Teladoc Reviews: Pros & Cons of Virtual Health Counseling

Teladoc is a direct to consumer healthcare company that offers medical care online or via telephone. We find out if it's reliable and trustworthy.

We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Share This Post

Teladoc Intro | Trustworthy? | Pricing | Patient Experience | Pros and Cons | Virtual Health and You

Feeling too ill to leave the house, or simply can’t schedule a routine doctor visit thanks to your busy schedule? We get it.

Thankfully, telemedicine services like Teladoc bring medical professionals to you, in an easy, convenient platform that allows you to take charge of your health, speak to healthcare providers, get prescriptions, and even get referrals to specialists on your own time, no matter where you are.

Teladoc was launched in 2002 and became a nationwide company in 2005. It has since acquired other telemedicine companies, like Livongo, to become the largest telemedicine company in the U.S.

In this article, we’ll explore what it’s like to use Teladoc, and examine the pros and cons of switching to remote medical care in lieu of in-person care in a brick and mortar facility.

What Does Teladoc Have To Offer?

Your employer may offer Teladoc as part of your insurance package. Because Teladoc works with insurance companies to offer lower rates for care, your employer may offer you an incentive to use this service for minor illnesses instead of seeing your PCP (primary care physician).

With Teladoc’s acquisition of other medical companies, you can take advantage of even more benefits by using their service. While Teladoc seems to be most often used for diagnosing minor illnesses like colds, flu, and strep throat, we will focus on some of the other benefits Teladoc offers that make it a complete healthcare suite.

Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counseling is available from licensed therapists and psychiatrists, with appointments available seven days a week. Teladoc allows you to pick your own care provider and provides a detailed biography of each provider they have available.

Some medications prescribed for mental health are available through Teladoc’s mental health services, making it easy to connect to a professional and get a refill when you need one.

Dermatology

An underutilized facet of Teladoc’s platform is its dermatology services. Teladoc enables you to connect with a board-certified dermatologist seven days a week for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and you can even work with a dermatologist to have skin spots identified.

Using Teladoc’s dermatology platform, you can easily upload pictures to the app to be reviewed prior to and during your appointment. Your dermatologist can make a diagnosis, refer you to an in-person specialist, or prescribe medication for you.

Chronic Care Management

A newer feature offered by Teladoc is their chronic care management. People suffering from long-term illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, and more can benefit from assisted care management through Teladoc.

Teladoc makes it easy for you to track and connect monitors, set reminders, and access a team of professionals like nutritionists and health coaches to ensure your condition is well-monitored.

Sexual Health

Let’s face it, going in for your yearly STD test can be a little embarrassing. Teladoc makes taking charge of your sexual health easy and discreet by offering you access to doctors who can order lab tests, review results, and discuss your options with you, all from the privacy of your own home.

Your STD screening results will not be attached to your medical record, either. Teladoc only releases information to your PCP that you first authorize.

teladoc reviews

Expert Medical Opinion

Whether you’d like a second opinion, have questions about an upcoming surgery, or you just want some direction for your own or a family member’s ongoing care, Teladoc’s expert medical opinion option connects you to doctors and specialists who can provide some guidance.

Instead of driving to meet with a particular specialist who might be miles and miles away, you can easily connect online or over the phone to talk about deeper questions you may have about your current healthcare plan.

Nutrition

Teladoc works with a vast network of certified nutritionists and dieticians who can help you with a wide range of needs, from helping you plan a healthy everyday meal routine, to designing a diet specifically beneficial for pregnancy, diabetes, weight management, and other needs.

You can see your nutritionist as often as you like, and you can see the same nutritionist each time you make a visit. With a nutritionist, you can learn to make healthier choices and discuss dietary options and substitutions.

Neck and Back Care

Chronic neck and back pain is difficult to resolve, and surgery isn’t always the best option. Teladoc offers you access to neck and back pain coaches who specialize in treating you in a four to eight-week program that offers rehabilitation and occupational therapy guidelines to try and help you live as pain-free as possible.

Through this program, you will be guided with specific exercises, therapies, and techniques to help alleviate back and neck pain.

Teladoc’s back and neck pain platform does not connect you with a doctor, and does not offer prescription services.

Can You Trust Teladoc?

Teladoc allows you to manage your healthcare on your own terms, but its design does allow you to be a more powerful arbiter of your own medical condition.

For instance, if you feel sick and make an appointment with a general practitioner via Teladoc, you’ll receive a brief consultation with a doctor who has reviewed the basic medical history you have on file. After a brief discussion of your symptoms, your Teladoc physician will make a recommendation and possibly prescribe you a medication.

Your Teladoc provider will suggest that you follow up if your symptoms persist, but whether or not you actually follow up is completely on your terms. Additionally, it is possible for a Teladoc provider to miss something in your workup, simply because they are not able to physically examine you.

YouTube player
Teladoc Intro

Bottom line: You can trust that Teladoc is an expansive network of board-certified medical professionals who will do their best to give you premium care, but because you will not see a doctor in person, and because you may not always be the best moderator of your own healthcare, there is a possibility you may be misdiagnosed, or fail to get additional healthcare attention when you need it.

As an anonymous reviewer on Capterra says,

“The software itself is just fine. The only con is that it’s on the patient to know when to forgo the program and actually go see a doctor, and if that isn’t done with good judgement, the patient may have to be seen more than once. Not a fault of the program though. The program is very user friendly.”

Pricing

Teladoc may be included with your insurance plan. Check with your employer or call your benefits hotline to verify whether you have Teladoc benefits.

Even with insurance, you may have a copay, although many employers offer Teladoc at no cost to you. Not all features of Teladoc are available for all employer-based healthcare plans. The most common features available are general medicine, mental health, and dermatology.

If you do not have insurance, you may still use Teladoc. The price for a visit with a general practitioner, mental healthcare provider, or dermatologist is $75.00. This price does not include lab work, prescriptions, or referrals to other specialists.

Patient Experience

Is it possible to go virtual with your entire healthcare plan? According to Teladoc, it is… but some reviews seem to think otherwise.

While most Teladoc patients find the Teladoc app and medical professionals beneficial to their healthcare stack, they are frustrated by canceled appointments, length of appointments (either too long or too short), and the preferred method of contact for some practitioners.

Says one Capterra reviewer, “You will wait no less than 2 hours for an appointment, which the provider can then cancel with no explanation. The phone call appointments just don’t work if you have an iPhone apparently.”

In terms of getting quality, trustworthy medical care, patients seem satisfied.

“I didn’t have to take off work for a basic ailment because Teladoc had me scheduled the same day. The docs are professional and do the best they can within the setup,” says a reviewer.

Pros and Cons of Virtual Health Counseling

Here’s what current and past Teladoc patients have rated as pros and cons of the services they offer. 

Virtual Health and You

Virtual health counseling with Teladoc is a reputable resource that is now used multinationally. Using virtual health you can access a wide range of healthcare providers that can treat your symptoms, prescribe medications, and help you manage long-term care.

References and Sources:

Company of the Year: Teladoc|HealthCareDive.com 

Telemedicine: Overview|AAD.org 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193577/|NCBI

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Because Market Review: Are These Incontinence Products Effective?

Because Market is an online company focused on providing support for older adults who suffer from incontinence, but do their products really work?


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

MDHearingAid Review: Are These Hearing Aids Legit?

MDHearingAid offers some of the most affordable, high-quality hearing aids on the online market; but are their devices legit? We provide you with an honest take.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »
Hims vs Roman Review

Hims vs Roman: Complete Review

We’ve put together a complete review of Hims vs. Roman to help you choose the telehealth service that’s right for you. 


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Hims ED Review: Does it Actually Work?

We’ve compiled a comprehensive Hims review that will tell you everything you need to know about the company, your treatment options, FAQs about Hims Pills, and ultimately answer the ultimate question, does Hims work?


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Roman Review: Is This Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Legit?

Roman is a remote men’s health service that focuses on providing treatments and prescriptions for a multitude of men’s health problems, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or hair loss. They even offer services for mental health or general daily health, such as allergies.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

Because Market Review: Are These Incontinence Products Effective?

Because Market is an online company focused on providing support for older adults who suffer from incontinence, but do their products really work?

We review

MDHearingAid Review: Are These Hearing Aids Legit?

MDHearingAid offers some of the most affordable, high-quality hearing aids on the online market; but are their devices legit? We provide you with an

Hims vs Roman: Complete Review

We’ve put together a complete review of Hims vs. Roman to help you choose the telehealth service that’s right for you. 

We review and include

Hims ED Review: Does it Actually Work?

We’ve compiled a comprehensive Hims review that will tell you everything you need to know about the company, your treatment options, FAQs about Hims

Roman Review: Is This Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Legit?

Roman is a remote men’s health service that focuses on providing treatments and prescriptions for a multitude of men’s health problems, such as erectile

BlueChew vs Hims: Which ED Pill is Better?

Both BlueChew and Hims can help you save on your ED pills, but comparing the two, which is better? Consider this your Bluechew vs

The Best Hair Loss Treatment for Men: Comparison Guide

If you’re looking for the best hair loss treatment for men, look no further than this comparison guide.

We review and include products we think

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.

We review and include

MobileHelp Review: Pros & Cons of This Medical Alert System

In a sea of options, MobileHelp is one medical alert system that stands out to us. It boasts thousands of strong customer reviews and

BlueChew vs Roman: Which is Better?

BlueChew and Roman both men’s health brands that offer erectile dysfunction treatments and ED pills. BlueChew products are typically less expensive, but fewer options

Rex Md ED Review: What To Know Before You Sign Up

REX MD is a telehealth company that wants to reimagine the world of men’s healthcare. According to their site, they’re aiming to improve the

Picnic Allergy Review: Does This Personalized Treatment Work?

Picnic is a telehealth company that provides personalized treatment for allergy relief, but do they actually work? We hope to provide you with an

Hims Hair Loss Review: Is it Legit?

The Hims Total Hair Package contains clinically proven components that are effective at stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth, including saw palmetto thickening

Nutrafol Review: Are These Hair Supplements Effective?

Nutrafol is a telehealth company that offers a range of hair supplements for both men and women. Are these supplements effective, though?

We review and

Hers Hair Review: Are Their Hair Loss Products Effective?

Hers is one telemedicine company looking to provide women with a solution for hair loss. The products found in their Hers Complete Hair Kit

Lemonaid Health Reviews: What To Know Before You Buy

Lemonaid Health is one company looking to bring affordable telemedicine to all. Here are a few things you need to know before you take

Found Rx Weight Loss Review: Is a Prescription Worth It?

Obesity affects over 70% of the population. Learn how Found Health, Inc. is changing some patients; weight loss journeys.

We review and include products we

Cove Migraine Review: Are These Medications Effective?

Cove is a telemedicine company that provides personalized treatment for migraine sufferers, but are their medications effective? We provide you with an honest review.

We

Geologie Review: Does This Personalized Men’s Skincare Work?

Geologie offers personalized skin care products tailored to each male customer they have. The personal touch is certainly nice, but do their products really

At-Home STD Test Reviews: Complete Comparison Guide

At-home STD test options range from fully online options to tests that require a visit to a laboratory but can be ordered without a

A ScalpMed Review: Is ScalpMed Legit and How To Use

ScalpMed is no more a mystery. Read full article and find in depth overview of hair regrowth product. Article includes real-life examples.

We review and

Hero Medication Dispenser Review: Is It Worth It?

Hero seeks to provide peace of mind when it comes to medication management; but is this pill dispenser really worth it? Here, we provide

Brightside Health Review: Is This Depression & Anxiety Care Useful?

Brightside is an online mental healthcare company that provides treatment services for a range of issues related to anxiety and depression. These conditions include

SonderMind Reviews: Pros & Cons of Their Therapy Services

SonderMind is a virtual mental health service that makes therapy and psychiatry more accessible. Find out if the pros outweigh the cons.

We review and

Keto Advanced Review: Are These Fat Burning Pills Legit?

Keto Advanced is a line of diet pills that promises to help you burn fat using beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). In this article, we take a

cbdMD Reviews: Are These the Best CBD Gummies and Oils?

cbdMD has a wide variety of CBD supplements to choose from. But are their gummies and oils even worth the effort? Read on to

Leesa Reviews: Will Their Mattress Help You Sleep Better?

Leesa’s mattresses are budget-friendly and use high-quality memory foam. But read on to learn if these mattresses are better left forgotten.

We review and include

BetterHelp Review: Is It Right for You?

BetterHelp.com is a convenient, affordable online mental health service that is best suited to patients who want to improve their quality of life and

Hers Mental Health Review: Is This Online Service Worth It?

Hers is one of many online mental health services. Read on to find out if this one stands out from the pack or if

Seed Probiotics Review: What Makes These Supplements Unique?

Seed offers their own proprietary blend of probiotics to help you restore gut health — but what makes their probiotics unique? Here we provide