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.

Compare Online Care Options

Compare U.S. telehealth providers across general medical care, therapy, prescription services, women's health, men's health, weight management, and other online-care categories.

Independent provider comparison for informational purposes. Hospitals.net does not provide medical care or medical advice.

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For U.S. visitors: If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.

✓Licensed healthcare professionals may be available
✓Same-day appointments may be available
✓Many providers display pricing before booking
✓Insurance acceptance and coverage vary

Availability, pricing, insurance coverage, prescriptions, and treatment decisions vary by provider, state, service, and individual clinical evaluation.

Telehealth is not appropriate for every medical situation. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or visit the nearest emergency department.

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Select a care category to compare providers offering those services. You will remain on Hospitals.net until you choose an external provider link.

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Compare Telehealth Services

Browse telehealth providers organized by care category and commonly advertised services. Providers are displayed in an editorial order designed to support browsing and comparison. Placement does not indicate medical quality, clinical effectiveness, suitability, or endorsement by Hospitals.net.

General telehealth

Sesame Care

Common uses: Urgent care, primary care, prescription refills, and everyday health concerns

Connect with licensed healthcare providers for a wide range of everyday health concerns, including urgent care, prescription refills, skin conditions, allergies, and more. Upfront pricing is typically displayed before booking your visit.

Licensed providers
Upfront pricing
No insurance required

Visit type: Video visits
Insurance: Direct-pay; no insurance required
Starting cost: Prices vary by provider and visit type
Availability: Same-day and next-day appointments may be available
States served: Varies by provider and service
Prescriptions: Prescriptions may be provided when clinically appropriate and permitted by law

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, services, and availability may change. Verify current details on the provider's website before booking.

General telehealth

DrHouse

Common uses: Primary care, urgent care, prescription refills, and other non-emergency health concerns

Connect with board-certified physicians through secure video visits for a range of non-emergency health concerns. DrHouse offers on-demand and scheduled visits, with prescriptions, lab orders, referrals, and doctor's notes available when clinically appropriate.

Board-certified physicians
24/7 video visits
Insurance accepted

Visit type: Secure video visits
Insurance: Most major insurance plans accepted; coverage and copays vary by plan
Starting cost: $129 without insurance; insured patients may pay their applicable copay
Availability: On-demand and scheduled visits available 24/7
States served: Available in all 50 states
Prescriptions: New prescriptions or refills may be provided when clinically appropriate and permitted by law

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Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, insurance coverage, services, and availability may change. Verify current details on the provider's website before booking.

Online therapy

BetterHelp

Common uses: Individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, and depression

Connect online with a licensed therapist through video, phone, live chat, and messaging. BetterHelp provides subscription-based individual therapy, with therapist matching and the ability to request a different therapist when needed.

Licensed therapists
Video, phone, chat & messaging
Subscription-based therapy

Visit type: Video, phone, live chat, and messaging
Insurance: Coverage may be available through eligible insurance plans; benefits and copays vary
Starting cost: Typically $70–$100 per week before applicable discounts or insurance benefits
Availability: Therapist matching and session availability vary by location and therapist
States served: Availability varies by location and therapist licensing

20% off your first month

Promo code: bhpartner20

BetterHelp may offer 20% off the first month for eligible new members who use promo code bhpartner20. Eligibility, pricing, insurance restrictions, and promotional terms may change. Confirm the current offer during signup on BetterHelp's website.

Explore BetterHelp

Partner link · opens in new tab

BetterHelp is not an emergency or crisis service. Provider information, pricing, insurance coverage, promotions, and availability may change. Verify current details on BetterHelp's website before subscribing.

Online therapy

Talkspace

Common uses: Online therapy, psychiatry, and mental health support with licensed providers

Connect with licensed therapists through secure messaging, live video, live audio, and chat. Talkspace also offers online psychiatry services with licensed psychiatric providers for eligible patients.

Licensed therapists
Video, audio, chat & messaging
Insurance accepted

Visit type: Live video, live audio, chat, and messaging
Insurance: In-network with many major insurance plans; coverage and copays vary by plan
Starting cost: Out-of-pocket therapy plans start at approximately $69/week
Availability: Therapist and psychiatry availability vary by location, provider, and plan
States served: Provider availability varies by state and licensing requirements
Psychiatry: Available in eligible states through licensed psychiatric providers

Explore Talkspace

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, insurance coverage, services, and availability may change. Verify current details on Talkspace's website before enrolling.

Online therapy

Online-Therapy.com

Common uses: Structured cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with licensed therapist support

Online-Therapy.com combines a structured CBT program with licensed therapist support through messaging and optional live therapy sessions. Depending on your subscription, live sessions are available by video, voice, or text messaging, alongside CBT worksheets, journaling tools, and guided activities.

CBT-based program
Licensed therapists
Live sessions & messaging

Visit type: Video, voice, text sessions, and secure messaging
Insurance: Does not bill insurance directly; reimbursement may be available through eligible insurance plans
Starting cost: Plans start at approximately $48/week (with introductory pricing); pricing varies by subscription
Availability: Live-session availability depends on your subscription plan and therapist availability
Coverage: Available in many countries; therapist availability varies by location and licensing
Live sessions: Included with Standard, Premium, and Couples plans; Basic includes therapist messaging without live sessions

20% off your first month

Promo code: THERAPY20

Online-Therapy.com currently advertises a 20% discount for the first month on eligible subscriptions. Promotional terms, pricing, and eligibility may change. Confirm the current offer during signup on Online-Therapy.com's website.

Explore Online-Therapy.com

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, subscription features, promotions, and availability may change. Verify current details on Online-Therapy.com's website before subscribing.

Longevity & preventive care

ReadyRx

Common uses: Longevity, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and weight management

ReadyRx is an online longevity and preventive-care platform that connects eligible patients with licensed healthcare providers for personalized treatment plans. Depending on clinical evaluation, programs may include weight management, hormone health, metabolic health, and other longevity-focused services, with medications provided only when prescribed.

Licensed providers
Personalized treatment plans
No insurance required

Visit type: Online assessment with clinician review; follow-up care available
Insurance: Cash-pay; insurance is not required
Starting cost: Varies by treatment program
Availability: Treatment eligibility and provider availability vary by state and clinical evaluation
States served: Available in eligible U.S. states; treatment availability varies by state
Prescriptions: Prescription medications are provided only when clinically appropriate following evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, treatment availability, and eligibility may change. Prescription approval is not guaranteed and depends on evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Verify current details on ReadyRx's website before enrolling.

Mental health services

Innerwell

Common uses: Therapy, psychiatry, EMDR, and clinician-supervised ketamine care for eligible adults

Innerwell is a telehealth mental health platform offering therapy, psychiatry, EMDR, and clinician-supervised ketamine treatment for eligible patients. Care is personalized through licensed mental health professionals, with services and treatment options varying by state and clinical evaluation.

Licensed mental health providers
Therapy & psychiatry
Insurance accepted

Visit type: Secure video visits
Insurance: Accepts many major insurance plans; coverage varies by plan and location
Starting cost: Varies by service and insurance coverage
Availability: Provider availability and services vary by state
States served: Available in eligible U.S. states; provider availability varies by location
Prescriptions: Psychiatric medications or ketamine treatment may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate and permitted by law

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, insurance coverage, treatment availability, and eligibility may change. Treatment recommendations and prescriptions are determined by licensed healthcare providers following clinical evaluation. Verify current details on Innerwell's website before beginning care.

Hormone & longevity care

Hone Health

Common uses: Hormone optimization, longevity, metabolic health, and weight management

Hone Health is a telehealth platform focused on hormone optimization, metabolic health, and longevity. Members complete comprehensive lab testing and consult with licensed physicians who develop personalized treatment plans based on laboratory results, symptoms, and individual health goals.

Board-certified physicians
Comprehensive lab testing
Personalized treatment plans

Visit type: Virtual physician consultations with ongoing online care
Insurance: No insurance required; HSA/FSA eligible for many services
Starting cost: Memberships start at approximately $25; testing, consultations, and medications may be billed separately depending on the selected plan
Availability: Available in eligible U.S. states; provider availability and treatment eligibility vary
States served: Available in eligible U.S. states; services vary by state and treatment program
Prescriptions: Prescription therapies may be recommended only after physician evaluation and when clinically appropriate

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, memberships, treatment availability, and eligibility may change. Treatment recommendations and prescriptions are determined by licensed physicians following clinical evaluation. Verify current details on Hone Health's website before enrolling.

UTI treatment

TreatMyUTI.com

Common uses: Online evaluation and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible adult women

TreatMyUTI.com provides online physician evaluation for women with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). After completing a medical questionnaire, a licensed physician reviews the information and, when clinically appropriate, sends a prescription to the patient's selected local pharmacy.

Board-certified physicians
Same-day prescription review
Local pharmacy pickup

Visit type: Online medical questionnaire with physician review; email follow-up when needed
Insurance: Cash-pay; insurance is not accepted for the physician service. Prescription costs may be covered separately by your pharmacy insurance.
Starting cost: $49 physician evaluation (after the currently advertised online discount); medication cost is separate
Availability: Online access available 24/7; physician review and treatment depend on clinical evaluation and state requirements
States served: Treatment availability varies by state telehealth regulations
Prescriptions: Antibiotics may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate after physician review. Prescriptions are not guaranteed.
Eligibility: Designed for adult women with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infections

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, treatment availability, and eligibility may change. Prescriptions are issued only when clinically appropriate following physician evaluation. Verify current details on TreatMyUTI.com's website before beginning treatment.

Functional medicine

Dr. Will Cole

Common uses: Functional medicine consultations and personalized wellness programs

Dr. Will Cole's telehealth clinic provides personalized functional medicine consultations and functional nutrition coaching for people seeking a root-cause approach to chronic health concerns. Care plans are individualized and may include advanced laboratory recommendations, nutrition guidance, lifestyle strategies, and ongoing support from the clinical team.

Functional medicine
Personalized care plans
Worldwide telehealth

Visit type: Secure online video consultations
Insurance: Insurance may cover some testing and services, but the care program is generally considered elective and is primarily self-pay
Starting cost: Initial consultation and care plan pricing varies; advanced laboratory testing and supplements may involve additional costs
Availability: Telehealth consultations are available by application; appointment availability varies
Coverage: Consultations available worldwide, subject to local regulations and program eligibility
Prescriptions: The clinic does not prescribe prescription medications or controlled substances. Medication management remains with the patient's prescribing physician.

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, pricing, testing recommendations, and program availability may change. Care recommendations are individualized and should not replace emergency or routine medical care. Verify current details on Dr. Will Cole's website before enrolling.

Pet telehealth

Virtual veterinary-care options for dogs and cats.

Veterinary telehealth

Dutch

Common uses: Virtual veterinary consultations for common dog and cat health concerns

Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth platform that connects pet owners with licensed veterinarians through video visits and messaging. Members can receive personalized treatment plans for many common physical and behavioral conditions, with prescription medications available in eligible states when clinically appropriate.

Licensed veterinarians
Unlimited video visits
Dogs & cats

Visit type: Video consultations and secure messaging
Membership: Annual membership with unlimited virtual veterinary care for eligible pets
Starting cost: Memberships start at approximately $11/month (billed annually); prescription medications are priced separately
Availability: Same-day appointments are often available; evenings and weekends may also be available depending on scheduling
Coverage: Available in most U.S. states; veterinarian licensing and prescription availability vary by state
Prescriptions: Prescription medications may be prescribed when clinically appropriate and permitted by state regulations. Medication costs are separate from membership.

View Provider Options

Partner link · opens in new tab

Provider information, membership pricing, state availability, prescription eligibility, and services may change. Veterinary recommendations and prescriptions are determined by licensed veterinarians following evaluation. Verify current details on Dutch's website before enrolling.

Quick comparison

At-a-glance overview of service formats, payment models, and typical pricing. Provider details may change; confirm current information on each provider's website before booking or enrolling.

Scroll horizontally to see all columns

Quick comparison of telehealth providers including service focus, visit type, payment or insurance model, typical pricing, and links to each provider
Provider	Service focus	Visit type	Payment / insurance	Typical pricing	CTA
Sesame Care	Urgent care, primary care, prescription refills, and everyday health concerns	Video visits	Direct-pay; insurance not required	Varies by provider and visit type	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
DrHouse	Primary care, urgent care, prescription refills, and other non-emergency health concerns	Secure video visits	Many major insurance plans accepted; coverage and copays vary	$129 without insurance; insured patients may pay their applicable copay	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
BetterHelp	Individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, and depression	Video, phone, live chat, and messaging	Eligible insurance plans only; coverage and member costs vary	Typically $70–$100 per week before applicable discounts or insurance benefits	Explore BetterHelp (opens in new tab)
Talkspace	Online therapy, psychiatry, and mental health support with licensed providers	Live video, live audio, chat, and messaging	In-network with many major insurance plans; coverage and copays vary	Out-of-pocket therapy plans start at approximately $69 per week	Explore Talkspace (opens in new tab)
Online-Therapy.com	Structured cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with licensed therapist support	Video, voice, text sessions, and secure messaging	Does not bill insurance directly; eligible plans may reimburse members	Plans start at approximately $48 per week with introductory pricing; subscription pricing varies	Explore Online-Therapy.com (opens in new tab)
ReadyRx	Longevity, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and weight management	Online assessment with clinician review; follow-up care available	Cash-pay; insurance not required	Varies by treatment program	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Innerwell	Therapy, psychiatry, EMDR, and clinician-supervised ketamine care for eligible adults	Secure video visits	Accepts many major insurance plans; coverage varies by plan and location	Varies by service and insurance coverage	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Hone Health	Hormone optimization, longevity, metabolic health, and weight management	Virtual physician consultations with ongoing online care	Insurance not required; many services may be HSA/FSA eligible	Memberships start at approximately $25; testing, consultations, and medications may cost extra depending on the plan	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
TreatMyUTI.com	Online evaluation and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible adult women	Online medical questionnaire with physician review; follow-up communication when required	Cash-pay physician service; eligible prescription costs may be covered through pharmacy insurance	$49 physician evaluation after the currently advertised online discount; medication costs are separate	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Dr. Will Cole	Functional medicine consultations and personalized wellness programs	Secure online video consultations	Primarily self-pay; some testing or services may be eligible for reimbursement	Consultation and care-plan pricing varies; laboratory testing and supplements may involve additional costs	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Dutch	Virtual veterinary consultations for common dog and cat health concerns	Video consultations and secure messaging	Annual membership with unlimited virtual veterinary care for eligible pets	Memberships start at approximately $11 per month when billed annually; prescriptions cost extra	View Provider Options (opens in new tab)

Sesame Care
Service focus
Urgent care, primary care, prescription refills, and everyday health concerns
Visit type
Video visits
Payment / insurance
Direct-pay; insurance not required
Typical pricing
Varies by provider and visit type
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
DrHouse
Service focus
Primary care, urgent care, prescription refills, and other non-emergency health concerns
Visit type
Secure video visits
Payment / insurance
Many major insurance plans accepted; coverage and copays vary
Typical pricing
$129 without insurance; insured patients may pay their applicable copay
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
BetterHelp
Service focus
Individual therapy for concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, and depression
Visit type
Video, phone, live chat, and messaging
Payment / insurance
Eligible insurance plans only; coverage and member costs vary
Typical pricing
Typically $70–$100 per week before applicable discounts or insurance benefits
Explore BetterHelp (opens in new tab)
Talkspace
Service focus
Online therapy, psychiatry, and mental health support with licensed providers
Visit type
Live video, live audio, chat, and messaging
Payment / insurance
In-network with many major insurance plans; coverage and copays vary
Typical pricing
Out-of-pocket therapy plans start at approximately $69 per week
Explore Talkspace (opens in new tab)
Online-Therapy.com
Service focus
Structured cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with licensed therapist support
Visit type
Video, voice, text sessions, and secure messaging
Payment / insurance
Does not bill insurance directly; eligible plans may reimburse members
Typical pricing
Plans start at approximately $48 per week with introductory pricing; subscription pricing varies
Explore Online-Therapy.com (opens in new tab)
ReadyRx
Service focus
Longevity, hormone optimization, metabolic health, and weight management
Visit type
Online assessment with clinician review; follow-up care available
Payment / insurance
Cash-pay; insurance not required
Typical pricing
Varies by treatment program
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Innerwell
Service focus
Therapy, psychiatry, EMDR, and clinician-supervised ketamine care for eligible adults
Visit type
Secure video visits
Payment / insurance
Accepts many major insurance plans; coverage varies by plan and location
Typical pricing
Varies by service and insurance coverage
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Hone Health
Service focus
Hormone optimization, longevity, metabolic health, and weight management
Visit type
Virtual physician consultations with ongoing online care
Payment / insurance
Insurance not required; many services may be HSA/FSA eligible
Typical pricing
Memberships start at approximately $25; testing, consultations, and medications may cost extra depending on the plan
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
TreatMyUTI.com
Service focus
Online evaluation and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible adult women
Visit type
Online medical questionnaire with physician review; follow-up communication when required
Payment / insurance
Cash-pay physician service; eligible prescription costs may be covered through pharmacy insurance
Typical pricing
$49 physician evaluation after the currently advertised online discount; medication costs are separate
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Dr. Will Cole
Service focus
Functional medicine consultations and personalized wellness programs
Visit type
Secure online video consultations
Payment / insurance
Primarily self-pay; some testing or services may be eligible for reimbursement
Typical pricing
Consultation and care-plan pricing varies; laboratory testing and supplements may involve additional costs
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)
Dutch
Service focus
Virtual veterinary consultations for common dog and cat health concerns
Visit type
Video consultations and secure messaging
Payment / insurance
Annual membership with unlimited virtual veterinary care for eligible pets
Typical pricing
Memberships start at approximately $11 per month when billed annually; prescriptions cost extra
View Provider Options (opens in new tab)

Why use Hospitals.net to compare telehealth options?

Hospitals.net organizes telehealth services by care category, visit format, payment model, and commonly advertised use, helping visitors compare available options more easily.

Provider information is summarized from provider materials and other identified public sources. Hospitals.net does not provide medical advice, conduct clinical evaluations, diagnose conditions, or determine whether a provider, medication, or treatment is appropriate for any individual.

Some listings include partner links, and Hospitals.net may receive compensation when visitors use them. Partner relationships are clearly disclosed and do not determine clinical suitability or affect the price paid by the visitor.

Availability, pricing, insurance coverage, eligibility, prescriptions, and treatment decisions are determined by each provider and may change. Visitors should verify current details directly with the provider before booking or enrolling.

Hospitals.net may receive compensation when visitors use certain partner links. This does not increase the price paid by the visitor. Availability, pricing, eligibility, prescriptions, and treatment decisions are determined by each provider.

Trusted U.S. Resources (Non-Commercial)

HHS Telehealth Hub
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services overview of telehealth basics, privacy considerations, and how virtual care fits into the health system.
Visit
CDC: Research Anthology on Telehealth & Telemedicine
CDC Public Health Law Program publication covering telehealth and telemedicine research, policy context, and public health considerations.
Visit
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential crisis support 24/7 by phone, text, or chat. Telehealth therapy platforms are not emergency services.
Call 988 Text 988 Visit

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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