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

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

By MedicalFoundationOfNC.org Research Team | Updated July 2026

What Is Telehealth? (A Simple Definition)

Telehealth is a doctor's visit that happens on your phone, tablet, or computer instead of in a doctor's office. You are talking to a real, licensed healthcare provider — a doctor or nurse practitioner — just like you would in person. The only difference is the location.

Think of it like this: Instead of driving to an office and sitting in a waiting room, you sit on your couch and talk to the doctor through a video call. It takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can do it from home, work, or anywhere you have internet.

Telehealth is not:

• A chatbot or AI that gives you medical advice
• A website that sells you pills without a real doctor's approval
• A substitute for emergency care (like going to the ER)

Telehealth IS:

• A real healthcare provider on a video or phone call
• A quick way to get care for common health problems
• A legal way to get prescriptions for real medications

What Can Telehealth Treat?

Telehealth works great for many common health problems. Here are things your doctor can usually diagnose and treat through a video visit:

Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Infections

If you have a cough, sore throat, or congestion, telehealth is perfect. Your doctor can listen to your symptoms and recommend treatment or prescribe medication if needed.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A UTI is an infection in your bladder or urethra (the tube you urinate through). You can describe your symptoms to a telehealth doctor, and they can order a urine test at a lab near you. Once results come back, they can prescribe antibiotics (medicine to kill the infection).

Skin Rashes and Minor Skin Problems

Show your rash on camera, and a doctor can often diagnose common skin conditions like eczema (dry, itchy skin), fungal infections, or allergic reactions. They can prescribe creams or medications.

Medication Refills

If you run out of a prescription you take regularly, telehealth is one of the fastest ways to get it refilled. No appointment needed — just send in a request.

Mental Health and Therapy

Many people use telehealth for depression, anxiety, or to talk to a therapist. Regular therapy sessions work well over video.

Weight Management and Nutrition

A doctor or nutritionist can help you with weight loss plans and healthy eating advice through telehealth.

Birth Control Prescriptions

Many telehealth providers can prescribe birth control pills, patches, or other contraception (birth control methods) after a brief health history.

Allergies and Hay Fever

If you have seasonal allergies (sneezing and itching from pollen), telehealth doctors can prescribe antihistamines (allergy medications) or other treatments.

What CANNOT Be Treated Through Telehealth

Some health problems need hands-on care or special equipment. Telehealth is not for:

• Emergencies: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injuries, or thoughts of harming yourself — go to the ER or call 911.
• Broken bones or sprains: These need X-rays and a physical exam by a doctor in person.
• Deep wounds or severe cuts: These may need stitches and require an in-person visit.
• Conditions requiring a full physical exam: Things like checking your abdomen, listening to your heart and lungs closely, or examining your joints.
• Certain tests and procedures: Blood draws, ultrasounds, or biopsies (tissue samples) need to happen at a clinic or lab.
• Severe infections or illness: If you're very sick and need IV fluids (medicine through a needle in your vein) or hospitalization.

If you are unsure whether your problem is right for telehealth, just ask the provider. They will tell you if you need an in-person visit instead.

Step-by-Step: How a Telehealth Visit Actually Works

Never done telehealth before? Here is exactly what happens, from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose a Telehealth Provider or App

There are many telehealth companies to choose from (we list some below). You can also use your regular insurance company's telehealth service. Start by going to their website or downloading their app.

Step 2: Create an Account and Sign Up

You will need to give your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. This is just like signing up for any website.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Health History

The app or website will ask you questions like:

• What medications do you currently take?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Do you have any medical conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)?
• What is the reason for your visit today?

Write down your answers ahead of time if it helps. This information helps the doctor understand your health.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Pick a time that works for you. Most telehealth services have availability within hours, not weeks. Some offer same-day visits.

Step 5: Wait for Your Appointment

A few minutes before your scheduled time, you will get a notification (a pop-up message) on your phone or computer. Click the link to join the video call.

Step 6: Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

The provider will appear on your screen. They will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, and how they are affecting you. Be honest and detailed — the more information you give, the better they can help.

They may ask you to do simple things, like look at your skin on camera or describe the color of your urine. This helps them make a diagnosis.

Step 7: Get Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

The doctor will explain what they think is wrong and what you should do. This might include:

• Rest and home remedies (like drinking water for a cold)
• Over-the-counter medications (drugs you can buy without a prescription at any pharmacy)
• A prescription for medication
• Instructions to see someone in person or go to the ER

Step 8: Prescription Sent to Your Pharmacy

If the doctor prescribes medicine, they send it electronically to the pharmacy you choose. You can pick it up within a few hours, just like after an in-person doctor visit. If you don't have a regular pharmacy, the doctor will ask which one you want to use.

Step 9: Pay Your Bill

If you have insurance, you may pay a copay (a small fixed amount, usually $0–$50). If you don't have insurance, the cost is usually $50–$200 per visit. Most telehealth apps show you the cost before your appointment.

Step 10: Your Visit Is Recorded in Your Medical Record

The visit, diagnosis, and any prescriptions are saved just like a regular doctor visit. This information is shared with your primary care doctor (if you have one) so they know what happened.

Cost: What You Will Actually Pay

The cost depends on whether you have health insurance.

With Insurance

Most telehealth visits cost $0–$50 as a copay. Your insurance covers the rest. Some insurance plans cover telehealth visits completely for free. Check your insurance card or call the number on the back to ask what telehealth costs.

Without Insurance

A single telehealth visit costs $50–$200. Some companies charge more, some less. Many offer subscription plans (you pay a monthly fee of $30–$50 and get unlimited visits). If you don't have insurance, ask the provider about payment plans or discounts.

Prescription Costs

The prescription itself costs whatever your pharmacy charges. This is the same as if you saw a doctor in person. Many generic medications (the non-brand-name versions) cost $4–$10 at major pharmacies like Walmart or CVS.

Can You Actually Get Real Prescriptions?

Yes. Telehealth doctors are real, licensed medical professionals who can legally write prescriptions. These are the exact same medications you would get if you saw a doctor in an office.

Here is how it works:

• The doctor makes a diagnosis based on your symptoms.
• They decide a prescription medication is right for you.
• They send the prescription electronically to a real pharmacy.
• You pick it up or have it mailed to you.
• You take the medication just as directed.

Important: Not all medications can be prescribed through telehealth. Controlled substances (drugs like painkillers or ADHD medications that the government regulates closely) have stricter rules. Some can be prescribed over telehealth after an initial in-person visit, and some cannot.

If the doctor cannot prescribe what you need through telehealth, they will tell you that you need an in-person visit. This is for your safety.

Privacy and Security: Is Your Information Safe?

Yes. Your telehealth visit is protected by the same privacy laws as an in-person doctor visit. This law is called HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and it requires doctors and healthcare companies to keep your information private.

What This Means

• Your telehealth company cannot sell your information to advertisers.
• They cannot share your medical information without your permission (except with your insurance company to process payment).
• They use encrypted (scrambled, coded) connections to keep your data safe from hackers.
• You can ask to see what information they have about you.

Tips to Protect Your Privacy During a Telehealth Visit

• Use a private room where no one can overhear you.
• Turn off other people's ability to see your screen.
• Use a strong password (at least 12 characters with numbers and symbols).
• Only use the official app or website — do not click links from emails you are unsure about.

Common Telehealth Platforms and What They Do

Here are some popular telehealth services. Each specializes in different things:

Note: Prices and services change frequently. Always check the current website for accurate information.

Most insurance companies also have their own telehealth services. Check your insurance card or call to see if telehealth is available to you.

Tips for Your First Telehealth Visit

Here is how to make your first telehealth experience as smooth as possible:

Before Your Appointment

• Find a quiet, private room where you can talk without interruption or people hearing your medical information.
• Test your internet connection. Sit near your WiFi router if possible. A strong connection prevents freezing or dropped calls.
• Have your phone, tablet, or computer charged. Plug it in before your appointment starts.
• Gather your medication list. Write down every pill or medicine you take, including the dose (amount) and how often you take it. Check your pill bottles if you are unsure.
• Make a list of your symptoms. Write down what is bothering you, when it started, how bad it is, and what makes it better or worse.
• Write down your questions ahead of time. You might forget to ask important things if you wait until the visit.
• Have your insurance card ready. You may need to type in your member ID number.
• Dress as you normally would. You do not need to be fancy, but wear something you would wear to a regular appointment.

During Your Appointment

• Be on time. Log in a few minutes early so you are ready when the doctor starts.
• Look directly at the camera so it feels like you are looking at the doctor.
• Speak clearly and honestly. Do not minimize (downplay) your symptoms. If something is bothering you, say so.
• Answer all questions. Even questions that seem silly or embarrassing are important for your diagnosis.
• Take notes. Write down what the doctor says so you remember their advice.

After Your Appointment

• Check your pharmacy within a few hours to make sure your prescription was received.
• Follow the doctor's instructions. If they said to rest, rest. If they said to drink water, drink water.
• If symptoms get worse, go to the ER or call your doctor. Do not wait.
• Keep your after-visit summary. Most telehealth services email you a document of what happened. Save this in case you need it later.

Common Questions About Telehealth

Can I use telehealth if I do not have a regular doctor?

Yes. Telehealth does not require you to have a primary care doctor (a main doctor you see regularly). You can use it as a stand-alone service. However, it is still a good idea to have a regular doctor for ongoing care.

Will telehealth affect my insurance?

No. Using telehealth does not change your insurance coverage or raise your rates. A telehealth visit counts the same as an in-person visit on your insurance record.

Can I get a refill of a medication I have been taking for years?

Yes, usually. Many telehealth providers can refill ongoing prescriptions. However, if a medication needs regular monitoring (like blood pressure medication or diabetes medicine), your doctor may ask you to see someone in person first to make sure it is still safe for you.

What if the doctor thinks I need an in-person visit?

They will tell you. They will explain why and may help you schedule an appointment with a local doctor or clinic.

Can I use telehealth if I am under 18?

Yes, but a parent or guardian usually needs to be involved. Laws vary by state and by telehealth provider. Check with the service first.

What if I do not have good WiFi or a computer?

You can use your smartphone and cell phone data (4G or 5G). You do not need WiFi. Many public libraries also offer free WiFi if you need it.

Summary: Is Telehealth Right for You?

Telehealth is right for you if:

• You have a common health problem like a cold, rash, or UTI.
• You need a prescription refill.
• You want mental health support.
• You have limited time or transportation to a doctor's office.
• You live far from a doctor or specialist.

Telehealth is NOT right if:

• You have an emergency (chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing).
• You think you have a broken bone.
• You need a physical exam or hands-on testing.
• You have a condition that has not been diagnosed before.

When in doubt, ask yourself: “Would I normally go to an urgent care clinic for this, or would I go to the ER?” If urgent care, telehealth might work. If the ER, go in person or call 911.

Telehealth is a real, safe, and legal way to get healthcare. It does not replace in-person doctors, but it can save you time, money, and stress for many common health problems. Give it a try.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided is based on general healthcare practices and may not reflect all individual circumstances, regional regulations, or insurance plans. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs, especially before starting new treatments or medications. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Telehealth services vary by provider and location; availability and services are subject to change. Prices and coverage mentioned are current as of the publication date and may vary. Always verify current costs and coverage with your insurance provider or telehealth service before scheduling an appointment.

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