testing, or emergency treatment. A licensed healthcare professional can determine whether virtual care is appropriate for your situation.

When should I go to an emergency room instead?

Telehealth is not appropriate for medical emergencies. Call your local emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience symptoms such as: Chest pain; Difficulty breathing; Signs of stroke (such as sudden weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking); Severe allergic reactions; Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding; Loss of consciousness; Serious head injuries; Seizures; Other severe or life-threatening symptoms If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, seek immediate medical attention rather than relying on a telehealth visit.

Are telehealth services available in every state?

Many telehealth providers operate in multiple U.S. states, but availability depends on state licensing laws, provider credentials, and the specific services offered. A provider may offer some services in one state but not another, and certain treatments or prescriptions may have additional state-specific restrictions. Always confirm that a provider serves your state before scheduling a visit.

Is telehealth right for every medical condition?

No. Telehealth can be a convenient option for many routine, preventive, and follow-up healthcare needs, but some conditions require an in-person examination, diagnostic testing, imaging, or emergency treatment. If a virtual healthcare professional determines that in-person care is more appropriate, they may recommend visiting a primary care clinic, urgent care center, specialist, or emergency department depending on your symptoms.

What type of online care are you looking for?

Compare virtual healthcare providers.

Choose a care category

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Compare Telehealth Services

Select a care category above to compare providers in that area. You can also browse the complete provider directory below.

Browse all telehealth options

Telehealth isn't appropriate for medical emergencies. If you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.

Browse All Telehealth Options

Explore all listed virtual healthcare providers by care category.

Online Doctor Visits

General medical care from an online provider

Compare providers offering general medical visits, urgent care evaluations, and related non-emergency services online. Visit formats, pricing, and availability vary by provider and location.

Sesame Care
General telehealth
Lower-cost self-pay video visits and provider choice
Connect with licensed healthcare providers for everyday health concerns. Pay-per-visit options start from $35 with no insurance needed; upfront pricing is typically displayed before booking.
Commonly advertised services
Licensed providers · Upfront pricing · No insurance required
Visit formats
Video visits
Pricing summary
Everyday Rx from $25/month with an annual plan; pay-per-visit from $35. Pricing varies by provider and visit type
Insurance
Direct-pay; no insurance required
Availability
Same-day and next-day appointments may be available
Visit provider website
DrHouse
General telehealth
Primary care, urgent care, prescription refills, and other non-emergency health concerns
Connect with board-certified physicians online in minutes for primary care, urgent care, prescription refills, and other non-emergency health concerns. DrHouse offers 24/7 video visits, with prescriptions available when clinically appropriate and eligible medications delivered directly to your door.
Commonly advertised services
Board-certified physicians · 24/7 video visits · Insurance accepted
Visit formats
Secure video visits
Pricing summary
$129 without insurance; insured patients may pay their applicable copay
Insurance
Most major insurance plans accepted; coverage and copays vary by plan
Availability
On-demand and scheduled visits available 24/7
Visit provider website

Telemedicine

Medication consultations, refills & related care

Compare telemedicine providers that advertise online prescription consultations, refills, renewals, and medication-related services. Eligibility and prescribing decisions are made by licensed clinicians.

UTI Care

Online evaluation for possible UTIs

Compare providers that advertise online evaluation for possible urinary tract infections. Clinical suitability and prescribing decisions depend on individual evaluation.

Mental Health

Therapy, psychiatry & mental health support

Compare providers offering online therapy, psychiatry, medication-management services, or combinations of these services. Availability and visit formats vary by provider and location.

Men's Health

Common men's health care online

Compare providers that advertise common men's health services online, such as preventive care, lab-related services, and condition-specific consultations.

Women's Health

Common women's health care online

Compare providers that advertise women's health services online, including general medical visits and related specialty care where offered.

Weight Management

Clinician-guided weight management programs

Compare providers that advertise clinician-guided weight management and related metabolic health services online. Program eligibility varies by provider and location.

Online Vet Care

Online veterinary guidance for dogs & cats

Compare virtual veterinary-care options for dogs and cats, including guidance on common concerns and follow-up care where offered.

Dutch
Veterinary telehealth
Virtual veterinary care for common dog and cat health concerns
Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through unlimited vet calls and messaging. Annual members get same-day vet calls, custom Rx treatment plans for eligible pets, and member product perks including 20% off flea & tick and $25 off a product order.
Commonly advertised services
Unlimited vet calls & messaging · Custom Rx treatment plans · Same-day vet calls · Covers up to 5 pets · 20% off flea & tick · $25 off a product order
Visit formats
Unlimited vet calls and messaging
Pricing summary
From $11/mo (annual); medications are separate
Insurance
Annual membership ($11/mo) includes unlimited vet calls & messaging, custom Rx treatment plans, same-day vet calls, coverage for up to 5 pets, 20% off flea & tick, and $25 off a product order
Availability
Same-day vet calls included with membership
Visit provider website
MediBridgeMD
Veterinary telehealth
24/7 virtual veterinary guidance for common pet health concerns
Connect with licensed veterinarians 24/7 for virtual guidance on common pet health and wellness concerns. MediBridgeMD's Pet TeleHealth Program can help with symptom evaluation, nutrition, skin and allergy concerns, minor injuries, behavioral issues, medication questions, and determining when an in-person veterinary visit may be needed.
Commonly advertised services
Licensed veterinarians · 24/7 vet access · Dogs, cats & eligible pets
Visit formats
Real-time virtual veterinary consultations
Pricing summary
Included with eligible MediBridgeMD plans; current broader healthcare plans start at $110/month
Insurance
Pet telehealth included with eligible MediBridgeMD healthcare memberships; household pet coverage depends on plan
Availability
Licensed veterinarian access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Provider Link Coming Soon

Important Disclosures

Availability

Most telehealth services listed on this page are available in the United States. Provider availability, appointment times, pricing, insurance acceptance, prescriptions, and services vary by provider, your location, and individual clinical evaluation.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means Hospitals.net may earn a commission if you purchase or subscribe through them, at no additional cost to you.

Hospitals.net does not own or operate the providers or services listed, and inclusion does not imply endorsement, recommendation, or clinical suitability.

Informational Purpose

Hospitals.net is an independent informational comparison resource and does not provide medical care, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical decisions.

Telehealth is not appropriate for medical emergencies.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department immediately.

Telehealth FAQ

Most telehealth visits begin with an online intake form or account setup. Depending on the provider and the type of care, you'll connect with a licensed healthcare professional through a video visit, phone call, secure messaging, or another virtual format.

During the visit, the healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant concerns. If clinically appropriate, they may recommend treatment, prescribe medication where permitted by law, order laboratory tests, provide referrals, or recommend an in-person evaluation. Follow-up care varies by provider and your individual needs.

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