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GP visit cards

What is a gp visit card, who can get a gp visit card, income limits for people aged under 70, how to apply for a gp visit card, more information on gp visit cards.

A GP visit card is a card that gives you free visits to a participating family doctor (GP). If you are not eligible for a medical card , you may be eligible for a GP visit card.

What does a GP visit card cover?

Your GP visit card covers the cost of visits to your GP and visits to GP out-of-hours services . Blood tests to diagnose or monitor a condition are covered.

The GP visit card does not cover hospital charges . Prescribed drugs are not free but may be covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme .

You can apply for a GP visit card online.

You must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to apply for a GP visit card. This means that you are living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least one year.

You will qualify for a GP visit card with no means test if you are :

• Aged under 8 (see GP visit cards for children )

Aged over 70

• Getting Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance , at full or half-rate

If you are aged under 70, your income is assessed by the HSE to see whether you qualify for a GP visit card. See below for information about the HSE basic rates of income.

Your income is assessed by the HSE using the means test for people aged under 70 . However, the basic rates of income for the GP visit card are higher than the limits for the medical card.

Your weekly net income is compared to the HSE's weekly basic rate of income . This is your income after tax, PRSI and universal social charge (USC) have been deducted. There are extra allowances for children.

If your income is above the weekly basic rate you may still qualify for a GP visit card after you include allowable expenses such as childcare and rent (see ‘Allowable expenses’ below).

The weekly basic rates of income increased on 11 September 2023 and again on 13 November 2023. If you were not eligible in the past, you may be eligible now.

Allowable expenses

Some living expenses are allowable. This means they increase your weekly basic rate of income.

Allowable expenses include:

• Childcare costs
• Rent (not including any amounts paid by Housing Assistance Payment or Rent Supplement )
• Reasonable mortgage payments on your family home and other land or property.
• Mortgage protection insurance and associated life assurance.
• Home insurance.
• Maintenance payments you make.
• Nursing home, private nursing or home care costs for you or your spouse.
• The cost of public transport.
• Driving expenses if a car is required, at a rate of 30 cent per mile/18 cent per km. If a couple needs two cars to travel to work, a double allowance applies. The cost of parking can be taken into account.
• Reasonable contributions towards carpooling costs.

See examples of how you or your family’s income is calculated when you apply for a GP visit card.

Read the HSE National Assessment Guidelines for medical card and GP visit card (pdf) . You can also find a list of the documents you need to support your application.

Aged over 70 with dependants

If you are aged over 70, you are eligible for a GP visit card regardless of your income.

If you are over 70 and you have dependants who are aged under 70, for example, a spouse or partner your dependants may qualify for a GP visit card if your combined gross income is over €1050, but not greater than €1,400 a week.

If either of you are aged over 70, you will both qualify for a full medical card if your combined gross income is €1050 or less per week.

Finances over the qualifying financial threshold

When you apply for a GP visit card, the HSE will first assess your application for a medical card . If you don't qualify for a medical card, you will then be assessed for a GP visit card.

If your finances are over the qualifying financial threshold for a medical card or GP visit card, you may still qualify for a discretionary medical card if your medical expenses would cause you financial hardship without one.

If you want to apply for a discretionary medical card , you should also include information about your family’s medical expenses in your application.

Aged under 70

If you are under 70, you use the same application process to apply for a GP visit card as for a medical card . So, as part of the application process for the GP visit card, your entitlement to a medical card is automatically assessed.

You can apply for a medical card or GP visit card online on medicalcard.ie

You can also download an application form for the GP visit card and medical card (pdf) and email it to [email protected] or post it to:

National Medical Card Unit,

PO Box 11745,

If you are aged 70 or over, you can register for your GP visit card online .

You can also download the registration form for people aged 70 and over (pdf) and email it to [email protected] or post it to:

GP Visit Card Over 70s,

PO Box 12629,

You can also call 0818 22 44 78 to ask for a paper registration form.

Application for a spouse or partner

If you are over 70, with a dependant spouse or partner who is under 70, and you think your finances may be under the qualifying financial threshold, you can apply for GP visit cards for both of you. To do this, you use the standard medical card/GP visit card application form (pdf) and include details of your income and allowable expenses. (For the HSE weekly basic income rates, see ‘Dependants of people aged over 70’ above).

Applying if you are a carer

If you get Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance, at full or half-rate, you are eligible for a GP visit card. You can register for the GP visit card for carers by email or post .

Appealing your GP visit card application

If your application for a GP visit card is refused, you will receive a letter from the HSE to let you know. The letter will also set out the reasons why your application has been refused.

If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may have it reviewed. Your circumstances may have changed, or you may have left out some relevant information from the original application.

If you are not satisfied with the review, you can make an appeal to the Appeals Office of your HSE Area . You can also find the contact details for the Appeals Office in the letter of refusal from the HSE.

The Appeals Office will conduct a reassessment of your application. This will be conducted by HSE staff who were not involved in deciding on your original application.

Your entitlement to a GP visit card is reviewed periodically by the HSE. This is because your circumstances may change. If you don’t return your review form, your GP visit card may not be re-issued.

If you return your review form by the given date but the review process continues past the expiry date of your card, the HSE may extend your card’s validity so that you can continue to use it while the review is taking place. The extension is on a month-by-month basis, so it is advisable to contact the HSE Client Registration Unit (contact details below) to confirm that your card has been extended and continues to be valid.

Check the status of your application for a GP visit card on the HSE website . You will need the reference number from your application.

You can check if your GP visit card is still valid on the HSE website.

Contact Lo-call 0818 22 44 78 or your Local Health Office for more information on GP visit cards. You can also contact the Client Registration Unit.

Client Registration Unit

4th Floor HSE PCRS Finglas Dublin 11

Related documents

• Services for medical card and GP visit card holders Family doctors (GPs) provide certain services to medical card and GP visit card holders free of charge. 3252.0986
• GP visit cards for children under 8 Children under 8 are entitled to free visits to participating GPs. Find out how to register for the GP visit card for children. 2999.2444
• Under 70s means test for medical card and GP visit card How your income is assessed for the medical card and GP visit card if you are under 70 years of age. 2770.5686

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Patients now have access to doctor's visit notes: A guide to what's inside

What does your doctor really think about your condition and health concerns? For more than a year now, patients have been able to access and read the observations doctors write down about them during a visit.

The clinical notes can come with surprises. Patients may be amused to find out they’re described by their physician as “well-nourished,” “well-groomed,” “pleasant” or “normal-looking.”

“’He is not ill-appearing or toxic-appearing.’ That’s the best review I’ve ever received,” one man wrote on Twitter after reading his doctor’s notes.

But patients may also be taken aback by comments referring to them as “obese” or mentioning their marijuana use. One woman was shocked when she saw her doctor wrote down that she “seemed overly dramatic,” she complained on Reddit .

As of April 2021, healthcare providers must give patients access to all of the health information in their electronic medical records as part of the 21st Century Cures Act . That includes your doctor’s written comments about your physical condition during a visit, along with any symptoms and what the treatment should be.

The rules don’t apply to psychotherapy notes made during counseling sessions or when doctors believe a patient would harm another person or themselves after reading the information, according to OpenNotes , a non-profit organization based at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston that advocates for greater transparency in healthcare.

Doctors have been both supportive and cautious of the movement. In a 2020 survey of 1,628 clinicians, 74% agreed note sharing was a good idea.

“It does give the patient a lot more ownership of their medical condition because they can see what we’re thinking about, they understand our thought processes a little bit more, and they can see what the options are,” Dr. Sterling Ransone, Jr., a family physician in Deltaville, Virginia, and chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told TODAY.

But knowing that patients can now read his notes, Ransone finds he self-censors himself to avoid sounding critical or judgmental of a patient.

“It’s difficult because sometimes you have to leave a note to yourself what your concerns are, but they can cause anxiety with the patient,” he noted. “I can say that it really has changed the way that a lot of physicians write their notes.”

That means more accessible language, less jargon and more caution with certain terms that might offend or upset a patient.

Ransone no longer uses the abbreviation “SOB,” which stands for “short of breath” and instead writes out the full term in his notes. Same with “FU,” which stands for “follow up.”

The American Academy of Family Physicians has also urged doctors to write “patient could not recall” instead of describing them as a “poor historian;” “patient declines” instead of “patient refuses;” and “patient is not doing X” instead of describing them as “non-compliant.”

A guide to your doctor’s note:

The medical note has traditionally included four parts, Ransone said: The subjective findings, or what a patient said they were concerned about; the objective findings, or what the doctor actually observed during the visit; the physician’s assessment after evaluating the patient and the treatment plan.

Doctors are used to jotting down any observations that can offer clues to what’s going on. So writing down that a patient “seemed overly dramatic” can mean the person’s complaint wasn’t consistent with the degree of their symptoms and something else might be the reason for their visit that day, he noted.

Here are other descriptions patients may find in their doctor’s notes:

Well-groomed or pleasant: This can indicate mental status. “If someone comes in and they’re somewhat disheveled, it leads you to wonder why and what do I need to look into?” Ransone said. “Pleasant” means the patient was communicative and responded to social cues, he noted. Patients who are upset or sleepy could have a substance abuse disorder or another reason why they’re having trouble interacting.

Well-developed or well-nourished: “A lot of times when people look at open notes and they’ll say, ‘Well, of course I am. What does this mean?’” Ransone said. “It just means that we checked in our mental checklist… (that) those aren’t things that we need to worry about.” If a person isn’t well-nourished, it might mean they don’t have access to food or their teeth might be in such bad condition that they can’t chew and get nutrition.

Unremarkable: This is a good thing. “Unremarkable is exactly what you want to be when you see a physician,” Ransone said. “I joke with my patients all the time: You want to be the most boring patient that I’ve seen today, because that means we haven’t seen anything that is abnormal that we need to chase down.”

Obese : To a physician, the term means the patient is of a certain weight for their height and frame, which comes with a certain constellation of medical concerns, Ransone said. “There’s a stigma to obesity in society and a lot of patients really don’t want to have that on their charts… but it’s a very important piece of the puzzle for me as I’m trying to help a patient get healthier,” he noted.

Substance use: This isn’t necessarily bad. Doctors will note a patient has an occasional glass of wine, for example, to give them an idea of the person’s alcohol consumption habits. “The way that our society looks at, say, marijuana use has changed a lot over the years, but a lot of people don’t want that included in the medical record,” Ransone said. “I’d like to know if someone is smoking weed because it could affect the medications that I should give them for their health condition.”

Other health observations patients frequently don’t want on their chart include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, he noted.

Some patients have called Ransone to ask that he change something in their note because they see it as a pejorative or they disagree with his assessment, but that doesn’t mean he’s wrong, the doctor noted.

One guide for physicians suggested telling the patient: “I’m sorry you disagree with my assessment. While I can’t change my medical opinion, if you’d like I can add that you disagree with it.”

Patients pointing out factual errors — such as noticing the note referenced a problem in the right knee rather than the left — is a completely different issue. If there's anything inaccurate in your chart, bring it to your doctor's attention.

In fact, patients who read their doctor’s notes may play an important role in finding errors in their records, a 2020 study published in JAMA found.

Ransone encouraged patients who are reading their doctor’s notes to keep the lines of communication with their physician open.

“Don’t necessarily assume the worst when they read things. Realize that a lot of the things that they read are open to interpretation,” he advised.

A. Pawlowski is a TODAY health reporter focusing on health news and features. Previously, she was a writer, producer and editor at CNN.

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Getting the most out of your doctor appointment.

Last Updated March 2023 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Kyle Bradford Jones, MD, FAAFP

Taking an active role in your health care can help you get the best care possible from your doctor. One way to do this is to make sure you get the most out of your office visit by preparing ahead of time and creating an agenda for your visit with your doctor. When you prepare for your appointment ahead of time, both you and your doctor will find the visit more helpful. Here are some tips you can follow for what to do before, during, and after your visit with your doctor. These tips can help you and your doctor work together to improve your health.

Path to improved health

Be prepared.

Usually, you will only have about 15 minutes of time with your doctor. To make sure you and your doctor get the most out of your time, be sure to think about your visit ahead of time.  Think about your concerns and questions. Write these things down before your visit. Make a list and bring it to your visit. With a list, you won’t have to worry about remembering everything you need to tell your doctor. Here are a few things you might consider before your visit:

• Think about concerns and questions you have for your family doctor. Write these down. Start first with what is most important to you and end with the least important. Bring the list to your visit. Be ready to work with your doctor to reorder your list, if needed.
• If you are a new patient, bring as much information as possible with you to help your new doctor learn your health history. If you are not a new patient, you only need to bring information with you that is new or has changed since your last visit with your doctor.
• Write down your health history. You can create a “health journal” for yourself on paper or on your computer. Your health journal can include things like health problems you have or have had, blood pressure numbers, recent symptoms, food eaten, or a sleep diary. Bring the journal or health history to your appointments.
• Take any X-rays, test results, or medical records you have. Your doctor can look at these to learn more about your health history.
• Make a list of all the medicines you take, including when and how often you take the medicine. Include the strength of the medicine (for example, do you take 150 mg or 200 mg?). The list should also include any vitamins or supplements you take.
• Talk to your family members to see if they can come with you to your appointment to listen, take notes, and ask questions.
• If you will need an interpreter for your appointment, call your doctor’s office to let them know ahead of time.

Be sure to take your lists with you to your visit. The  Today’s Visit Form  or  Patient Pre-Visit Checklist  can help you with preparing for your visit with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor

When you talk to your doctor, follow these steps to make sure you and your doctor get the most out of your time together.

Go over your lists

Even though it’s hard, talk about the issues that are embarrassing or scary at the beginning of your visit. This will give your doctor plenty of time to address them. Your doctor is not there to judge you but to help you. Be honest.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any current and past health care issues or concerns. It’s important to share any information you can, even if you’re embarrassed. Give your doctor the following information during the exam:

• Your symptoms
• Personal information, such as stress or changes in your life
• Any medicines you are taking, including supplements
• Any side effects you are experiencing from your medicine(s). Be sure to tell your doctor if your medicine makes you feel sick or if you think you may be allergic to it. Also let them know if you are having trouble paying for your medicine. Your family doctor may be able to help find different medicines for you to take or explain why the ones you are taking are the right choice.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to speak up during your appointment. It’s important for you to let your doctor know if you don’t understand something. If you don’t ask questions, your doctor will think you understand everything. Here are some tips on asking your doctor questions:

• Ask every time you don’t understand something.
• If you can’t understand what your doctor is explaining, ask them to explain it in better detail, possibly using pictures or brochures.

Here are some good starter questions you can ask your doctor:

• What do my symptoms mean?
• Should I be tested for a disease or condition?
• What caused this condition?
• How serious is the condition?
• How is it treated?
• Are there any side effects to the treatment?
• How long will treatment take?
• How will this condition affect my life now and in the future?

If you run out of time, make a plan to get the rest of your questions answered.

• Tell your doctor when you need more time to talk about something. If the doctor isn’t available to help, you should be able to talk to an assistant or a nurse. If no one else is available, see if you can schedule another appointment to ask the rest of your questions.

Take information home with you

Taking written or recorded information home with you can be helpful. It can help you remember information and instructions any time you need to. Your doctor is a good source of accurate information you can trust. The following are types of information you can take home with you:

• Notes you have taken during the appointment. It’s ok for you to write down the information your doctor gives you. Sometimes it helps to bring a friend or family member with you. They can help write down the answers to your questions and other information shared by the doctor or nurse. You can also ask your doctor to write down notes for you.
• Written instructions from your doctor. These should be provided to you at the end of your appointment.
• A tape recording. Ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to record to the appointment to help you correctly remember everything.
• Brochures or other educational materials. If there aren’t any available, ask where or how you can get some.

Things to consider

Make sure to follow any instructions you and your doctor discussed during the visit. This could include taking medicine, preparing for a test, or scheduling an appointment with a specialist. If you’re confused or if you’ve forgotten some information, it’s okay to contact your doctor. The following are some common reasons you may need to call your doctor or send an electronic message after your appointment:

• If you have any questions after the appointment. Ask to leave a message with the doctor or speak with a nurse.
• If you start to feel worse or have problems with your medicine
• If you had tests and haven’t got the results

National Institute of Health, MedlinePlus: Make the most of your doctor visit

Last Updated: March 10, 2023

This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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Preventive services include health care like screening tests, checkups, and vaccines. Unlike the care you get when you’re sick or managing a long-term condition, preventive care can help stop you from getting sick in the first place — or it can find health problems before they get worse, even before you have symptoms. 

Why do I need preventive care?

There are lots of great reasons to get preventive care. It can:

• Save your life. Screening tests and checkups can find health problems early, when they may be easier to treat. This includes serious diseases like cancer.
• Prevent disease . Some preventive services can keep health problems from developing. This includes vaccines and screenings for certain cancers, like cervical cancer.
• Help you save money . Finding and treating health problems early can help you avoid costly medical bills down the road. Plus, most insurance plans cover preventive services, and there are free or low-cost options if you don’t have insurance. 
• Offer peace of mind. Regular checkups are a chance for you to share concerns and ask questions about your health — and to get support from a doctor or other health care professional.

How to Get Preventive Care

Make an appointment with your doctor..

Talking with your doctor or nurse is a great first step to getting preventive care. They can tell you which screenings, vaccines, or other services you need — and answer any questions you may have. Together, you can make a plan to protect your health.

Looking for a new doctor or nurse? Use these tips to find the right fit .

Find free or low-cost preventive care.

Most health insurance plans cover preventive services at no cost to you — usually without a copay or deductible. 

But even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still get free or low-cost preventive care. Try these tips:

• Visit a community health center or clinic. Community health centers and clinics can offer affordable — or even free — preventive care. Find a health center near you . 
• Contact your local health department. Many health departments offer free health services, like flu vaccines, to people in the community. Your health department can also give advice on where to find additional free or low-cost health care services in your area. Use this interactive map to find your local health department.
• Look for volunteer clinics. Some communities offer free clinics run by volunteers for people who don’t have health insurance. Find a volunteer clinic near you.  
• Ask your local hospital about free screenings. Many hospitals offer free screening events. Contact your hospital’s customer service or community outreach department to learn what options are available.

If you’re getting health care through the Indian Health Service (IHS), use this tool to find preventive care near you. And if you’re a Veteran, you can get care at a VA location in your area. 

Look for free screening and testing programs for specific diseases.

There are also some free or low-cost programs to help you get screened or tested for specific diseases. For example:

• Screening for breast and cervical cancer: National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
• Testing for HIV, STIs (sexually transmitted infections), and hepatitis: Get Tested search tool

Learn about insurance coverage for preventive services.

If you have private health insurance:.

Private health insurance means you’re getting your insurance through an employer or the Health Insurance Marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act, private health insurance plans must cover many preventive services. Depending on your insurance plan and other factors like your age, you may be able to get these and other preventive services at no cost to you:

• Blood pressure , diabetes , and cholesterol tests
• Many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies
• Counseling on topics like quitting smoking , losing weight , eating healthy , treating depression , and drinking less alcohol
• Vaccines to protect against diseases like the flu, whooping cough, measles, and meningitis
• Counseling, screening, and vaccines to help you have a healthy pregnancy
• Regular well-baby and well-child visits

Keep in mind that you may be charged a portion of the cost if a preventive service isn’t the main reason for your doctor’s visit or if you’re seeing an out-of-network provider. To avoid unexpected medical bills, ask your doctor before your appointment what services will be covered — or check with your insurance company.

To learn more, check out these resources about: 

• Free preventive care covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you  
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]  

If you have Medicaid:

Medicaid covers certain preventive services at no cost, like vaccines and recommended screenings and tests. It also covers counseling to help you manage long-term health conditions and support healthy changes, like quitting smoking. You can:

• Find out more about getting preventive care through Medicaid
• Contact your state’s Medicaid agency for detailed information

If you have Medicare:

Medicare also covers certain preventive services at no cost. To learn about Medicare and preventive care:

• Browse this list of covered services
• Use this tool to see what Medicare covers

If you’re uninsured, explore options for getting health insurance.

There are different options for getting health insurance coverage — and it may be more affordable than you think. To get started, you can:

• Check to see if you’re eligible for Medicaid. The Medicaid program provides health insurance for families with low incomes, pregnant people, people with disabilities, and people in certain other groups. Find Medicaid coverage in your state.   
• Enroll your children in CHIP. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private health insurance. Learn more about CHIP.
• Explore the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace offers health insurance plans for anyone who needs it. How much you’ll pay for coverage depends on how much money your family earns. Read this quick guide to Marketplace coverage or find local help.

Content last updated June 7, 2024

Reviewer Information

This information on preventive services was adapted from materials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Reviewed by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Review Team.

You may also be interested in:

Get Screened

Take Charge of Your Health Care

Get Your Medicare Wellness Visit Every Year

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Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by ODPHP or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

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How Much Does a Doctor Visit Cost With and Without Insurance?

Without insurance, medical care can get pricy fast. Where you live, what doctor you’re going to, and what tests you need will all figure into your doctor’s visit bill. In this article, we’ll break down those costs and give you some tips for saving money.

What Goes into the Cost of a Doctor’s Visit?

Geography is one of the biggest factors in the price of a doctor’s visit. Most medical facilities pass some of their overhead expenses onto their patients. If you live somewhere with a higher cost of living, like California or New York City, you’ll likely pay more for doctors’ visits. The practice has to pay more for utilities and rent, and those costs show up in your bill. For example, Mayo Clinic’s Patient Estimates tool quotes $846 for a 60-minute office visit in Jacksonville, Florida, but $605 for the same visit in Wisconsin.

Like the cost of living, supplies and equipment will also end up on your tab. Say you need a strep test, blood draw, or Pap smear. The supplies needed for the test plus the cost of the lab fees will all figure into the price.

Bills for the same exams and procedures can also vary depending on what kind of facility you’re going to. Smaller practices and public health centers are often a lot cheaper than university or private hospital systems. This is due in part to their buildings being smaller and their overhead fees being lower.

Price of Out-of-Pocket Doctors’ Visits

The cost of a doctor’s office visit also depends on what kind of doctor and the procedure you need to have done. For example, an in-office general wellness checkup will be cheaper than a specialist procedure. If you have an emergency, an urgent care center will be much more affordable than the emergency room.

Primary Care Physician — Physical Exam

Physicals usually include blood pressure readings, cholesterol measurements, and vaccines. Prostate exams for men and Pap smears and breast exams for women are also often included. Pediatric physicals focus on the growth milestones for your child’s age. Doctors check height, weight, sleep patterns, diet, and the vaccines required by public schools.

The range for a yearly physical can be anywhere from $100 to $250 or more without insurance. A CVS Minutecare Clinic may charge just $59 for a sports physical, but not all organizations will accept this as proof of physical health.

Primary Care Physician — Procedures

On top of the base cost for physical exams, you may have extra charges for any specific tests or procedures you need. According to the Cardiometabolic Health blog, the most common procedures in primary care medicine include bloodwork, electrocardiograms, and vaccines/injections.

Bloodwork is one of the biggest cost wild cards. Certain tests can run you from as little as $10 to as much as $10,000 . Large national labs like Labcorp offer pricing on their website, so you know what to expect going in. For example, Labcorp’s General Health Blood Test , which includes a metabolic panel, complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis, costs $78.

Electrocardiograms or EKGs check your heart health and can find cardi ac issues. This quick procedure involves monitoring your heartbeat through electrodes placed on your skin. While it’s a painless and accurate way to detect heart conditions, the costs can add up without insurance. Expect to pay as little as $410 or as much as $1700 for this procedure, depending on local prices.

Vaccines are often required before sending your kids to school. The CDC publishes a vaccination price list annually to give you an idea of what to expect. For example, they quote $19-$132 for DTaP, $21 for Hepatitis A, and $13-$65 for Hepatitis B. The COVID-19 vaccine, however, is free of cost, regardless of insurance status.

Urgent Care Visit

If you have an emergency but are stable, urgent care is much cheaper than the emergency room. According to Scripps , most urgent care centers and walk-in clinics can at least treat dehydration, cuts or simple fractures, fever, flu, strep, and UTIs. Note that if you have chest pain, a serious injury, seizures, a stroke, or pregnancy complications, you should go straight to the ER .

For a base exam at an urgent care facility, expect to pay between $100-$150 . That price will go up depending on what else you need. For example, Advanced Urgent Care in Denver quotes $80 for an X-Ray, $50 for an EKG, $135 for stitches, and $5 for a urinalysis. In comparison, expect to pay $1,000-$1,300 for the same procedures in the emergency room.

How to Lower Your Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs

Healthcare expenses may seem overwhelming without insurance. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you cover the costs.

Free & Low-Cost Immunization and Wellness Clinics

For standard vaccines and checkups, look for local free or low-cost clinics. Check out The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ search tool to find a location near you. Your city’s public health department should also offer free or low-cost vaccines and basic medical care services.

Certain large vaccine manufacturers also offer vaccine programs. For example, Merck’s patient assistance program offers 37 vaccines and medicines free to eligible patients. The program includes albuterol inhalers and vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, and HPV.

Cash Negotiations

Most health systems offer lower rates for patients paying cash. Some even have free programs for low-income families. For example, Heritage UPC in North Carolina has a yearly membership for low-cost preventative care. In Northern California, the Sutter Health medical system offers full coverage for patients earning 400% or less of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline .

As of January 1, 2021, all hospitals in the United States now have to follow the Hospital Price Transparency Rule . That means they have to list procedure prices clearly on their website. You can also call medical billing before your appointment to discuss cash pay options.

Federal Medical Payment Support

If all else fails, there are federal programs to help you cover the cost of medical bills.

Organizations like The United Way and United for Alice offer grants for ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) patients. These are people living above the poverty level, making them ineligible for other government programs but below the basic cost-of-living threshold.

Medicaid is available for children, pregnant women, and adults under a certain income threshold. If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but you can’t afford private insurance for your children, you may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover your children’s medical care.

Use Compare.com for the Best Doctors’ Visit Prices

Navigating bills for a doctor’s visit can feel overwhelming, but Compare.com is here to help. With our price comparison tool, you can search all clinic and doctors’ office prices in your area. Compare makes sure you’re prepared for the cost of your checkup long before you schedule your appointment.

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more.

As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.

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Let’s Get Physical? The Differences Between Physical Exams and Annual Wellness Visits

From  changing guidelines about when to start getting mammograms to understanding the different types of annual visits to schedule with your primary care doctor, navigating medical care can be complicated.

If you are on Medicare, it's important to understand these nuances, especially the difference between a physical exam and an annual wellness visit. Your insurance defines these two appointments differently, which could affect your out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what you need to know about these two types of visits. 

Annual physical exam

During a physical exam, your doctor will discuss basic recommended health screenings with you and provide physical examinations. For women or people assigned female at birth, a yearly checkup may include a pelvic exam and recommended screenings such as mammograms or Pap smears. For men or people assigned male at birth, this appointment might include a testicular exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer. 

Your doctor may recommend other screenings, such as:

• Colonoscopy
• Behavioral health screenings
• Cholesterol level
• Blood sugar level

These appointments are beneficial in a variety of ways, including an in-depth look into the status of your current conditions and providing you with updated insights through tests and screenings. Physicals give you a better understanding of your health, increase your ability to assess your risk for future complications and offer a professional guide to help navigate diagnoses and treatment. 

“The costs of these appointments can change based on the types of testing performed, and Medicare generally does not cover lab work like cholesterol screenings unless it is tied to a specific medical condition,” said  Jillian Gansert, MD , Primary Care Physician at Inspira Medical Group. “While Medicare does not cover annual physical exams, it does cover a single ‘initial preventive physical examination’ visit offered to newly-enrolled Medicare beneficiaries. Those are followed by exams called annual wellness visits.”

Medicare annual wellness visit

An annual wellness visit is an appointment covered by Medicare Part B focused on health promotion and preventive care. During a visit, your health care provider can give you personalized health advice, and together you will develop action plans based on your risk factors, lifestyle, existing medical conditions, and individual needs. 

This type of visit also includes: 

• A routine check of your height, weight, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) 
• A review of the medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking 
• An overview of your personal and family medical history
• Screenings for issues with your mood or memory that can affect your health and well-being 
• Routine vaccinations, including annual flu and pneumonia vaccines

“Because Medicare covers annual wellness visits 100 percent, these appointments can give you insight into your health without increasing your healthcare costs,” said Dr. Gansert. “Patients get the opportunity to review existing medical conditions and current list of medications with their care team, receive preventive care, and plan small life changes.”

Which type of appointment should you make?

While these two annual visits may sound the same on the surface, different care is associated with each. Additional costs are associated with an annual physical exam, but they can give you more in-depth information through testing and screenings related to your health in specific areas. If you are looking to get a routine check of your vitals, updates on vaccinations, and an overview of your current health, schedule an annual wellness visit. Both appointments are important and should be part of your yearly health plan. 

Inspira offers comprehensive  primary care throughout the South Jersey region.  Click here to schedule an annual wellness visit at Inspira Health . 

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How to find the right balance between telemedicine and in-person care

FILE - A patient sits in the living room of her apartment in the Brooklyn borough of New York during a telemedicine video conference with a physician on Jan. 14, 2019. Patients can now see an array of doctors without leaving their recliner thanks to telemedicine. But that doesn’t mean trips to the office should end. Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person visits can be a key to getting good care. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

FILE - A doctor examines a patient at a clinic in Stanford, Calif., on April 9, 2019. Patients can now see an array of doctors without leaving their recliner thanks to telemedicine. But that doesn’t mean trips to the office should end. Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person visits can be a key to getting good care. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, file)

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Patients can now see an array of doctors without leaving their recliner thanks to telemedicine. But that doesn’t mean trips to the office should end.

Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person visits can be a key to getting good care.

Here’s what you need to know about which form of care may be right for you and when.

WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?

This generally refers to diagnosing and treating patients remotely. It’s often done over a secure video connection provided by the doctor’s office. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer.

But telemedicine also can involve telephone calls or trading secure messages with someone from your doctor’s office to discuss test results or follow-up steps after an appointment.

It can be used to diagnose new health problems and monitor existing, long-term issues like diabetes.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

These virtual visits can save time and give patients more doctor choices. That’s especially important for those who live where in-person care options are slim or for patients who can’t take time off work to get to the doctor or lack transportation.

Telemedicine use exploded after COVID-19 hit in 2020. It has cooled since, but it remains more popular than it was before the pandemic, particularly in specialties like dermatology or mental health care.

Amazon now offers a telemedicine option in every state. And many companies sell subscription-based plans centered on virtual care. For those, patients pay a regular fee for doctor visits and mail-order prescriptions to treat high blood pressure, anxiety or hair loss, among other issues.

WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A VALUABLE VISIT?

Test your phone or tablet before the visit starts. You will want to make sure both audio and video work properly. You may need time to adjust your device settings.

Make sure you’re in a room or location that offers privacy, especially for therapy sessions. That’s usually not a work cubicle, library or restaurant with public Wi-Fi.

Don’t drive, walk or eat while talking to the doctor. Aside from being unsafe, those habits also can be distracting for both the patient and physician, noted Dr. Jay Lee, a family physician who does both in-person and virtual visits.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?

Telemedicine needs a secure, fast internet connection, and some patients or doctors may lack the technology to do a virtual visit.

Sometimes physical exams are necessary.

Someone seeking help for a urinary tract infection — which can be treated by telemedicine — might actually have gallbladder problems. That could require an ultrasound during an in-person visit, noted Lee, a board member with the American Academy of Family Physicians.

There also may be limits to receiving telemedicine from doctors outside your state. Pandemic emergency declarations that made this easier have ended .

That can make follow-up care challenging if a patient travels to see a specialist.

“There aren’t that many pediatric specialists in all of the different conditions that can affect kids,” said Krista Drobac, founder of the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for telemedicine use.

WHAT’S THE RIGHT BALANCE?

That can depend on the patient’s comfort with telemedicine and the treatment they need.

In some cases, there is no balance if a patient lacks an in-person option or that visit is tough to schedule.

If possible, Lee recommends an initial visit in person and then telemedicine follow-ups. He says that first visit is important for any doctor or specialist you expect to see again.

Both the physician and patient need to determine whether they “have a vibe, that they can get along and that they can work together,” he said.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Best Online Doctors

MDLIVE is our top choice for the best online doctor

The rise in online doctors has made health care more accessible and affordable across the country. There are times when seeing a doctor face-to-face is necessary, but remote care is a great option for non-emergency medical concerns, such as colds, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and online therapy. Plus, telehealth helps free up in-person healthcare facilities, making it easier for severely sick patients to be seen by doctors promptly.

With so many telehealth options available, it can be challenging to know which virtual provider is right for you. Before you start your search, consider your symptoms, how often you’ll need care, your budget, and what your insurance—if you have health coverage —will and won't cover. To help you determine the telehealth services for your needs, we've compiled a list of the best online doctors available throughout the United States.

Best Online Doctors of 2024

• Best Overall: MDLIVE
• Best for Pregnancy: Maven
• Best for the LGBTQ+ Community: Folx Health
• Best for Pediatric Care: Blueberry Pediatrics
• Best for Psychiatry: Teladoc
• Best for Comprehensive Care: Doctor On Demand
• Best for Flexible Care Options: Sesame
• Best for the Uninsured: HealthTap
• Best for Affordable Care: LiveHealth Online
• Best Medication Refills: PlushCare
• Best Nutritionist: Tepper Nutrition
• Our Top Picks

Folx Health

Blueberry Pediatrics

• Doctor On Demand

LiveHealth Online

Tepper Nutrition

• See More (8)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• How To Choose

Methodology

Best overall : mdlive.

• Price: Urgent care $0 to $82, behavioral health $0 to $284, dermatology $0 to $95
• Accepts Insurance: Yes
• Platform: Phone, web browser, and app

MDLIVE is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to schedule appointments within minutes. The service provides care for more than 80 different conditions across urgent care, mental health, and dermatology.

Accepts several insurance plans

Provides care for more than 80 conditions

Licensed physicians available 24/7

Responsive hotline for questions or concerns

Offers medication management services

Can be expensive without insurance

Doesn’t provide care for certain issues

MDLIVE offers on-demand specialists for urgent care, a transparent fee structure, and live support for illnesses, injuries, mental health concerns, and hair, skin, and nail conditions. You can speak with healthcare providers via phone, computer, or app-based appointments. It's important to note that the service provides urgent care for both children and adults, but for primary care, it sees patients only if they're older than 18.

To use MDLIVE, simply go to its website and create an account. Once you’re registered, you can input your insurance information to see if your plan is accepted. From there, you can search through providers and schedule an appointment. The medical doctors are available 24/7, but you may encounter a wait.

MDLIVE’s pricing varies based on the type of care you need and your insurance if you have any.

• Urgent care: These visits cost up to $82 and include care for non-emergency medical concerns.
• Behavioral health: Talk therapy or psychotherapy can cost up to $108, while psychiatry visits can cost up to $284 for the first visit. There is care for depression, anxiety, and more.
• Dermatology: These visits can cost up to $95 and offer care for warts, eczema, and other skin, hair, and nail issues.

MDLIVE accepts insurance plans from Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Independence, plus some Medicaid and Medicare plans. You also can use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your visit.

While MDLIVE is a great option, it does not offer a subscription plan or free consultations. However, you may be able to find a discount code online.

Best for Pregnancy : Maven

• Price: Starts at $20 per appointment
• Accepts Insurance : No
• Platform: Web browser and app

Maven is our top choice for pregnant people because of its affordable cost and comprehensive care. With medical experts from more than 30 different specialties, Maven is a great option for those who wish to become parents, as well as expectant and postpartum parents.

Focuses on family planning services and pregnancy care

Experts from 30+ different specialties

Offers care in over 35 different languages

Supports LGBTQ+ community

Flexible app platform for on-the-go appointments 

Features large resource library

Doesn't accept insurance 

No live chat customer service

No refunds for day-of cancellations

Maven is a great option for expectant parents due to its wide range of specialty care, affordable costs, and easy-to-navigate platforms. The telehealth service employs fertility specialists, certified sleep coaches, nutritionists, midwives, and more. From prenatal care to labor and delivery to postpartum support, Maven provides pregnant people and their families with the help they need.

It’s important to note that Maven is not a replacement for your in-person OB-GYN or primary care provider. Rather, it’s a great way to receive care quickly and more efficiently from home as a supplement to in-person appointments. Maven provides you with a care advocate that can help you find an in-person provider when needed.

Signing up for an account with Maven is as easy as creating a username and answering a few simple questions. You can browse the available specialists and choose which type of provider you need—or let Maven match you with the right doctor. From there, you can book an appointment at a time that works best for you.

Maven’s pricing varies depending on the type of care needed and the provider’s level of experience. Maven calls shorter visits “education-only appointments” because you can get answers to general questions but can’t receive a diagnosis, treatment, or medication. Appointments allowing treatment and medication are available with Maven providers who are licensed in your state.

• Doulas, lactation consultants, nutritionists, and physical therapists: A video appointment with any of these specialists costs around $25 for a 20-minute appointment.
• Nurse practitioners and midwives: These services cost $20 for 10-minute video appointments.
• Physicians (OB/GYNS, pediatricians, etc.): Video appointments with any of these healthcare providers cost $40 for a 10-minute session.
• Reproductive endocrinologists: A video call with a reproductive endocrinologist costs $75 for a 15-minute appointment.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners: This type of visit costs $90 for a 30-minute video call. 
• Mental health providers: For your first week only, 10-minute video calls cost $20. Then, 40-minute appointments cost $70 with master's-level therapists and $120 with doctorate-level therapists.
• Coaches: Video calls with coaches cost $50 per 30-minute session. 

Unfortunately, insurance isn't accepted. However, some employers offer Maven as part of their benefits packages. You can also use HSA and FSA funds to pay for your visits.

Best for the LGBTQ+ Community : Folx Health

• Price: Starts at $59 per visit
• Accepts Insurance: No
• Platform: Web browser

As the first transgender-specific telehealth platform, Folx Health offers care to LGBTQ+ individuals in a compassionate and supportive manner. The service offers care for sexual well-being, family planning, and hormone replacement therapy.

Subscriptions for hormone replacement therapy

Includes a virtual library of supportive resources

Staffed by expert clinicians who specialize in LGBTQ+ care

Provides one-on-one consultations

Currently available in only 38 states and D.C.

Does not accept insurance

Can only treat people over 18

Launched in December 2020, this up-and-coming service provides a safe and supportive platform exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community. Folx Health's model focuses on giving you control of your health and wellness—and the freedom to access expert care, no matter where you are. Folx Health helps patients with fertility, gender consultation, nutrition, sex, and more, plus it supplies medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), erectile dysfunction (ED) meds, estrogen, and testosterone.

To get started, you can either customize a subscription plan based on your needs or schedule a one-time visit with an experienced provider. Although Folx is available in only 38 states and Washington, D.C., its services and locations continue to expand. Folx doesn’t accept insurance, as it wants the costs to be as transparent as possible; however, you can choose to pay with an FSA/HSA card.

Primary care visits cost $59, while the price of prescription plans varies depending on the type of medication.

• Clinician visit: Online doctor visits for the LGBTQ+ community cost $59 per visit.
• Estrogen subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for estrogen costs $119 a month and is for anyone who has been on hormone replacement therapy for less than one year. The maintenance plan costs $59 per month and is meant for those in their second year or more of HRT. Both plans include automatic refills, lab testing, free shipping, virtual visits, and expert consultation.
• Testosterone subscription plans: The New Start/Restart plan for testosterone costs $139 per month, while the maintenance plan costs $89 per month. These plans have the same perks as the estrogen plan.
• PrEP plan: This pre-exposure prophylaxis plan includes a three-month supply of daily HIV prevention pills for $90 a month.

Best for Pediatric Care : Blueberry Pediatrics

• Price: $15 to $20 per month, plus cost of medical kit
• Platform: Web browser, phone, text, and app

Blueberry Pediatrics has affordable memberships, board-certified pediatric doctors, and 24/7 availability—even on holidays. 

24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians

Visits take 15 minutes or less

Can prescribe medication and order labs

Text option for support any time of day

Memberships include at-home medical kit

Doesn't accept insurance

One-time $100 fee to purchase a medical kit

Can provide care in only 18 states

Blueberry Pediatrics is a telehealth service that provides comprehensive pediatric care to children younger than 21 years old. The company has board-certified pediatricians available 24/7 via web browser, phone, or app, plus its memberships come with at-home medical kits that include an ear infection kit, finger pulse oximeter, and digital oral thermometer for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Memberships include all children in your family at no additional cost, and there are no limits on how many times you can message the team. With 24/7 text support, you can ask the Blueberry Pediatrics team medical questions and receive a response within minutes. The staff can prescribe medications and send them to a pharmacy of your choice, and send medical information to your primary pediatrician to keep records up to date.

The website and app are both very easy to use. After answering a few questions about your child's symptoms, you'll be connected with a pediatrician in a matter of minutes. Blueberry Pediatrics serves 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. 

Blueberry Pediatrics offers a monthly and an annual membership plan; you'll save money if you choose the annual plan.

• Monthly membership: This costs $20 a month for 24/7 access to board-certified pediatricians. When you sign up, you’ll also pay a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit.
• Annual membership: At $180, the annual membership saves you $60 each year compared to the monthly plan. This membership also requires a one-time fee of $100 for the medical kit.

Because of its already low-cost membership, Blueberry Pediatrics doesn't accept insurance. You can, however, pay using an HSA or FSA card.

Best for Psychiatry : Teladoc

• Price: Therapy $0 to $99, psychiatry $0 to $299, medical care $0 to $75
• Accepts Insurance : Yes
• Platform: Web browser, phone, and app

Whether you need therapy or psychiatric services, Teladoc offers convenient access to board-certified physicians who specialize in a variety of mental health conditions. Plus, the app makes scheduling easy with click-to-talk capabilities on your phone.

Offers appointments seven days a week

All therapists and psychiatrists are licensed

Option to choose which doctor you'd like to see

Medication management provided for some conditions

Available in the US, Canada, and internationally

No subscription plans or packages available

Doesn’t offer couples, group, or family therapy

Psychiatric services can be expensive without insurance

Teladoc provides a quick and easy option for psychiatric services, whether you need therapy or medication management. Focusing on a whole-body approach to care, Teladoc offers comprehensive mental health services from board-certified doctors seven days a week. It also offers primary care, dermatology, and nutrition services.

To create your account, enter standard information, such as your name, birthdate, and ZIP code. Next, you’ll be prompted to enter any insurance information, which will help give you a general idea of the cost. Once registered, you can search for a doctor and schedule an appointment right from your phone.

Teladoc's pricing isn't as accessible as other platforms, mainly due to its customized approach. Here are the price ranges available on the site:

• Therapy session: Appointments can cost between $0 and $99, depending on what your insurance covers.
• Psychiatric visit: Your first visit can range from $0 to $299 and follow-up appointments cost up to $119.
• Medical care: General medical services cost between $0 and $75 per appointment, depending on insurance.

Teladoc accepts insurance, including some Medicare Advantage plans, but you must set up an account to view specific coverage options. It doesn't offer subscription plans or free consults.

Best for Comprehensive Care : Doctor On Demand

Doctor on Demand

• Price: Medical care $75 per visit, mental health care $129 to $299 per visit

Doctor On Demand provides care for a broad assortment of issues. Patients can use the service for mental health care, preventive care, urgent care, chronic issues, and more. As well, coverage is available for both adults and children.

24/7 access to medical and mental health care

Offers medication management

Accepts many insurance plans

Services offered to adults and children

No subscription plans or discounts

Therapy availability varies by state

Can be expensive without insurance coverage

Doctor On Demand has been providing excellent service to patients around the country since 2013. The company offers a comprehensive lineup of services including urgent care, mental health, preventive health, and chronic care. From weight management to acute illness and stress, you'll find everything you need on one platform.

Doctor On Demand makes scheduling simple through its app and web portal, and it has appointments available within minutes. In the web portal, you can schedule with a certain provider or select the next available appointment. The app is user-friendly and walks you through the entire process from initial account creation to insurance and scheduling. Plus, you're able to check your coverage before scheduling a visit.

Doctor on Demand’s pricing varies based on the type of appointment and your benefits.

• Medical care: $75 for a 15-minute appointment
• Psychology: $129 for a 25-minute therapy sessions; $179 for a 50-minute session 
• Psychiatry: $299 for initial 25-minute consultation; $129 for 15-minute follow-up sessions

One plus of going through a service like Doctor On Demand is that you can use your insurance benefits. The company accepts a long list of commercial health plans as well as some Medicare plans. If you need comprehensive treatment in a hurry, this telehealth service has you covered.

Best for Flexible Care Options : Sesame

• Price: Varies depending on location and provider
• Accepts Insurance: No for appointments; yes for medication

With thousands of doctors available, Sesame is perfect for those seeking flexible, affordable care. It offers a wide variety of services, including dental care, skin consultations, therapy, sexual health care, and more.

Easily view available physicians, wait times, and costs

Works with doctors across more than 80 specialties

Optional cost-saving monthly membership available

Affordable prices without insurance

Accepts HSA and FSA payments

In-person clinics only available in some states

Insurance coverage only for medication

Must pay for appointment at the time of booking

Sesame was founded in 2018, and it offers affordable care to those with or without insurance across the country. As a superstore for health care, the telehealth service provides flexible care both virtually and in-person with experts specializing in more than 80 conditions. You can find providers for urgent care, prescription refills, mental health support, dermatology , dental care, and more.

The website is easy to navigate and up-to-date. Sesame has in-person services in some states, but its virtual appointments (usually video calls) are what the company is known for. To see available providers near you, simply select your location in the upper-righthand corner. From there, it's simple to select whether you're looking for in-person, telehealth, or prescription services. Everything from basic scheduling to prescription refills is available through its platform.

Sesame’s pricing varies depending on your needs and chosen provider. Costs are reasonable and outlined clearly on the website and app, which makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. To save money on the already affordable service, a Sesame Plus membership costs $11 per month and includes a free annual lab test and discounts on select medical services. However, you don’t need to be a member to use Sesame.

Sesame doesn't accept insurance, but users are able to view pricing for each board-certified physician before booking an appointment with them. If you're looking for high-quality, flexible care, Sesame is a great choice.

Best for the Uninsured : HealthTap

• Price: $99 per visit (or copay); $15 monthly memberships for $44 primary care visits and $59 urgent care visits (or copay)

Offering primary and urgent care with upfront pricing, HealthTap is a great choice for those looking for affordable telehealth appointments. It has a monthly subscription option that includes exclusive discounts and perks, making it a cost-saving option for those without insurance.

Has upfront pricing

Membership includes Talkspace discount

Can have the same primary care doctor for every visit

Features a free library with physician-answered questions

Prescription costs not included with membership

Doesn’t offer mental health care

Founded in 2010, HealthTap offers low-cost appointments for people without insurance. The telehealth service provides 24/7 urgent and primary care to children and adults via text or video. The board-certified doctors can diagnose, prescribe medication, order lab tests, and give referral recommendations.

HealthTap's app is extremely user-friendly, allowing you to easily book appointments, request refills, contact your doctor, and message other members of your care team—all through your smartphone. It even features a free library of questions from other patients and answers from its community of doctors, so you can learn more about topics outside of appointments.

HealthTap has two membership options:

• HealthTap Prime: For $15 a month, this subscription membership offers primary care appointments for $44 per visit (or your insurance copay) and urgent care appointments for $59 per visit (or your insurance copay). This plan includes 24/7 access to on-demand care, $100 off online therapy visits with Talkspace, your choice of primary care doctor, and more. 
• HealthTap Basic: This plan doesn’t have a monthly fee. Visits are $99 each (or your insurance copay). 

HealthTap accepts more than 100 insurance plans including Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna, plus HSA and FSA funds. With affordable appointments for children and adults, HealthTap is a great choice for those without insurance.

Best for Affordable Care : LiveHealth Online

• Price: Medical and allergy appointments up to $59 per visit, psychology sessions up to $95, psychiatry visits $75 to $175
• Platform: Web browser or app

LiveHealth Online offers telehealth appointments for medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry care, with medical visits averaging at just $59—no subscription required. Plus, it accepts several insurance plans.

Affordable appointments

No monthly fees

You choose your doctor

Provides care for children

24/7 access to medical and allergy care

No live chat support on the website

Health care doesn’t come cheap, but, luckily, LiveHealth Online offers inexpensive care for those with or without insurance. It’s free to sign up, doesn’t have any subscription fees, and you know the price of the visit before you commit to an appointment. LiveHealth Online has four types of services: medical, allergy, psychology, and psychiatry.

The website is basic and straightforward. It features an easy sign-up form that asks for only essential information like your name, email, and password. After you sign up, you can scroll through available board-certified doctors and view their ratings to help you choose one that fits your needs. Unfortunately, there isn't a live chat option on the website, so if you have any questions, you have to reach out via email or telephone.

LiveHealth Online has four different services and its pricing depends on your type of care and insurance coverage. You easily can see what your appointment will cost on the company’s website.

• Medical: Medical appointments cost $59 without insurance and might cost less if your health plan is in-network.
• Allergy: Rates are the same as for medical appointments.
• Psychology: Without insurance, therapist visits are $80 and psychologist visits are $95. They might cost less if you have insurance.
• Psychiatry: Your first appointment is $175. Follow-up sessions are $75 without insurance. They might cost less if you have insurance.

LiveHealth Online doesn't offer any free services, consultations, memberships, or subscriptions. Its upfront pricing makes it an affordable choice for those in need of quick solutions for ailments like pink eye, rashes, or tooth pain . Though somewhat basic, LiveHealth Online is extremely budget-friendly.

Best Medication Refills : PlushCare

• Price: $15 per month or $99 per year, plus $129 for the first visit and $69 for all repeat visits or insurance copay

As a PlushCare member, you can see a board-certified doctor and get medication refills sent to your pharmacy in as little as 15 minutes. The company offers a variety of services, but its quick online prescriptions are the cream of the crop.

Same-day appointments available in just 15 minutes

Hires doctors from top U.S. medical institutions

Accepts insurance and HSA/FSA payments

Offers four different types of care

Must pay a membership fee to use

Cost is higher than other telehealth options

Since 2015, PlushCare has been a leading provider of telemedicine in the United States. Its services are available 24/7 and include primary care, urgent care, mental health, and therapy. With affordable pricing and low wait times, PlushCare makes it easy to get medication refills on prescriptions—like birth control, antidepressants, and diabetes medications—sent to your local pharmacy.

Before ever creating an account, you can find available doctors and appointment times on PlushCare’s website and mobile app. You can view a physician's background, ratings, and reviews—and then make your selection. Once you become a member, getting started is easy; just enter the requested information into the form and book an appointment.

PlushCare has two membership options:

• Monthly: Monthly membership is $15 a month. The first visit costs $129 with follow-up appointments costing $69, if not insured, or your insurance copay.
• Annual: For $99 a year, this membership is the best value. Appointment fees are the same, but you save $81 in membership fees.

While the membership fee may be a drawback to some, the ease of getting medication refills sent quickly can be worth it. As a bonus, memberships include unlimited messaging with your online care team as well as same-day appointment options.

Best Nutritionist : Tepper Nutrition

• Price: $170 to $220 for the initial appointment

The registered dietitians at Tepper Nutrition use an overall lifestyle approach for each client, whether you have food allergies, sensitivities, or other chronic conditions that can be improved through nutrition, or just want to develop a more positive relationship with food and eating.

Has sliding scale rates

Consultations available Monday through Friday

Offers retreats, workshops, and nutrition courses

Weight-neutral, anti-diet values

In-person consultations only available in Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Virtual consultations only available in 13 states and D.C.

Tepper Nutrition offers one-on-one nutrition therapy and coaching to those facing a wide range of concerns, including eating disorders, Crohn’s disease, IBS, high cholesterol, allergies, celiac disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and more, plus services for pediatric, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition. The practice teaches clients to create lifestyle changes using non-diet, weight-inclusive Health At Every Size® principles.

Depending on your location and preferences, you will meet with your dietitian either in person or virtually. There are two clinics in the state of Virginia (located in Alexandria and Leesburg) and one in Washington, D.C. The practice also offers telemedicine appointments to clients who live in those two areas and in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia. 

Price is per session:

• An initial 60-minute consultation costs $195 out of pocket. Your provider will ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle, sleep habits, stress level, daily schedule, what you tend to eat, and other factors that may contribute to your current concerns.
• 90-minute follow-up sessions are $160. Sliding scale payment plans are available to some clients on a case-by-case basis. The company can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer for out-of-network coverage.

Tepper Nutrition also offers a weight-inclusive, self-guided intuitive eating program, Beyond the Fork ($349–$499), as well as occasional yoga retreats and nutrition workshops at varying prices.

Overall, MDLIVE stands out thanks to its affordability and user-friendly features. Book a virtual appointment with a board-certified doctor within minutes of signing up—no matter what time it is. Plus, you can get prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy, use insurance, and pay with FSA/HSA funds. In addition, the customer support team is available 24/7 to handle any issues along the way.

Compare the Best Online Doctors

Guide for choosing the best online doctor, what is an online doctor.

An online doctor can be thought of as a modern take on the traditional general practitioner (GP). Online doctors aren't a replacement for your in-person primary care physician (PCP), but they are a smart solution for individuals and families to have flexible urgent, medical, and mental health care readily available via a computer, phone, or app.

Is an Online Doctor Right for You? 

Online doctors are a convenient option when you need flexible care. Since virtual appointments are conducted via the internet, you can book visits at any time of day—plus, you don't have to leave your couch for your appointment. Many online doctors can prescribe medication, order lab work, and provide referrals.

While virtual appointments may be appropriate for mild illness or injury, not every condition qualifies for online care. Seek emergency assistance at the nearest hospital if you're experiencing chest pain, seizures, difficulty breathing, or suicidal ideation.

Comparing Online Doctors

Not every online doctor offers the same services. Do your research before choosing a virtual doctor and consider your preferences carefully. Some factors to weigh include:

• Cost: Telehealth costs vary greatly, so it's important to understand the pricing structure and fees of your chosen online doctor.
• Services: Some virtual clinics offer only urgent care, while others provide ongoing primary care and mental health support.
• Insurance: Many online doctors accept some insurance plans. If you plan to use insurance, you'll want to ensure your chosen online doctor accepts your plan first.
• Availability in your state: Availability varies by provider and state. Check the website of your chosen doctor to understand which locations they serve. It's especially important to research location availability if you're seeking mental health services.
• Platforms: Web browsers and apps are the most popular ways to connect with online doctors, but some providers offer services via phone calls or texting. Know what type of device you plan to use and check that your preferred online doctor supports it.
• Discounts or cost-saving options: Discount codes, membership plans, subscriptions, and free consultations can help you save money—especially if you don't have insurance.
• Reviews from other patients: Hearing firsthand experiences from other patients provides valuable insight into whether or not your needs will be met by your chosen online doctor.
• FSA/HSA: Having the ability to pay using a flexible spending account or a health savings account could help lower costs. Check to make sure they accept these forms of payment if you plan to use them.

Scheduling an Appointment with an Online Doctor

Once you've chosen an online doctor service, you'll likely be asked to create an account before booking an appointment. This helps keep your medical information in a safe, secure, and organized location for you and your provider.

Once your account is set up, you should be able to choose an available provider and time based on your preference. If you're new to online care, it may be helpful to speak to a representative via online chat or phone. If your chosen online doctor accepts insurance, you'll input this information to give you a better idea of the cost before booking an appointment.

Some common questions you may be asked:

• Personal Medical History
• Current medications
• Family history
• Reason for visit

Most platforms are user-friendly; however, if you're not sure how to book an appointment, you can call the number provided on the contact page for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of online doctors.

There are a variety of online doctors who provide a range of services. Many offer acute care for mild symptoms or illnesses, while others specialize in managing chronic diseases and promoting wellness. There also are some providers who offer only urgent care. You'll find board-certified physicians, OB-GYNs, pediatricians, and even mental health therapists and psychiatrists among online doctors.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Online Doctor?

Using online doctors ensures convenience, flexibility, and privacy. They also offer quick and easy access to care, allowing you to see a medical professional and get the help you or your family needs quicker than most in-person clinics.

When Should You Not See an Online Doctor?

Online doctors aren't meant for emergency visits. If you're having a medical emergency such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Can Online Doctors Prescribe Medication?

Yes. Many online doctors prescribe medications to treat mild to moderate medical conditions, but they can’t prescribe controlled substances, such as opioids (codeine, morphine, Oxycontin), sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata), stimulants (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse), and certain anxiety medications (Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Xanax). Depending on the provider, they may prescribe antibiotics, birth control, antidepressants, or other prescriptions.

What Do I Do If I See an Online Doctor And Need a Lab Test?

Many online providers partner with local labs that offer convenient appointment times, locations, and results. However, most lab services are an additional cost—unless otherwise noted. Still, some online doctors don't have the capability of ordering these tests.

We looked at dozens of online doctors to determine which ones offer all-encompassing features at affordable prices. Our primary focus was on cost, payment options, insurance, appointment scheduling, and convenience. We also took consumer reviews into consideration to determine how user-friendly the platform is, as well as overall satisfaction scores.

Lastly, we considered which providers offered more than the traditional online doctor services. Those with 24/7 availability, prescription drug options, and even lab tests were highly regarded. In the end, we based our rankings on the total value provided by each online doctor platform.

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Koma W. Medicare and telehealth: coverage and use during the COVID-19 pandemic and options for the future . Kaiser Family Foundation.

Center for Connected Health Policy. Compare state policies .

By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare experience.

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Worries grow for British doctor and TV presenter who went missing in Greece

ATHENS, Greece — Greek police say an ongoing major search and rescue operation on the small eastern Aegean island of Symi has still not located British doctor and television presenter Michael Mosley, who went missing on Wednesday afternoon after reportedly going for a walk.

Police said Friday that the coast guard, police and fire department were involved in the search, with a helicopter, drones and a police sniffer dog deployed. They have found no trace of the 67-year-old who had been vacationing on the island.

An initial search had focused on the area between Agios Nikolaos, the beach where Mosley apparently set off on his walk at 1:30 p.m. local time, at the island’s main town of Symi. But CCTV footage seen by PA news agency shows him later entering a mountainous path heading inland.

Authorities had also looked into whether he might have left the island altogether, but found no indication that anyone had traveled under his name.

Britain’s Foreign Office said it was in contact with Greek authorities over the search.

Mosley is well-known in Britain for his regular appearances on television and radio and for his column in the Daily Mail newspaper. He is known outside the U.K. for his 2013 book “The Fast Diet,” which he co-authored with journalist Mimi Spencer. The “5:2 diet” set out how people can lose weight fast by minimizing their calorie intake for two days in a week while eating healthily on the other five.

He has subsequently introduced the Fast 800 diet, a rapid weight loss program, and has made a number of films about diet and exercise.

Mosley has often pushed his body to extreme lengths to see the effects of his diets and also lived with tapeworms in his guts for six weeks for the BBC documentary “Infested! Living With Parasites.”

Worried friends and colleagues expressed their shock over Mosley’s disappearance.

“This shocking news focusses our minds on Michael’s wife, Clare, and their sons,” said Roy Taylor, a professor of medicine and metabolism at Newcastle University who co-authored “The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet” with Mosley. “Our thoughts are with them in this terrible time of uncertainty, hoping that he will be found safely.”

In 2002, Mosley was nominated for an Emmy for his executive producer role on the BBC science documentary “The Human Face,” which was presented by Monty Python star John Cleese and which featured a raft of famous faces including Elizabeth Hurley, Pierce Brosnan and David Attenborough.

Mosley has four children with his wife, Clare Bailey Mosley, who is also a doctor, author and health columnist.

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DOJ Indicts Doctor Who Exposed the Barbarism of “Gender-Affirming Care”

Eithan Haim blew the whistle on Texas Children’s Hospital’s illegal child sex-change program. Now he’s being prosecuted.

A few years ago, Texas Children’s Hospital made no secret of its support for transgender medicine. Its doctors proudly administered puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and other medical interventions to children who self-identified as “trans.”

Then the tone shifted. In the face of public pressure, CEO Mark Wallace announced that he was shutting down the child gender clinic. But doctors at the hospital, including Richard Ogden Roberts, David Paul, and Kristy Rialon, never stopped.

The public would not have known if not for a courageous surgeon, Eithan Haim, who felt morally obligated to expose the subterfuge. He contacted me about how the hospital had lied about terminating the transgender medicine program, and that doctors were, in fact, continuing to perform sex-change procedures on children as young as 11.

The story rocketed across the world. The hospital immediately went on the defensive. Within a week, Texas legislators passed a bill confirming that transgender medical procedures for minors were illegal.

But the story also attracted attention from another powerful source: federal prosecutors. The Department of Justice has not shied from targeting political opponents of the Biden administration: former President Trump; conservative school board protesters; persons praying outside of abortion clinics; and now, doctors who dissent from transgender ideology.

On the morning in June 2023 that Haim was to graduate from Texas Children Hospital’s residency program, federal agents knocked on his door. They had identified him as a potential “leaker,” presumably through forensic examination of the hospital’s computer systems. Shortly thereafter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari began threatening Haim with prosecution.

Now, Ansari has made good on those threats. Earlier this week, U.S. marshals appeared at Haim’s home and summoned him to court to face an indictment on four felony counts of violating HIPAA. His initial appearance is next Monday, where he will learn more about the charges against him.

According to one of Haim’s attorneys, Marcella Burke, he is anxious to get to trial to get his side of the story told; she is confident that this will result in the correct decision being made. (For my own part, I can confirm that nothing in the information provided to me identified any individual; all the documents were, in fact, carefully redacted.) Nonetheless, the prosecutor has pressed forward, hoping, at the least, to intimidate other medical professionals who would consider blowing the whistle on the barbarism of “transgender medicine.”

Despite the threat to his livelihood and freedom, Haim is undeterred. He plans to mount a vigorous defense in court and is soliciting public support .

The Haim case marks an inflection point in the debate on “gender-affirming care.” If Haim prevails, other courageous doctors and medical professionals will follow his lead and speak out. We will need all their voices if we are to succeed in shutting down the child sex-change business in the United States.

Christopher F. Rufo is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and the author of America’s Cultural Revolution .

Photo: Zereshk , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

City Journal is a publication of the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research (MI), a leading free-market think tank. Are you interested in supporting the magazine? As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations in support of MI and City Journal are fully tax-deductible as provided by law (EIN #13-2912529).

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