What Doctor On Demand Is

Doctor On Demand is a telehealth platform where you connect with licensed doctors, psychiatrists, and other providers through video, phone, or messaging on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You do not go to an office. The company was founded in 2013 and is now owned by Teladoc Health, a larger telehealth network.

The service lets you schedule appointments with available providers or, in some cases, see someone within minutes if you need urgent care. Doctors on the platform can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications (including controlled substances in some states), order lab tests, and refer you to specialists or in-person care when needed.

Doctor On Demand operates in most U.S. states, though some services and provider types vary by location. The platform is available through direct purchase, employer health plans, insurance plans, and some government programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Doctor On Demand connects you with licensed physicians and mental health providers through video, phone, or messaging without requiring an office visit.
  • You can book appointments in advance or request urgent care visits that may be available within minutes, depending on provider availability.
  • Costs range from per-visit fees ($40 to $90 for standard visits) to monthly memberships, and coverage depends on whether you use insurance, an employer plan, or pay out of pocket.
  • Doctors can prescribe most medications, including some controlled substances, and can order tests or refer you to in-person specialists when your condition requires it.
  • The service works across most U.S. states, but which providers and services are available to you depends on your state and how you access the platform.

How to Access Doctor On Demand

You can reach Doctor On Demand in three main ways: through your employer's health plan, through your insurance company, or by paying directly yourself.

If your employer offers it as a benefit, you typically log in through your company's benefits portal or the Doctor On Demand app using your work email. Your employer usually covers part or all of the cost. Check your employee benefits guide or ask your HR department whether Doctor On Demand is included.

If you have health insurance, some plans include Doctor On Demand as an in-network telehealth option. Log in through your insurance company's website or app, or call the number on your insurance card to confirm coverage and find the link to Doctor On Demand. Your copay or coinsurance applies the same way it would for an in-person visit.

If you do not have insurance or want to pay out of pocket, you can create an account directly on the Doctor On Demand website or app, provide payment information, and book an appointment. Costs for self-pay patients typically range from $40 to $90 per visit, though the company also offers monthly memberships that reduce the per-visit cost if you plan multiple visits.

Scheduling and Wait Times

Doctor On Demand offers two types of appointments: scheduled visits and urgent care visits. For scheduled visits, you choose a date and time from available slots, usually ranging from same-day to several days out depending on demand and provider availability. You book through the app or website and receive a confirmation with the provider's name and video link.

For urgent care, you can request to see a provider when ready or within a short window. Wait times for urgent visits vary; the company states that many are available within minutes, but this depends on how many providers are online and how many patients are ahead of you. During peak hours or late at night, waits may be longer or urgent slots may not be available.

You receive a reminder before your appointment, usually by email or app notification. Log in a few minutes early to test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. If you miss an appointment, policies vary by plan, but most charge a no-show fee or require you to reschedule.

What Doctors Can and Cannot Do on the Platform

Doctor On Demand physicians can diagnose common acute and chronic conditions, prescribe most medications (including antibiotics, pain relievers, and some controlled substances depending on your state and the provider's judgment), order lab tests and imaging, and refer you to specialists or urgent care if needed.

Doctors cannot perform physical exams beyond what they can see on video, so they cannot check your blood pressure, listen to your heart, or feel your abdomen. If a condition requires hands-on examination or in-person testing, the doctor will refer you to an urgent care center, emergency room, or your primary care doctor.

Some conditions are not suitable for telehealth at all. Severe injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, and other emergencies require a 911 call or emergency room visit, not a telehealth appointment. Doctor On Demand doctors will direct you to emergency care if your symptoms warrant it.

Prescribing controlled substances (such as opioids or benzodiazepines) is allowed in most states but is subject to state laws and the provider's clinical judgment. Some providers are more conservative about prescribing these drugs via telehealth. If a provider declines to prescribe what you request, you cannot appeal within the platform; you would need to see a different provider or seek in-person care.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

Doctor On Demand costs depend on how you access it. If your employer or insurance plan includes it, you typically pay a copay (usually $0 to $50) or coinsurance, the same as you would for an in-person visit. Some employer plans cover telehealth visits at no cost to you.

If you pay out of pocket without insurance, a standard visit costs between $40 and $90. Mental health visits (psychiatry or therapy) may cost more, sometimes $60 to $120 per session. The company offers monthly memberships starting around $50 to $100 per month, which reduce the per-visit cost if you plan to have multiple visits.

Prescription costs are separate from the visit fee. You pay the pharmacy price for any medications the doctor prescribes. Some pharmacies offer discounts through programs like GoodRx, which you can use even if you paid out of pocket for the visit.

If you use insurance, the visit is billed to your plan, and your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum explore just as they do for in-person care. Check your insurance card or call your plan to confirm whether Doctor On Demand is in-network and what your cost-sharing is.

Privacy, Medical Records, and Follow-Up Care

Doctor On Demand uses encrypted video and messaging to protect your privacy during visits. The platform complies with HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which is the federal law governing how medical information is handled.

Your visit notes and any prescriptions are stored in your Doctor On Demand account. You can read records or request them be sent to your primary care doctor or another provider. If you have insurance, your visit may also appear on your insurance explanation of benefits, and records may be shared with your insurance company as part of the billing process.

Doctor On Demand doctors do not have access to your medical history from other providers unless you share it with them during the visit. If you see a Doctor On Demand provider for a condition, tell your primary care doctor about the visit so your records stay coordinated. This is especially important if you receive prescriptions or referrals.

Follow-up care depends on the provider and your condition. Some providers schedule a follow-up visit before you leave; others leave it to you to request one if needed. If you need ongoing care for a chronic condition, Doctor On Demand can provide some management, but many patients use it for acute issues and rely on a primary care doctor for long-term care.

State Availability and Limitations

Doctor On Demand operates in most U.S. states, but some services are not available everywhere. Prescribing controlled substances, for example, is restricted in some states or requires additional licensing. Certain mental health services may also be limited by state law.

When you create an account or book an appointment, the platform asks for your state and confirms which services are available to you. If a service you want is not available in your state, the app will tell you so. You cannot override this; it is based on state medical licensing laws.

If you travel to another state, you may not be able to use Doctor On Demand while you are there, depending on where the provider is licensed and where you are located. Some telehealth platforms allow cross-state visits, but rules vary. Contact Doctor On Demand support if you need care while traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Doctor On Demand if I do not have a primary care doctor?

Yes. Doctor On Demand does not require you to have a primary care doctor, and you can use it as your only source of medical care. However, if you develop a condition that needs ongoing management or in-person testing, having a primary care doctor to coordinate with is helpful. You can use Doctor On Demand for acute issues and refer yourself to a primary care doctor later if needed.

What happens if the doctor thinks I need to go to the emergency room?

The doctor will tell you directly during the visit that you need emergency care and will advise you to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. They will not complete the telehealth visit as a substitute for emergency care. You are responsible for getting yourself to the ER; the platform does not arrange transport.

Can I get a prescription refilled through Doctor On Demand?

Yes, if you have an existing prescription from any doctor, you can request a refill through Doctor On Demand. A provider will review your request and either refill it or ask you to schedule a visit if they need to assess you first. Refill requests are usually processed within one business day.

Does Doctor On Demand work with Medicaid or Medicare?

Some Medicaid plans and Medicare Advantage plans include Doctor On Demand as a covered service. Coverage varies by plan and state. Call your Medicaid or Medicare plan to ask whether Doctor On Demand is included and what your cost-sharing is. If it is not included, you can still use Doctor On Demand by paying out of pocket.

What if I am not satisfied with the doctor or the diagnosis?

You can request a different provider for your next visit or seek a second opinion from another doctor, whether through Doctor On Demand or in person. If you believe the care was unsafe or inappropriate, you can contact Doctor On Demand's patient support team. However, the platform does not overturn a provider's clinical decision; you would need to pursue a complaint through your state medical board if you believe there was misconduct.