Teladoc was first established back in 2002. Since then Teladoc has grown into a virtual telemedicine juggernaut, with an active presence in over 130 countries around the world. In 2020, Teladoc has 27 million patients accessing their services, serves more than 12,000 clients, 40 different health plans and 300 hospitals. Their impressive national network in the United States is made up of more than 3,100 fully licensed and board-certified medical professionals, including dermatologists, pediatricians, primary care physicians, physicians, and therapists.
Join us as we take a look at one the very first and largest telemedicine platform in the United States – Teladoc.
Telemedicine has been around for a while now. In fact, it’s already been used for decades. However, it is only recently that that telemedicine caught up with the innovation modern-day technology affords. Now a patient can consult a qualified doctor or medical specialist without having to wait days and even weeks for an appointment. In fact, most modern-day online telemedicine platforms boast that they are able to connect patients with a doctor in minutes via text, vid or voice messaging eliminating all of the hassles that come with having to book an in-person appointment, including waiting for the appointment, then traveling to the doctor’s offices, the inevitable period of waiting in the aptly named, and germ-infested, waiting room, even if you are on time for your appointment. In fact, most telehealth operators go further and can not only provide you with a personalized treatment plan and prescription but can even ship your medication right to door in a day or two. For free! And if this was not enough, some of them will automatically refill your prescription and ship it to you so that you are never in the horrible position of not having the medication you require. And all of this is done without ever having to leave your home.
Modern telemedicine has totally revolutionized the current healthcare system. It has the ability to improve access to quality healthcare and medication and even improve the quality of our lives by freeing up our time by eliminating the periods we spend waiting for appointments, traveling to appointments and the time we’d otherwise spend in waiting rooms. It also democratizes quality healthcare are we are no longer limited to the medical practitioners who are closest to use since we can now be connected with the leading specialists in our states via an online consultation.
All of the Teladoc doctors are based in the United States and are certified in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or Pediatrics, with an average of 20 years of practical experience behind them. Patients can access these medical professionals via a web browser on laptop, desktop or smartphone or using the TelaDoc smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS users
Using Teladoc means patients can enjoy almost instant access to the very best online doctors who can diagnose, prescribe and offer second opinions, take part in online therapy sessions, without the need for medical insurance thanks to Teladoc’s BetterHelp offering. And with their Healthiest You offering, patients have 24/7 access to online doctors, price comparisons and more.
AREAS OF SERVICE
Teladoc has operated 50 mainland states of the US, including the District of Columbia. Unfortunately, it is not available outside of the United States.
Teladoc operates on providing their patients with access to their national network of board-certified and fully qualified doctors, who are employed as independent contractors. Patients can engage with these doctors using the TelaDoc smartphone app, web browser or via voice calls.
Let’s take a quick look at the TelaDoc online process:
The reasons for these prescription limitations are twofold – it prevents misuse and protects TelaDoc and their doctors/specialists from potential malpractice charges and allegations.
Teladoc can be used any time you need medical care (however not for medical emergencies), if your usual doctor is unavailable if you are away from home on vacation or on a business trip and to have short-term prescriptions refilled. Teladoc doctors and specialists can treat many conditions, including cold & flu symptoms, allergies, bronchitis, skin problems, respiratory infection, sinus problems and more. However, if you are having a medical emergency, it is strongly suggested that you visit your nearest ICU, emergency ward or urgent care centre as soon as possible.
Teladoc can be used to treat a number of general health issues, including:
Specialist services available through Teladoc include:
Please note: Teladoc is not meant to replace a primary physician and should only ever be used as a supplemental service.
It’s easy to see why Teladoc has become a leader in modern telehealth – started in 2002, they were one of the very first online healthcare platforms that were available to the public. They have an extensive network with over 12,000 board-certified and fully licensed medical doctors and specialists Today Teladoc has over 27 million patients making use of their online services. Teladoc can be used to treat a number of general health and specialist issues. It can be accessed with any device with a web browser or via its proprietary smartphone app. This list could just go on and on extolling the virtues of this telehealth giant but the truth is his – there are many valid and undeniable reasons why TelaDoc has been around for long and grown so large – the main reason being that they offer a brilliant service that effective, convenient and inexpensive.