www.makeuseof.com 6 Apps That Let You Get a Doctor's Appointment on Your Phone

Getting to a doctor when you are sick can be a hassle. Most primary care physicians are heavily booked up, which means by the time you get your appointment you could already be feeling better, or much worse. The alternative is going to an urgent care center, but if you do this you have to pay urgent care prices. However, there are alternatives like telemedicine.

Check out one of these apps to virtually see a doctor today.

Disclaimer: These apps are not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency please go to your nearest emergency room.

1. Doctor on Demand

One of the original telemedicine apps, Doctor on Demand was founded by Dr Phil and his son. If you need to see a doctor quickly, consider using this app. As one of the larger telemedicine apps, there are plenty of instant appointments available, and you can request an appointment 24/7.

The cost is always shown upfront, so you’ll never get surprised with a bill months after your appointment. You can pay for your visit on the same day. Your prescriptions will be sent to your local pharmacy and, if needed, a lab test can be ordered.

With Doctor on Demand, your physician can also access your vital reports through Apple’s HealthKit, if you allow them to do so. This means your assigned doctor can view your blood pressure and heart rate.

As you might expect with an app founded by Dr Phil, Doctor on Demand also has therapy appointments and a mental health component. This app would be a great choice for those who want to keep all of their appointment info, past and present, in just one app.

If you took a sick day from work or school, Doctor on Demand can also provide a sick note for the day of your virtual visit.

Download: Doctor on Demand for iOS | Android (Free)

2. Teladoc

Teladoc is another great choice when it comes to seeking healthcare using your iPhone or Android device. It offers doctors of many different specialties alongside chats with nurses or licensed therapists.

One of the features that sets Teladoc apart is that it has many dermatologists available as well, making it easy to get treated for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis without having to go to see a physician in person. You can easily upload pictures of your skin to get an accurate diagnosis.

Teladoc also has nutritionists and wellness consultants for those looking to improve their health and seeking advice.

Teladoc is covered by some insurance programs and employers. If you are not covered, you can still pay a flat, upfront fee per visit.

Download: Teladoc for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Amwell

While Doctor on Demand is the first telemedicine service to experience an explosion in popularity, it wasn’t the first service to appear on the market. The first service (or at least the first accredited service) was Amwell.

Being the longest-lasting telemedicine service didn’t come by accident. Amwell offers affordable flat rates, a wide variety of doctors, and lightning-fast appointments available 24/7. Like most telemedicine apps, it offers primary care, therapy, psychiatric care, and nutrition or weight loss consultations.

Related: Fitness Advice Resources to Stick to Losing Weight and Get In Shape

For new parents, Amwell offers a lactation consultant from the comfort of your own home, who can assist in breastfeeding issues.

Many insurance carriers will reduce or reimburse the cost of your visit. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if this is an option.

Download: Amwell for iOS | Android (Free)

4. Zocdoc

If you are in need of a fast, in-person appointment, then Zocdoc is for you. Telemedicine is great for those who need a fast appointment from home. However, sometimes we need to a physical appointment to get a blood draw or complete a lab test. This is where telemedicine falls short.

Setting up an appointment with a primary care physician can take weeks, and it can take even longer if you’re trying to see a specialist. This is where Zocdoc can help.

The Zocdoc app searches local doctors in your area based on your insurance. Just scan your insurance card and start searching for primary care doctors or specialists near you.

The best part about Zocdoc is that it also offers telemedicine with the doctor of your choice. This means that if you do need telemedicine one day, and don’t feel up for an in-person visit, you can see the same doctor virtually.

Download: Zocdoc for iOS | Android (Free)

5. Cerebral

Cerebral is an all-in-one telemedicine app geared exclusively towards mental health care. By combining therapy and psychiatric care, you can get all of your mental health needs taken care of by downloading one app.

Related: The Best Apps You Can Use to Help Improve Your Mental Health

To get started, all you need to do is fill out a questionnaire and schedule your intake appointment. Here, you can detail your mental health concerns and potentially get a prescription. Then, you will have follow-up visits with your therapist and your medications (if needed) will get mailed to you every month.

All of this can be done from your iPhone or Android device, making it easier than ever to receive mental health care. Some insurance plans cover Cerebral and more are starting to cover it regularly.

Download: Cerebral for iOS | Android (Free)

6. Lemonaid

Some people use telemedicine to fill their prescription or to start a new prescription, assuming they know what they need to take. Most telemedicine appointments can cost around $70, which is expensive if you’re just filling a prescription or requesting a new one.

If that’s the case, consider Lemonaid. Lemonaid is a telehealth app made for lightning-fast and affordable prescriptions. For only $25, you can see a doctor or a nurse practitioner and get your prescription updated and sent out to your pharmacy.

For a small fee, Lemonaid will also mail your prescription out to you in discrete packaging. You can view prescription prices right in the app and compare them to your local pharmacy. In many cases, it costs the same or is cheaper, as Lemonaid doesn’t need to spend money on retail locations.

Please note that Lemonaid won’t be able to prescribe controlled substances like some pain and psychiatric medications. Check to see if your prescription allows refills via telemedicine before signing up.

Download: Lemonaid for iOS | Android (Free)

Getting Care Quickly

Thanks to advancements in telemedicine, it has never been easier (or more affordable if you don’t have insurance) to see a doctor. With great apps, you can see a doctor right from your iPhone or Android device. Give one of these apps a try the next time you get sick; it could save you from an expensive doctor bill!

Joe is a former web designer and current entrepreneur and freelance writer. He is passionate about making technology accessible for everyone. When not writing for MakeUseOf, he can be found skateboarding, hiking, and attending graduate school.

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