Did You Know That Teladoc Is Free?
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For some people, Teladoc is completely free. If you have a minor health issue and don’t want to pay a copay to see the doctor, you may want to consider using Teladoc for an online visit. Many health insurance plans offer free or low-cost Teladoc benefits. Even people without health insurance can use Teladoc, but there will be a charge, sometimes a lower one than you’d see at a doctor’s office, depending on where you live.
Teladoc visits can be a fast alternative to seeing a doctor quickly for a sinus infection, allergies or emergency prescription refills. Also covered at a cost are visits with back and joint care specialists, mental health specialists as well as nutritionists and dermatologists.
Teladoc is a great alternative to visiting the doctor if you have a problem after doctor office hours or on the weekends, if the problem doesn’t necessitate an emergency room visit. Caregivers can also use Teladoc for assistance with the care recipient. Here’s more about Teladoc.
Key Takeaways
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What Is Teladoc
Teladoc is a virtual health care service that is rendered through its app or on its website. To begin, you must set up an account. In doing so, you’ll see if your health insurance works in partnership with Teladoc. If they do, your visit may be free or almost free.
Information about Teladoc benefits and a number to reach Teladoc should be on your health insurance card or you can find out more by logging in to Teladoc.com and following the steps to set up an account.
Is Teladoc Free?
If you have health insurance and that insurance includes teladoc benefits, your visit with a general practitioner is usually free. However, you may have to pay a fee depending on your specific health insurance plan.
It may be a good idea to call the Teladoc number on your health insurance card to ask questions about fees. You will also find out what you owe, before confirming a visit, if you create an online account and set up a visit.
While you may have no copay for seeing a general practitioner, you will still have to pay for any prescribed medications. The cost of prescription medications is based on your health insurance benefits.
If you do not have health insurance or your health insurance does not offer Teladoc benefits, you can still use Teladoc. Costs without health insurance are as follows:
- General Medicine: $75
- Therapy: $0-$99
- Psychiatry: $0-$299 for the first visit and $0-$119 for each subsequent visit
As you can see, there is a wide range in pricing, much of it based on the location of the service. Dermatology, nutritionist and back-and-joint specialist fees also range and are not listed until you book a visit.
What if My Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover Teladoc?
You can still use Teladoc, even if your health insurance doesn’t cover it. Without health insurance, it will cost you a fee that differs based on location.
You will be given the amount due prior to confirming a visit request. You can use your health savings account (HSA), flexible savings account (FSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or you can pay with a debit or credit card as well as PayPal.
How To Schedule an Appointment
Take these steps to make an appointment with Teladoc online. You can also call 1-800-Teladoc (835-2362) for help.
To get started, register at teladoc.com. Next, log into your account. Depending on the type of consult you need, do the following:
For therapy
- Request a behavioral health visit and complete a short form.
- Select your provider, complete the emotional health questionnaire.
- Request your first appointment.
For medical
- Click on Medical Info.
- Complete a medical history.
- Request an appointment.
For dermatology
- Request a dermatology consultation.
- Answer a few questions about your skin.
- Upload one to three photos for review.
- Receive a diagnosis, treatment plan, and have any needed prescriptions sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
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