For those who do not have a healthcare provider or have one who is not
available for telemedicine, Doctor on Demand is another way to have a
physician visit without going into a healthcare facility. The online service is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visits are conducted using video
through a browser or an app (iOS or Android) on phones and tablets.
TYPES OF VISITS
If you have a smartphone or computer on which you can have a video visit, you
and your physician will get more out of it. “It’s more of an interaction,” says Dr.
Daniel Kellner, a Yale Medicine urologist. “You can see the person. It’s actually
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That said, it is still possible to meet with a doctor by phone. “There are
physicians who are just doing telephone visits, so if patients don’t have the
capability for video they shouldn’t worry,” says Dr. Julie Yip, rheumatologist at
New Haven Rheumatology and clinical instructor at Yale School of Medicine.
PAYMENT AND INSURANCE
Insurance coverage for telemedicine varies by state, but many providers have
amended their policies and in some cases have even waived co-pays. It is
advisable to call your provider before your visit to see what will be covered.
Doctor on Demand accepts insurance; without insurance, a medical visit is $75.
WHAT TO HAVE WITH YOU
During the visit, the physician will ask you to describe symptoms, tell them
about any allergies, and ask about medications and dosages, so be sure to have
all of that information at the ready along with your pharmacy’s contact
information. Dr. Kellner advises that if there is any relevant information or data
that exists outside the purview of the provider, it should be shared with them. If
you don’t have access to it, communicate that to your physician so they can
assist in tracking it down.
When you’re speaking to your regular physician or with one who is part of the
same health system, they will have your chart with them for the visit. “During
their encounter, we have access to all their records—we can look at their labs
and their imaging and the notes from other providers in the system,” Dr.
Kellner says.