Best D2C Telemedicine Companies in 2023
Telehealth companies paving the way in direct-to-patient digital health
By now, we’re used to the provider-patient telemedicine visits that came out of the pandemic—synchronous video conferencing focusing on acute care and ePrescribing. However, increased patient needs, recent AI innovations and the push towards a value-based care model have ushered in more specialized D2C telehealth companies.
These companies cover men/women+ health, sexual and reproductive health, chronic disease management, mental and behavioral health and more. As the virtual care world turns towards a more personalized approach to care, here are some of the companies leading the charge.
What we looked at:
Membership cost
Cost per visit
Variety of types of care
Availability of lab testing
Provider availability
Care delivery methods (text, video, phone call)
Primary/urgent care
Teladoc
Teladoc was one of the first telemedicine companies in the United States and is highly favored by patients and providers. Its positive reputation continuously puts it on the “best of” lists for its wide range of healthcare services offered.
Pros:
General medical visits can be as low as $0 with insurance or $75 without insurance
They offer a wide variety of health services
Providers can order/analyze labs results and send prescriptions to pharmacies
Reviewed highly by both patients and providers
Cons:
Account setup can be long and time consuming
Some patients have experienced technical issues in the app
Why we chose them:
Teladoc is one of oldest telehealth companies in the U.S and has acquired a good reputation among its patients and the providers that treat them. Also, they accept both insurance and cash pay at reasonable prices, making it accessible to more patients.
PlushCare
PlushCare has a wide variety of telehealth offerings including primary/urgent care, mental health and weight loss. With insurance, patients pay an estimated cost; without insurance, $129 for copay and $99 for repeat visits.
Pros:
Accept insurance and offers and estimated fee
Users can message their healthcare provider any time in the PlushCare app
Ability to see same doctor if available
A variety of visit types available
Cons:
Without insurance, their per visit cost can be expensive
Currently only accepts 8 types of insurance
Why we chose them:
PlushCare is another heavy hitter in the virtual primary care field having become well established in telehealth. Their app makes scheduling and viewing appointments easy. Patients can enjoy same-day appointments and choose to see the same doctor again, if available.
Mental and behavioral health
BetterHelp
Another one from last year that’s kept its spot in the mental and behavioral health section. The digital health platform focused on mental health was founded in 2013, and has since become a highly rated therapy platform. Visit prices range from $60 - $90.
Pros:
All providers are licensed and accredited to treat mental illness
Offer video, text, phone and messaging visit types
One of the top customer-rated online therapy apps
Offer free interactive group sessions
Financial assistance is available
Cons:
Does not accept insurance
You can’t choose your therapist, but can switch
Therapists cannot prescribe medications
Why we chose them:
We would be remiss to not include them in our 2024 telemedicine companies to watch blog. They are one of the top rated online therapy companies offering teletherapy sessions to millions of patients. They offer a variety of visit types and pair patients with counselors based on their preferences like LGBTQ+ or faith-based counseling. Although, many patients do end up switching therapists.
Sesame
Sesame is one of the top rated telehealth companies out there that specializes in comprehensive, mental health, dental (symptom assessment), skin care, sexual health and more.
Pros:
All providers are licensed and accredited to treat mental illness
One of the top rated telemedicine platforms
Price transparency, appointments as low as $29
They include provider bios, reviews and time slots for same-day appointments
Offer consults, sessions and prescription refills
Cons:
Does not accept insurance
Some reviews say wait times can be long
Prices and affordability can vary by provider
The number of mental health providers per state can vary greatly
Why we chose them:
Sesame kills the game in many categories, but they get a lot of praise for their mental health services, which is why we put them in this category. They have also recently partnered with Costco to offer Sesame Care telehealth service perks to their members.
NOCD
NOCD, a telemedicine company focused on treating OCD, was founded back in 2014. The emergence of specialized digital health companies like NOCD aligns with the industry trend and transition to more value-based care. They offer live, synchronous video sessions with licensed therapists specialized in exposure therapy (ERP).
Pros:
Specialize in treating OCD, not many telehealth companies do
Services covered under several major insurers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare
Provide bios of each of their licensed therapists
Access to visits and support materials through their app
24/7 support
Cons:
You have to set up a call to learn more about their services
They claim to be affordable, but there’s no definitive pricing on their website
Why we chose them:
NOCD is a unique, highly specialized virtual care company and an example of how specialized care can be successful through telehealth. While perhaps not as well known as the others listed, NOCD offers a look into the future of specialty and chronic care management within the telehealth space.
Men’s / Women+ health
Hims & Hers
They were on our list last year and they’ve kept their place for a couple of reasons. They continue to be a leader in men and women’s virtual health. The company can be split up into Hims and Hers, the brands focus on men (Hims) and women (Hers) aimed at solving their specific health and wellness needs.
Pros:
A wide variety of health services from ED treatment to mental health
24/7 access to their team of medical experts
Support resources for better health literacy and treatment outcomes
Personalized quizzes to understand your main concerns
A comprehensive, easy-to-use app
Cons:
It isn’t immediately clear what the pricing is for each service
They don’t accept health insurance
Mostly asynchronous, message based communication with providers
Why we chose them:
Hims & Hers Health Inc. has a A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating with an average of 4 out of 5 stars. They offer an array of health services at affordable out-of-pocket prices compared to similar telemedicine companies. Their recent dive into medical weight management will be something to watch.
Everlywell
Another big one on the list. Everlywell has seen great success in diagnostics with its at-home hormone kits like their Women’s Health Test. However, their telehealth and virtual care capabilities deserve a mention too. While the company is known most for its women’s and men's health services, it also offers general wellness, weight management and STI treatment and testing.
Pros:
Accept insurance
Easy-to-use, in-home health testing kits with access to providers for follow-up guidance
Video calls and messaging visit types available
Offer a variety of telehealth services including labs and diagnostics
Price transparency across treatment offerings for insurance and cash pay
Cons:
Does not provide testing to anyone under the age of 18
Some kits may not be covered by insurance and can get a little pricey
Not available in New York expect for COVID-19 testing
Why we chose them:
While Everywell is most known for its at-home hormone testing, they continue to grow and offer care in spaces like general wellness, weight loss and STI testing. They also use Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs which ensures quality testing, regular inspections, lab quality improvement studies and more. However, prices of some of the kits can be a bit high if the patient's insurance doesn’t cover them.
RedBox Rx
RedBox Rx, a subsidiary of HyVee, focuses on men’s and women’s health by offering services for conditions like erectile dysfunction, UTIs, hair loss and areas of care like mental health, primary care and more.
Pros:
Affordable services and medications
They accept HSA and FSA
Transparent pricing and free, same-day delivery for prescriptions
Wide variety of healthcare services from primary care to mental health
Cons:
They do not accept insurance (HSA and FSA cards are accepted)
Some patients have experienced delays or incorrect prescription delivery
Why we chose them:
RedBox Rx is a great, affordable option for women and men looking for solutions to their health issues. Lower rates means greater financial accessibility for patients seeking care without insurance.
Sexual and Reproductive Health
HeyJane
HeyJane is mostly known for its medicated abortion services, however, they also offer treatments and resources covering birth control, vaginal health and more.
Pros:
Accept insurance and income base slide-scaling pricing based on each patient's personal and financial circumstances
24/7 emergency support
Offers over 100 different birth control options
Consult with clinicians via text, phone or video
Cons:
They do not offer care in all 50 states yet
Their reproduction services beyond abortion care are still quite new having launched in August of 2023
Why we chose them:
HeyJane is one to watch in 2024 as they continue to expand into the reproductive and emergency contraception space. Patients can now receive consultation for contraceptives, yeast infections, UTIs and more.
Maven
Maven has been a pioneer in the women+ health movement toward a more individualized and inclusive patient journey in order to eliminate care gaps. They focus on women and family health with access to on-demand appointments and specialists to address each patient's unique concerns.
Pros:
Offer specialized parent coaching and pediatric care
Specialize in fertility support and caring for women and families
24/7 virtual access to family-building specialists
$40 per visit, a little more reasonably priced than some
Cons:
Does not take insurance
Providers are unable to order labs
10-minute visits may be too short for some patients
Why we chose them:
Their platform encourages compliance among patients using reminders and “proactive interventions” to ensure the best patient outcome. Their specialty in fertility and family planning makes them unique and offers parents and those struggling with fertility a place to address those concerns in a more affordable way.
Weight management / wellness
G-Plans
G-Plans is making waves with their virtual nutrition and weight management services. The company was founded by Dr. Goglia who’s worked with celebrities, athletes and patients for 30+ years.
Pros:
Custom nutrition plan in addition to the weight loss medication
A G-Plans app to track nutrition and weight loss goals
Comprehensive quiz to understand your metabolic type
Free metabolic ID report
Money back guarantee if you don’t lose at least 10% of your body fat
Cons:
Cost of medication is not included in the subscription
May be too expensive for some patients
Why we chose them:
G-Plans does a great job of encouraging lifestyle changes prior to writing a prescription for GLP-1 medication and enabling better outcomes with customized meal plans and support materials. Their app makes it easy for patients to track progress and stay on top of their diet in addition to clinical follow-ups to discuss GLP-1 medication.
Calibrate
Calibrate is another leading virtual medical weight loss company. Patients that qualify receive a custom treatment plan and prescription for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro. Their monthly subscription starts at $146/mo.
Pros:
Transparent pricing, takes insurance
10% weight loss guarantee or your money back (see terms)
Calibrate works with your insurance on your behalf to get medications covered
1:1 coach to work on diet, sleep, exercise and emotional health habits weekly
Easily accessible tools and communication via their app
Cons:
May be too expensive for some patients
Blood test and meds not included in the subscription
Why we chose them:
Calibrate’s 1:1 coaching services in addition to their medical providers is what sets them apart as a leader in virtual weight loss/management. It offers patients a network of support services to ensure they meet their weight loss goals and learn the lifestyle changes to sustain it.
Powering better patient outcomes
Just like the digital health companies above, OpenLoop is a leader in telehealth delivery with the goal of building better patient experiences and overall health outcomes by partnering with leading telehealth companies. Our full suite of white-label services intuitive, API driven technology and 6500+ NCQA accredited clinician network—just to name a few—allow our clients to manage their patients and scale their offerings seamlessly.
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