Telemedicine clinics and what they actually cost
Virtual care has reshaped access for uninsured patients. The legitimate platforms, their real prices, what they treat well, and what to walk away from.
Pre-2020, telemedicine was a niche product mostly used by large employers. Post-COVID, it became a basic mode of accessing care, especially for cash-pay and uninsured patients. The market is now mature enough that the legitimate platforms are clearly distinguishable from the scams.
General telemedicine for primary care
| Service | Cost per visit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GoodRx Care | $19-39 | Routine prescriptions, generic medications |
| K Health | $29/visit or $49/mo | Primary care, chronic disease management |
| Plush Care | $99/visit or $99/mo | Mental health, ongoing primary care |
| Sesame Care | $40-80/visit | Specialist consults, cash-pay flexibility |
| FQHC telehealth | $0-30 sliding scale | Comprehensive primary care, 340B pricing |
Condition-specific telehealth
The fastest-growing segment is condition-specific telehealth. These platforms specialize and price competitively for their niche:
- Roman — Men's health (ED, hair loss, premature ejaculation, mental health). $15-25 visit fee + generic medication pricing.
- Hims/Hers — Men's and women's health. Similar to Roman.
- Nurx — Birth control, PrEP, dermatology. $15/visit.
- Wisp — Sexual health (UTI, STI testing, ED, herpes treatment).
- Cerebral — Mental health and ADHD (controversial; check current regulatory status).
What telemedicine handles well
- Routine prescription refills
- UTIs, sinus infections, conjunctivitis (common acute conditions)
- Skin conditions (with photos)
- Mental health follow-up
- Chronic disease check-ins (when labs are done locally)
- ED and sexual health prescriptions
- Birth control and contraception
What it doesn't
- Anything requiring physical exam or hands-on procedure
- Chest pain, abdominal pain, neurological symptoms — emergencies
- Controlled substance prescriptions in many states (Schedule II)
- Most workup of new chronic conditions until basic labs are done
The verification question
A legitimate telemedicine provider:
- Employs licensed physicians, PAs, or NPs in your state
- Conducts an actual video or phone consultation before prescribing
- Requires medical history and current medications
- Sends prescriptions to a legitimate, US-licensed pharmacy
- Publishes its medical leadership and corporate address
- Charges through standard payment processors (no crypto, no wire transfer)
If any of these are missing, you're likely dealing with a scam or unauthorized international operator. The legitimate telehealth industry is competitive enough that you can find a real licensed provider for almost any condition at affordable prices — there's no reason to settle for less.