What Is Telehealth? How Online Doctor Visits Work and What They Cost

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs and treatment options.

By DrBaba.com Health Research Team | Updated July 2026

What Is Telehealth, Anyway?

Telehealth is simply talking to a doctor or nurse practitioner (a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat patients) without leaving your home. You use your phone, tablet, or computer to connect with them.

Think of it like calling a friend on video chat—except instead of chatting about your day, you’re talking about your health. The doctor can see you, ask questions, and listen to what you’re experiencing. Then they can help figure out what’s going on and what to do about it.

The three main ways to do telehealth are:

• Video visit: You see and talk to the doctor face-to-face on a screen.
• Phone call: You call the doctor. They can’t see you, but they can hear everything you say.
• Messaging: You type to a doctor or nurse, and they type back. This works for simple questions or follow-ups.

What Can Telehealth Treat?

Telehealth works great for many common health problems. Your doctor can diagnose you, answer your questions, and even write prescriptions—all without you leaving your couch.

Telehealth is good for:

• Colds, flu, and sore throats
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs—painful infections in the tubes that carry urine)
• Skin rashes and minor skin problems
• Medication refills for ongoing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
• Mental health support and counseling
• Weight management and nutrition advice
• Allergies and congestion
• Acne and other skin conditions
• Earaches
• Questions about medicines you’re taking

What Telehealth Cannot Do

There are some things telehealth cannot handle. If your doctor needs to actually touch you or examine you up close, you’ll need to go to an office or emergency room.

You cannot use telehealth for:

• Medical emergencies (chest pain, trouble breathing, severe injuries)
• Broken bones or severe sprains
• Anything requiring blood work or lab tests ordered on the spot
• Physical exams (like checking your heart or lungs with a stethoscope)
• Surgery or procedures
• Severe infections that need IV fluids or antibiotics given in a hospital

If you’re ever unsure whether you need emergency care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t use telehealth for life-threatening situations.

How a Telehealth Visit Actually Works: Step by Step

The process is simple. Here’s what happens from start to finish.

Step 1: Sign Up

You pick a telehealth company or use one your insurance recommends. You create an account with your name, date of birth, and insurance information. This takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Fill Out Your Health History

The app or website asks you questions about your health. Have you had surgery before? Do you take any medications? Do you have allergies? Write down your answers. This helps the doctor know your background before they even meet you.

Step 3: Choose Your Appointment Time

Pick a time that works for you—many telehealth services have same-day or next-day appointments. Some operate 24/7.

Step 4: Describe Your Problem

Before your appointment, write down what’s bothering you. How long have you had it? What makes it better or worse? Did anything else happen recently? The more detail, the better the doctor can help.

Step 5: Join Your Video Call

At your appointment time, you click a link or open the app. The doctor appears on your screen (or calls you, depending on the visit type). They ask you questions about your symptoms (signs that something is wrong with your body). They listen to your answers carefully.

Step 6: Get Your Diagnosis and Plan

The doctor explains what they think is happening and what you should do. They might recommend rest, over-the-counter medicine, or a prescription medication. They might tell you to drink more water or take a warm bath. Or they might say you need to see a specialist (a doctor trained in one specific area of medicine).

Step 7: Get Your Prescription

If you need medication, the doctor sends a prescription directly to your pharmacy. You don’t have to pick up a piece of paper. Within minutes, your pharmacy has your prescription on file. You can pick it up or have it delivered.

Step 8: Follow Up

The doctor might ask you to check in after a few days. Some apps let you message your doctor for free after the visit if you have quick questions.

Real Talk About Cost

Telehealth is usually cheaper than going to a doctor’s office. Here’s what you’ll actually pay.

With Health Insurance

If you have insurance, most plans cover telehealth the same way they cover in-person visits. You’ll pay your regular copay (a fixed amount you pay for each visit). That’s typically $0 to $50 per visit, depending on your plan.

Some insurance plans cover telehealth for free. Check with your insurance company or look at your insurance card’s website to see what’s covered.

Without Health Insurance

If you don’t have insurance, telehealth visits cost $50 to $200 per visit. That sounds like a lot, but it’s usually cheaper than urgent care ($100–$300) or an emergency room visit ($1,000+).

Some telehealth companies offer subscription plans. For example, you might pay $10 to $20 per month to get access to unlimited messaging with doctors. That’s like buying a gym membership for your health.

How to Keep Costs Down

• Ask if your insurance covers telehealth before booking.
• Check if your employer offers telehealth as part of your benefits—many do.
• Compare prices between different telehealth apps.
• Consider a subscription plan if you see a doctor regularly.

Can Doctors Really Prescribe Medicines Through Telehealth?

Yes. Real, licensed doctors prescribe real, FDA-approved medications through telehealth. There’s nothing fake about it.

Here’s how it works: The doctor evaluates you, decides you need a medication, and sends the prescription to your pharmacy electronically. Your pharmacy receives it just like they would if you walked in with a paper prescription. You pick up your medicine or have it mailed to you.

Important note: Not all medications can be prescribed through telehealth. Controlled substances (drugs like opioids that the government carefully monitors) have stricter rules. Your doctor will tell you if they can prescribe what you need or if you need an in-person visit.

Is Telehealth Private and Safe?

Yes. Telehealth is protected by the same privacy laws as in-person visits. Your information is encrypted (scrambled so nobody but you and your doctor can see it), just like your bank account online.

HIPAA Protection

In the United States, a law called HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects your health information. This applies to telehealth the same way it applies to regular doctor visits. Your doctor cannot share your information with anyone without your permission.

Tips to Keep Your Visit Private

• Use a password-protected device (phone, tablet, or computer).
• Use your home Wi-Fi or a secure cellular connection.
• Find a private, quiet room for your visit—not a coffee shop or break room.
• Close the door.
• Make sure no one else can see your screen.

Popular Telehealth Platforms and What They Do

There are many telehealth apps and websites. Here are some of the most popular ones and what they’re known for.

Platform	What They Specialize In	Cost (Without Insurance)
Teladoc	General medicine, dermatology (skin), mental health	Usually covered by insurance; $49–$99 out-of-pocket
Amwell	Urgent care, prescription refills, mental health	Usually covered by insurance; $79–$99 out-of-pocket
MDLive	General doctors, psychiatry (mental health doctors), dermatology	Usually covered by insurance; $75–$100 out-of-pocket
GoodRx Care	Affordable visits, prescription discounts	$15–$35 per visit
Ro	Weight loss, sexual health, mental health	Subscription-based; starts at $99/month
BetterHelp	Therapy and counseling only	$60–$90 per week

Many insurance companies, employers, and hospitals have their own telehealth services. Check with your insurance first—you might get free or discounted visits.

Getting Ready for Your First Telehealth Visit

Here’s how to make sure your first visit goes smoothly.

Before Your Appointment

• Find a quiet, private room. No background noise. No kids or pets running around. The doctor needs to hear you clearly.
• Make a list of your medications. Write down everything you take—prescription pills, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, everything. The doctor needs to know so they don’t prescribe something that clashes with what you’re already taking.
• Write down your questions. Don’t rely on your memory. If you forget something during the visit, you can look at your list.
• Check your internet or phone signal. Make sure your connection is strong. You don’t want the call to drop in the middle of your visit.
• Test your camera and microphone. If you’re using a computer or tablet, make sure the camera and sound work before the appointment.
• Have your insurance card handy. You might need to type in information. It only takes a second if you have it ready.

During Your Appointment

• Be honest about your symptoms. Don’t downplay how bad you feel. Doctors need the truth to help you.
• Speak clearly. The doctor needs to understand you. If they ask a question you don’t understand, ask them to repeat it.
• Ask questions. This is your appointment. If the doctor recommends something and you don’t understand why, ask.
• Take notes. Write down what the doctor tells you to do. You might forget details later.

After Your Appointment

• Check your email or app for your prescription. Make sure it gets sent to your pharmacy.
• Follow the doctor’s instructions. Rest, drink water, take your medication exactly as directed.
• Check in if you’re not getting better. Most telehealth apps let you message your doctor after the visit. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out.
• Know when to go to the ER. If you get worse—like trouble breathing, chest pain, or a high fever—go to the emergency room. Don’t wait for a telehealth message.

The Bottom Line

Telehealth is a convenient, affordable way to see a real doctor without leaving your home. It works great for common health issues, colds, skin problems, and prescription refills. It’s private, it’s safe, and it’s covered by most insurance plans.

But telehealth isn’t right for everything. If you have a serious emergency, go to the hospital. If your doctor needs to examine you closely, you’ll need to go in person.

Think of telehealth as your first stop for minor health problems. It’s fast, it’s cheap, and it gets you answers quickly. If something bigger is going on, your doctor will let you know and point you to the right place.

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health concerns, symptoms, and treatment options. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program. The information provided here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Individual results may vary. This site may contain affiliate links — see our editorial standards for details.