It’s 3 a.m., and you’re up with your child because they’re feeling flat-out awful. They have a fever, and they’re complaining of aches and pains. But short of going to the hospital (or consulting Dr. Google), what can you do? Well, thanks to technology, you can talk to a physician in an instant. Telehealth has revolutionized the medical industry, and it’s been a game-changer during the pandemic. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, telehealth—sometimes called telemedicine—is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to provide care when you and the doctor are not in the same place at the same time. “If you have a phone or a device with internet access, you already have everything you need to get medical care or services through telehealth,” the website states. Thanks to the pandemic, doctors now provide 50 to 175 times the number of telemedicine visits than they did in prior years. Virtual visits are a quick, efficient, and highly accessible form of care—and you can do them via an app. But how do you choose the right one? Here are the best telehealth apps of 2022, according to customer reviews, ratings, and app store rankings. Get ready to start downloading!
Best telehealth apps
Teladoc
Teledoc is one of the best telehealth apps out there, and for good reason. The virtual healthcare program was ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power. The brand’s website boasts that they work with the top 5% of medical specialists — making them both reputable and qualified — and with everything from “everyday care” to nutrition, dermatology, and mental health, Teledoc is a well-rounded telehealth program. (iOS, Android, free.)
MDBox
From urinary tract and flu symptoms to coronavirus consults and help for those experiencing the common cold, MDBox will put you in touch with a physician in five minutes or less. They also fill prescriptions for antibiotics, birth control, and other commonly requested medicines. (iOS, Android, free.)
AmWell
Are you looking for an all-inclusive telehealth app? One which covers everything from dermatology and psychiatry to basic care? AmWell provides virtual care options for multiple medical specialties, including pediatrics. Plus, patients can take advantage of on-demand visits, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (iOS, Android, free.)
MDLIVE
Another great, well-rounded telehealth app is MDLIVE. Why? Because MDLIVE offers urgent care, dermatology, and behavioral health options. MDLIVE counsels individuals and treats everything from insect bites and acne to hair loss, influenza, and the common cold. Their physicians can fill prescriptions, though patient education is important to them, i.e. they will not prescribe antibiotics if you don’t need them. But the best part? MDLIVE is covered by some insurances. (iOS, Android, free.)
Doctor on Demand
Skip the commute and wait and visit doctors virtually with Doctor on Demand, an urgent care, chronic care, and behavioral (tele)health option. But why Doctor on Demand? Well, because Doctor on Demand believes “that everyone should have instant and affordable access to a board-certified doctor, whenever and wherever needed… with or without insurance” — which is a mission we can get behind. (iOS, Android, free.)
LiveHealth Online
Feeling sick? Visit with a doctor, online and anytime, with LiveHealth Online. Get expert advice, a treatment plan, and a prescription if needed. What’s more, LiveHealth Online accepts some insurance plans. (iOS, Android, free.)
Cigna Telehealth Connection
Available to Cigna customers, Cigna Telehealth Connections helps patients receive rapid treatment (and assistance with billing). Patients can select from one of two options: They can have a phone call with a nurse, at no additional cost, or a phone or video call with a board-certified physician. Note: The latter is necessary to diagnose and treat conditions. However, it’s important to note that Cigna Telehealth services are limited to common ailments, such as allergies, colds and flu, headaches, stomachaches, and UTIs. (iOS, Android, free.)
GoodRx Care
While GoodRx is best known for their discount prescription program, GoodRx Care offers professional, affordable online healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But what sorts of conditions can be treated? GoodRx Care is available for individuals needing reproductive assistance. They offer support for those treating migraines, GERD, and urinary tract infections, to name a few, and the physicians working for GoodRx Care can help you stop smoking—and treat the common cold. (iOS, Android, free.)
K Health
Unlike other telehealth programs, K Health sets itself apart by using artificial intelligence. Yes, AI is your first point of contact. But don’t let that fool you: K Health employs dozens of board-certified doctors. They have the ability to assist with numerous health conditions, and K Health has a customer satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Save time and money with this technologically innovative product. (iOS, Android, free.)
Talkspace
If you’re looking for a virtual therapy app or mental telehealth program, you probably already know about Talkspace. This app currently hosts thousands of therapists and mental health professionals who deliver psychiatry services to more than one million users. But what makes Talkspace so popular? It’s on-demand and accessible. Talkspace can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s also flexible—you can switch therapists quickly, and for any reason. And Talkspace helps users access mental healthcare in a safe, comfortable way. (iOS, Android, free.)
Nurx
Another great, at-home healthcare option, Nurx provides specialized healthcare, specifically for your dermatological, reproductive, and STI testing needs. Nurx will also help users manage their migraines and access COVID-19 tests. Customized treatments delivered right to your door. (iOS, Android, free.)
BetterHelp
Providing individual and couples counseling, BetterHelp is (for many) a “better” way to access mental healthcare. It is quick, easy, and convenient, and BetterHelp staffs hundreds of licensed counselors designed to help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. A great alternative to in-person treatment. (iOS, Android, free.)
Lemonaid
Looking for personalized healthcare, specifically from home? With dozens of physicians, nurse practitioners, and clinical support specialists, Lemonaid is designed to help patients treat a multitude of common ailments. But the best part? The process is simple. Users begin by filling out an online questionnaire—which doctors then review. Once an assessment has been made, a visit will be scheduled. Medications can then be prescribed and dispensed. Prescriptions are usually delivered within two to three days. (iOS, Android, free.)
HealthTap
Are you in need of urgent care? Perhaps you’re looking to consult with a physician about your child’s health or a reproductive issue? If so, look no further than Healthtap, the “most affordable” telehealth program. With mental and behavioral healthcare, women and men’s care, and both chronic and preventative care, HealthTap physicians can treat many conditions and ailments. Helpful, accessible, and affordable. (iOS, Android, free).
PlushCare
Much like HealthTap, PlushCare physicians cover a wide array of conditions — from everyday care to ongoing medical issues. And with same-day appointments always available, it is possible to get diagnosed (and prescribed) in as little as 15 minutes. (iOS, Android, free).
Fruit Street
Part telehealthcare, part dietary program, Fruit Street is an app which focuses on diabetes and weight loss management. Note: This is different from conventional telehealth apps, as this 12-week program gives users access to 26 video chat courses and the option to engage in video conferencing. (iOS, Android, free). Next up, here are the best mental health podcasts of 2021.
