Intro | Getting Started | Pricing and Insurance | Primary Care | FAQ
Going to the doctor’s office can be quite a chore for many people — finding the time to fit in a doctor’s visit can be challenging for those with busy schedules.
Thankfully, there are some companies that recognize the fact that consumer habits are changing. That is one reason why telehealth service is making such strides in today’s fast-paced world.
In fact, according to March 2021 health survey statistics, over 61 percent of Americans reported using a telemedicine/telehealth appointment with nurses or physicians — that’s up from only 19.5 percent in March 2020.
One telemedicine company making a splash in the telehealth world is Lemonaid Health.
This San Francisco-based company has a mission of breaking down some of the barriers limiting people from quality healthcare. They seek to provide the same level of health care professionalism you’d find in the traditional in-person doctor’s office, all from the comfort and privacy of home.
But, is their online doctor’s office and medicine/prescription delivery services legit? Stick around for an honest review so you know the facts before you buy.
A Little Background About Lemonaid
Lemonaid Health was founded in 2013 in an effort to make health services accessible for all by providing low-cost healthcare. In 2019, Lemonaid Health surpassed 100,000 patients in the United States. They are still growing, with over 150 team members to date.
With a full medical team and affordable care, Lemonaid provides access to numerous healthcare services, from both women’s and men’s health to general healthcare services and lab testing. They also provide prescriptions and delivery services for many common prescription medicines.
Lemonaid Health Pros
- The convenience of telehealth, no doctor’s office visits.
- The onboarding process is simple and easy.
- Offers a wide range of treatment services, more than many other companies.
- Employ solid medical professionals, credentials are transparent for all to see.
- Competitive pricing, similar to most insurance co-pays.
- Consultation fees are only charged if you’re a candidate for their treatment.
- Medically licensed in all 50 states.
Lemonaid Health Cons
- Is not covered under insurance.
- Some services are not remote (e.g. lab testing, COVID testing, etc.).
- Not suitable for all medical concerns.
- May not be as comprehensive as an in-person doctor’s visit.
Getting Started with Lemonaid Health
We found that Lemonaid’s personalized healthcare is easy and painless to get started with. It was all done from home — no doctor’s office visits, no hassle.
It all started on the easy-to-navigate homepage with the prompt — What can we help you with today?
From there, you select one of their services (i.e. the reason for digital visit). The selections are numerous and fit into six categories.
Here are the six categories with some of the most popular medical selections:
- Mental health – Anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Men’s health – Erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and premature ejaculation.
- Women’s health – UTI (urinary tract infections), birth control pill, and more.
- General health – Sinus infections, acid reflux, flu, and more.
- Testing – COVID-19 testing, STD testing, cholesterol testing, and more.
- Skin – Acne and dark spots.
Completing an Online Assessment
We chose Acid Reflux as our reason for visiting. The “Get Started” button continues the process.
You will be prompted to provide your zip code so Lemonaid can pair you with a doctor in your area.
Next, we were asked preliminary questions about gender, date of birth, and reason for visit, some questions including:
- I’ve never been diagnosed, but want an evaluation.
- I’ve been diagnosed and I’m taking medicine for it, but my symptoms still bother me.
- I want a refill, my symptoms are under control.
After these preliminary questions, we were asked to complete an online questionnaire, which included questions of past medical history, current medications, etc.
Note: Have a photo ID ready, as it’s required by most state regulations.
Will it require a live video session with a doctor?
That depends. Many of Lemonaid’s services won’t require a live video consultation. However, it really depends on the state. Some states do require video consultation or phone calls for all telehealth visits.
Reviewed by Medical Professionals
After the initial questionnaire, the information was reviewed by a Lemonaid medical professional. Depending on the condition, this may involve follow-up questions.
During this time, Lemonaid is determining whether you are in fact a suitable candidate for treatment. If you are, the next steps involve prescriptions.
The review process was completed promptly — within 24 hours of the initial consultation. Their business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM PST and Saturdays & Sundays 8 AM to 12 PM PST.
Treatment and Prescription
If you’re deemed a suitable candidate for treatment after a diagnosis, Lemonaid will offer a prescription.
It was able to be picked up at the local pharmacy, but it did also offer us the option for delivery directly to your home, depending on the medication type.
Some of the most common prescriptions include, but are not limited to:
It is important to note that according to Lemonaid Health’s prescription policy they do not write prescriptions for DEA controlled substances.
These Lemonaid Health customers seemed pleased with the process:
“Great service, very fast. I used it to get a prescription for ED meds online. I had a doctor video visit and meds within 1 hour…pick up at my local pharmacist. Saved 150 dollars from avoiding an office visit and much better price on generic Viagra. I highly recommend it if your insurance doesn’t cover your office visit or for convenience.”
— Lee, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
“Using Lemonaid was convenient and fast. I used it before the pandemic but it’s extra helpful now that I can’t easily get to a doctor. I don’t have insurance so I was hesitant to get help anyway but this was extremely affordable.”
— Karyn, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
“So Easy! I was feeling miserable and I got treated from start to finish in under an hour from initiation to when I picked up my meds at the pharmacy. The provider was so kind and helpful and I never had to leave my kitchen! So much faster and more affordable & comfortable than urgent care. Would recommend it to anyone!”
— Sarah, 5/5 stars on Trustpilot
Lemonaid’s Pricing and Insurance
Lemonaid’s consultation fee is typically $25. This covers both the evaluation and the prescription if deemed a suitable candidate. This does not include the cost of medication, which is billed separately and is typically a subscription service.
The exact costs of medications and subscriptions depend on the type of mediation and brand. It is important to note that some of the services required flat monthly fees. This covers consultations, medications, and shipping.
For example, services for anxiety and depression have a monthly fee of $95, but include follow-ups, medications, and fast shipping to your home.
Shipping on prescriptions is fast and free. However, if you’d rather get it directly from your local pharmacy, that is certainly an option — but you’d pay the pharmacy directly.
These costs could be higher since local pharmacies set their own retail prices for prescriptions.
> Does insurance cover Lemonaid services?
No. Insurance will not cover the cost of medical consultation. In terms of prescriptions, Lemonaid is cash-pay only, which would be out of pocket.
However, if you have insurance and wish to use a certain medication, the prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy.
Lemonaid’s Primary Care Option
Another service that Lemonaid Health offers is primary care completely online. Based on your medical needs, health goals, and personal interests, they will partner you with a doctor that fits your needs.
You will be able to virtually meet with this primary care doctor via video chat, giving you an opportunity to get acquainted. From here, they can help you develop a plan to help monitor and manage your health.
The good news is, you can call, text, or video chat with your doctor anytime. Some of Lemonaid’s primary care services include, but are not limited to:
- Chronic conditions – Hyperthyroidism, cholesterol, allergies
- Urgent Care – Colds, congestion, headaches/migraines, UTI
- Preventative medicine – Metabolic syndrome, weight-loss counseling
- Women’s health – Sexual dysfunction, menopause, PMS, yeast infections
- Men’s health – Hair loss, sexual dysfunction
- Labs and screenings – Fertility, hormones, vitamin deficiencies, anemia
Individual & Family Plans
No insurance is required with either of these plans. The individual plan has a monthly cost of $99. It has no additional fees or co-pays.
The family plan offers comprehensive care to you and your spouse, plus, you can add children or other family members. Costs start at $178/month.
You can cancel services anytime in the first 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
> Who can use Lemonaid’s services?
Lemonaid Health has licensed medical professionals in all 50 states — and in Washington DC. So, their services are available nationwide.
But, in order to take advantage of their services you must be at least 18 years of age. So, be ready with your full, legal name, date of birth, and photo ID to use their services.
It is important to note that certain services may have unique requirements and limitations. Also, Lemonaid is not a substitute for emergency medical services.
> Is Lemonaid Health secure?
Yes. Since Lemonaid Health is dealing with personal health information online they have a duty to protect your information by putting safeguards in place.
Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to dealing with online platforms, and this is true for telehealth.
Their Privacy Policy gets into the specifics, so it is important to review that information if security and privacy are a concern.
Is Lemonaid Worth It?
So, is Lemonaid Health and their online medical services actually worth it?
Yes, we think so. They were knowledgeable, the review was prompt, and the treatment was effective.
The truth is, telehealth and telemedicine are not going anywhere. These are not merely fads that cropped up during the pandemic for a time — they’re here to stay. In fact, a recent 2020 study showed just how important of a tool telehealth actually is.
In one sense, telehealth brings a level of convenience that many people in our fast-paced world need. Also, its implications for providing access to quality healthcare for those in urban and rural areas is important to note.
At the end of the day, Lemonaid Health offers a wider platform of services than other telehealth companies. The process is easy, affordable, and worth being explored.
References and Sources:
Use of telehealth/telemedicine appointments in the US in 2021 | Statista
US Online Doctor | Meds delivered to your door | Lemonaid Health
Primary care | Lemonaid Health
Privacy Policy | Lemonaid Health
Bridget Reed is a Tampa-based content development manager, writer, and editor at GR0; specializing in content related to varying fields including medicine, health, and small businesses. Bridget went to St. Petersburg College and majored in Management and Organizational Leadership.
