Online doctor’s visits: the new face of healthcare? Or a waste of time?
If you ask me, it’s the former. Telehealth, or telemedicine, is the wave of the future. Why visit your doctor in person and risk waiting room germs and wasted time waiting for your appointment to begin when you could connect with a real doctor right over your phone, from the comfort of your own home?
If you’re new to telemedicine, I understand your hesitation to jump on board. I mean, is it really smart to get medical care from a doctor you’ve only met online? There are a lot of questions that you’ll want to be answered before you decide to choose telehealth.
Today, I’m going to discuss just one of the many excellent online medical care brands that are changing the face of the medical field, PlushCare. In this review, you’ll learn what PlushCare is, what they treat, and whether or not this is a good option for you and your lifestyle.
PlushCare Reviews: What Are Customers Saying Online About This Telehealth Service
As reported by TrustPilot.com, 92% of PlushCare users rated their experience as excellent with only a handful of negative reviews. I decided to dig a little deeper as to why there were some complaints about their services.
After reading the negative reviews, I found that they all had to do with people being charged for services even though the doctor was unable to provide the help they needed. Unfortunately, telehealth is not for every situation, some cases call for an in-person physical examination. All complaints were responded to promptly and kindly by the PlushCare support team who offered a point of contact to discuss options for additional customer service.
To sum it up, the overwhelming majority of patients who used PlushCare are nothing short of delighted with the service stating the convenience and efficiency are simply unparalleled when compared to the traditional medical process. Most customers agree that this service is filling a major gap in the medical field and is making getting treatment for common ailments easier than ever before.
About PlushCare
PlushCare was founded in 2014 when Dr. James Wantuck and Ryan McQuaid saw the flaws in the medical system and decided to team up to make a difference. As a patient, Ryan was tired of all the time he was wasting in the waiting room, and as a doctor, Dr. Wantuck understood how flawed the healthcare system was.
Their initial business model called for doctor’s visits that took place over the or through your computer, eliminating the need for driving into the office and waiting to be seen by the Dr. The original headquarters for PlushCare was located in the backroom of a doctor’s office in San Francisco where Dr. Wantuck saw patients via video chat and Ryan manned the phones and scheduled appointments.
Although their beginnings were humble, they knew they were onto something and things just blossomed from there. Today, the company has a team of over 100 physicians and employees, but their mission has remained unchanged: to help people live a long, healthier, happier, and more convenient life.
What Can They Treat?
Whether you woke up with a sore throat and need urgent care, you have an ongoing medical problem that requires period attention, or you need a place to get your birth control, PlushCare has you covered.
They are equipped to handle all of your urgent care, on-going care, and everyday care issues using the best in digital medicine to diagnose and treat whatever you have going on. Here’s a list of some of the most common services they provide:
Urgent Care
- Cold & Flu
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Sinus Infections
- Pink Eye
- Bacterial Infections
- STDs
- Sore Throat
- Bacterial Vaginosis
On-Going Conditions
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Depression
- Anxiety
Everyday Care
- PrEP
- Birth Control
- Prescriptions
- Hair Loss
- Prescription Refills
- Mental Health Prescriptions
And more! Please keep in mind that this service is not for emergency medical services. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, you need to call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
How Does This Online Doctor Service Work?
PlushCare’s motto is “Simple and seamless care. When you need it.”
Their process for getting started is simple and looks like this:
Step 1
Book an appointment for a time that works for your schedule right through their official website, https://www.plushcare.com/profile/book/. You’ll be given a list of available doctors in your state to choose from as well as available times. You also have the opportunity to view the doctor’s profile so that you can choose the one that suits you best.
Step 2
Download the PlushCare app and talk to your doctor right through your smartphone at your scheduled appointment time. The app is free to download and very simple to use and navigate.
Step 3
If your doctor prescribed you medication, it will be sent right to your regular local pharmacy where you can go pick it up when it’s ready.
Step 4
Ask questions and get the follow up support you need from your care team anytime. You can use the chat option on the app to message your care team anytime you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions and Additional Information
Whether this is your first time using a telehealth service or just your first time using PlushCare, you almost certainly have some questions regarding what to expect. Below are some FAQs that will help you understand the process and to decide if this online telemedicine service is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
Q: Do I need medical insurance?
A: No, you do not need medical insurance to be treated by a PlushCare doctor. However, they do accept most major health insurance plans.
Q: How much does PlushCare cost?
A: If you do not have medical insurance, you will be charged their flat-fee rate of $99 for your visit in addition to the monthly fee of just $14.99 per month. If you have an insurance that they participate with, you will be responsible for your copay or coinsurance.
Q: Can I get lab testing done?
A: Yes. If your doctor needs to order a lab test for you, they will send you the lab order and you will be able to visit a lab location of your choosing. The results will be sent to you from PlushCare within 3-5 business days.
Q: What’s their policy on prescribing controlled substances?
A: PlushCare is unable to prescribe controlled medications at this time. These medications include Xanax, Adderall, and Ativan.
Q: Can I get PEP?
A: Yes! If you were exposed to HIV, you can get a prescription for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis within the first 72 hours of exposure. You can also get HIV testing.
Q: Do they offer COVID-19 antibody testing?
A: Yes, in fact you can get your COVID-19 antibody test for free for insured in-network patients. If you qualify, your PlushCare doctor will determine if you’re eligible for antibody testing and will then provide you with a testing order.
Q: Can I get birth control through PlushCare?
A: Yes, your doctor can prescribe and refill your birth control medication for you.
PlushCare Pros: Why I Love This Provider
Let's take a look at the table below to see why myself and verified users love this telehealth provider. Even you will be surprised at what they can do!
PlushCare Considerations: Things to Consider Before Using
There is a monthly fee of $14.99 per month
Final Thoughts: Is it right for you?
PlushCare is a wonderful option for convenient healthcare, especially during the times of COVID-19. Rather than spend time waiting for an in-person doctor’s appointment, waiting in a germ-infested waiting room, and potentially exposing yourself and your family to hazards, you can instead get the care and treatment you need from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule.
It’s fast, easy, convenient, and available on your schedule. I am a huge proponent of telehealth and believe that it’s going to be the new way we receive medical care.