MDLive Online Doctors Review

Breadth of Services

MDLive can treat quite a few non-emergency conditions across the physical and mental health spectrums. The company lists some of the more common ailments patients suffer from on its website, from cold and flu symptoms to allergies to gastrointestinal upsets, but MDLive reports it can treat over 50 illnesses and injuries. On the mental health front, MDLive offers treatment for addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, and other disorders. Patients can also seek support on such issues as relationships, stress, grief, and LGBTQ matters through the company.

MDLive physicians are available 24/7 for consultations. That's an important aspect of the company's services. Traditional doctor visits can be hard to come by and illnesses work around the clock . These factors make MDLive a handy resource even for people who regularly receive traditional in-person healthcare. 

Professional Credentials and Licensures

As the company's name suggests, MDLive connects patients directly with medical doctors. That's not always the case with telehealth websites. Many will connect you with a qualified nurse practitioner or physician's assistant to treat your health problem. Some people may feel more comfortable consulting with an MD, particularly for an initial visit. All MDLIVE doctors are board-certified and state-licensed, with an average of 15+ years of experience. In addition, MDLive providers go through specialized telehealth training in communication, diagnosis, and treatment over the phone and via video to ensure that they're not just good doctors, they're good online doctors. If you are seeking mental health counseling, you will be seen by a licensed therapist. Psychiatrist visits are also available if you feel your psychological symptoms would be best addressed by an MD. 

MDLive doesn't report the actual size of its MD network or provide any practitioner profiles on its website. However, once you register as an MDLive member, you can review physicians' credentials before picking the one you wish to see.

Pricing

MDLive's prices vary by type of visit. In general, prices fall within the mid-to-upper range of telehealth providers we've reviewed but they are right in line with national averages.

Screenshot from mdlive.com 2/22/2021

MDLive points out that its services may be covered by some insurance plans. The company reports that some 60 million Americans are already covered under health plans with well-known insurers like Cigna, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. While more and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of telehealth services and adding them to their lists of covered benefits, telehealth is nowhere near universally covered. If you're hoping insurance will cover your MDLive appointment, it's a good idea to check with your insurer before booking one. Depending on your insurance provider, MDLive may be able to file insurance claims on your behalf, saving patients time and paperwork and mirroring one of the conveniences of traditional in-person healthcare. If that's the case, you will still be responsible for your copay which you can submit directly through MDLive.

Customer Experience

In order to make an appointment with an MDLive physician, you must first register with the company. That's a simple procedure and only takes a minute. You'll then be asked to complete a questionnaire that collects information on the symptoms you're experiencing and a brief medical history. You'll be asked what prescription medicines you're taking, so it's a good idea to have your prescription bottles handy. MDLive's intake form was less onerous than others we've filled out on telehealth sites, in part because it didn't request a family health history. 

MDLive definitely delivers when it comes to speed. When we tested the system, it took less than 10 minutes to answer MDLive's questions. Video and telephone appointments were available in just 10 minutes. Quick access to care is one of the site's stand-out features. MDLive also offers members the option of using its proprietary mobile app to schedule and participate in appointments and to manage their accounts.