Telemedicine services like Doctor on Demand and MDLIVE allow you to see a doctor online 24/7 without having to leave your home. They provide convenient, affordable access to healthcare through virtual visits. But with both Doctor on Demand and MDLIVE offering similar services, how do you choose between them?
Here’s an in-depth comparison of Doctor on Demand Vs. MDLIVE looking at key features, differences, pros and cons to help you decide which online doctor platform best fits your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Doctor on Demand | MDLIVE |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2009 |
| Services Offered | Primary care, mental health care | Primary care, mental health care, dermatology |
| Specialties | Family medicine, pediatrics, psychology, psychiatry | Family medicine, pediatrics, psychology, psychiatry, dermatology |
| Prescriptions | Yes, electronic | Yes, electronic |
| Insurance Accepted | 1,000+ plans including BCBS, UnitedHealthcare | Most major insurance plans |
| Cost Without Insurance | From $75 per visit | From $49 per visit |
| Mobile Apps | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Average Wait Time | <10 minutes | <10 minutes |
| States Covered | ~45 states | All 50 states |
| Therapy Options | Psychologists, marriage and family therapists | Psychologists, psychiatrists |
| Medication Restrictions | Some restrictions | Some restrictions |
| Doctor Reviews | Mixed | Mixed |
Overview Of Doctor On Demand
Founded in 2012, Doctor on Demand provides primary care, mental health services, and preventive care through video visits and phone calls. You can see a doctor in minutes for common health issues like:
- Cold and flu
- Respiratory infections
- Pink eye
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin issues
- Birth control
For mental health, Doctor on Demand offers therapy and psychiatry appointments. You’ll be matched with licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and board-certified psychiatrists.
Doctor on Demand providers can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and send prescriptions to your pharmacy when appropriate. Visits typically last 10-15 minutes with a doctor and 25-50 minutes for psychology and psychiatry sessions.
Doctor on Demand works with many major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum. With insurance coverage, appointments may involve small copays. Without insurance, fees range from $75 for a medical visit up to $200 for a therapy session.
Overview Of MDLIVE
Founded in 2009, MDLIVE provides urgent care, primary care, behavioral health, and dermatology services through virtual visits. MDLIVE doctors can treat over 80 routine medical conditions including:
- Cough, cold and flu
- Pink eye
- Rashes and skin issues
- Sinus problems
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
For mental health, MDLIVE offers counseling, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. Counselors have expertise in areas like depression, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, and more.
MDLIVE doctors can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and electronically send prescriptions when needed. Visits are convenient, lasting just 10-15 minutes with a physician. Mental health sessions run 25-50 minutes.
MDLIVE accepts all major insurance plans, Medicare, and HSA/FSA cards. With insurance, you’ll pay your usual specialist copay. Without insurance, fees start at $49 for medical visits and range from $79-$179 for therapy sessions.
Also Read: Comparison Between Headway And Grow Therapy
Doctor On Demand Pros And Cons
Pros of Doctor on Demand
- Large doctor network with various specialties – you can even see a pediatrician
- Short wait times (under 10 minutes)
- Lower cost for visits without insurance ($75+)
- Prescriptions sent electronically to pharmacy
- Spanish-speaking doctors available
- Accepts 1,000+ insurance plans
- Therapy choices (psychologists, marriage and family therapists)
Potential Cons of Doctor on Demand
- No dermatology specialty available
- Mixed reviews of doctor quality
- Some insurance plans not accepted
- Fewer years of experience than competitors
MDLIVE Pros And Cons
Pros of MDLIVE
- Dermatology services available, in addition to primary care and mental health
- Works with most major insurance companies
- Large doctor and therapist network
- E-prescription capabilities
- Spanish-speaking providers available
- Good app reviews and rating in app stores
Potential Cons of MDLIVE
- Slightly higher cost per visit without insurance ($49+)
- Mixed reviews of doctor quality
- Some insurance plans not covered
- Fewer specialties than competitors
Also Read: Comparison Between HealthTap And SteadyMD Virtual Care Service.
Doctor On Demand Vs. MDLIVE: Key Differences
While Doctor on Demand and MDLIVE share many similarities in services, there are some key differences that may help guide your choice between the two platforms:
- Cost – Without insurance, Doctor on Demand visits start at $75, while MDLIVE’s start at $49. With insurance, costs are comparable.
- Specialties – MDLIVE offers dermatology visits, while Doctor on Demand does not. However, Doctor on Demand has more therapy options.
- Years in Business – Doctor on Demand was founded in 2012, while MDLIVE has been around since 2009. MDLIVE has a few more years of experience.
- Prescription Policy – Both services offer electronic prescriptions to your pharmacy, but each has different medication restrictions. It’s best to ask ahead if a doctor can prescribe a certain medication.
- Availability – MDLIVE operates in all 50 states, while Doctor on Demand is currently available in ~45 states. MDLIVE may be accessible to more patients nationwide.
- Insurance Plans – While both accept most major plans, MDLIVE accepts more regional insurers like Medica and Dean Health Plan. Doctor on Demand accepts UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, which MDLIVE currently does not.
Choosing What’s Best For You
When weighing Doctor on Demand Vs. MDLIVE, think about your key priorities.
Those wanting the lowest cost may choose Doctor on Demand for the cheaper rate without insurance. However, the quality of doctors is mixed on both platforms, so it’s worth looking at reviews.
If you prefer having dermatology services available, MDLIVE is likely the better choice. But if access to family therapists or psychiatrists is more important, Doctor on Demand offers more options.
Look at which insurance plans each covers, as this may dictate what you can use. Also consider availability – MDLIVE has broader state coverage at this time.
Both platforms offer comparable core services for urgent care, mental health, and prescriptions. Focus on which provider best aligns with your top considerations.
Also Read: Comparison Between GoodRx And OptumRx Prescription Savings Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Doctor on Demand provides convenient, quality care for basic medical issues and mental health needs. Wait times to see a doctor average under 10 minutes. However, reviews of specific doctors can be mixed. It’s a good option for quick, affordable virtual visits, but quality may vary.
Teladoc and MDLIVE offer similar virtual healthcare services and accept most major insurance plans. Key differences:
Wait times – Teladoc offers average wait times under 10 minutes, while MDLIVE waits can extend to 20 minutes.
Cost – Teladoc visits may be slightly cheaper without insurance, with fees from $40-$85. MDLIVE visits cost $49+.
Doctors – Both have large physician networks, but Teladoc may have larger reach due to partnerships with health systems.
Prescriptions – Teladoc has fewer medication restrictions overall.
Teladoc excels in wait times and costs, while both platforms provide quality care. MDLIVE also offers dermatology visits that Teladoc lacks.
The “best” online doctor depends on your needs and priorities. Top telemedicine platforms include:
Teladoc – Fast wait times, affordable pricing, large doctor network
MDLIVE – Broad coverage, dermatology services, therapy options
Doctor on Demand – Low visit costs, family medicine focus
Amwell – Good mental health services, pediatricians available
Look for a service that provides the medical and mental healthcare you require at a reasonable cost. Check reviews and insurance coverage as well.
Doctor on Demand is a telemedicine provider that offers virtual urgent care, mental health services, and preventive care via online video visits. You can see a licensed physician or therapist on-demand 24/7 using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Doctor on Demand provides an easy, convenient way to access healthcare from home for common illnesses, injuries, mental health needs, and more. Visits start at $75 without insurance.
Also watch the review video about Doctor on Demand!
The Bottom Line
Both Doctor on Demand and MDLIVE make it possible to receive quality virtual care conveniently. At the end of the day, think about the costs, services, specialties, and availability that are most valuable to you when choosing between the two. Compare insurance coverage. Read verified reviews of doctors. Consider all aspects to determine the provider that best fits your healthcare needs through online doctor visits.
