The Best Telemedicine/Telehealth Apps for Doctors and Patients

Konstantin Kalinin

Head of Content

October 29, 2023

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a transformative shift in the healthcare industry, with telehealth emerging as a game-changer. Gone are the days when patients endured arduous journeys to consult their physicians. Today, telemedicine brings healthcare to your fingertips, quite literally.

At Topflight, we have had a fair share of experiences in telemedicine app development, witnessing first-hand the revolutionary impact telehealth apps have had on patient care. From providing seamless doctor consultations to offering state-of-the-art health monitoring features, these apps have redefined healthcare delivery.

Now, let’s dive into the crux of the matter.

Which is the best telehealth app for Android and iOS? In this blog, we’ll explore the finest telehealth applications available on both platforms, enabling you to make a well-informed decision.

Top Takeaways:

• The telemedicine market is brimming with options, making the selection process of the best telemedicine apps for patients a challenging task. Careful deliberation is required to choose a platform that best suits the unique needs of your practice and patients. The range of options varies greatly, from comprehensive, full-service solutions to simple, targeted apps.
• Consider off-the-shelf telemedicine software, like white label telehealth platforms, for the best apps for telehealth customizable and reliable solutions. Tailor these ready-made apps to your practice’s needs and branding, reducing telemedicine app development time and cost. Find a white-label platform that offers robust features out of the box with customization options and focus on delivering top-tier care to your patients with a custom-branded app without the hassle or uncertainty of building from scratch.

Table of contents:

1. US Telemedicine Apps Market Overview
2. Teladoc
3. healow
4. MDLive
5. Talkspace
6. LiveHealth
7. Walmart Health Virtual Care
8. PlushCare
9. Doctor on Demand
10. Amwell
11. Firefly Health
12. HealthTap
13. K Health
14. MDBox
15. Comparison Table of the Best Telemedicine Apps

US Telemedicine Apps Market Overview

Telemedicine and telehealth apps are rapidly becoming a go-to for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, more than half of all US patients received care from remote doctors via telemedicine applications. From patient convenience to cost savings, telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the United States.

As of 2023, the number of telehealth applications available in the United States is rapidly growing. The market has seen an explosion of applications catering to various healthcare needs, from general consultations to specialized services.

There are more than 200 telemedicine mobile apps on the market, providing a wide range of features, including scheduling appointments, virtual doctor visits, prescription refills, and secure messaging with healthcare providers. The impressive variety of apps and telemedicine app development services ensure that patients and healthcare providers can find the ideal solution to meet their unique needs.

The Public Health Institute recently published a comprehensive report on the state of telemedicine in the US in 2023. Let’s take a look at some intriguing statistics from this insightful study to understand why telehealth apps are becoming so popular at hospitals and clinics.

• All 50 states and Washington DC, excluding Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, offer reimbursement for live video consultations in Medicaid fee-for-service.
• Store-and-forward reimbursement is available in 28 state Medicaid programs, with Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Illinois being the latest additions, albeit in a limited capacity.
• Remote patient monitoring (RPM) reimbursement is provided by 34 state Medicaid programs, with no new states added since Fall 2022, but some expanded eligible services and conditions within existing RPM reimbursements.
• Audio-only telehealth is reimbursed by 36 states and DC Medicaid programs, although often limited; Hawaii and Georgia were the latest to add some form of reimbursement since Fall 2022.
• Twenty state Medicaid programs reimburse for all four telehealth modalities (live video, store-and-forward, remote patient monitoring, and audio-only), though some restrictions may apply.

Teladoc

Teladoc, one of the pioneering companies in telehealth services in the United States, offers a comprehensive telemedicine platform. The product seamlessly connects patients to licensed physicians across various specialties for on-demand, virtual medical consultations.

Years on the market: 21; since 2002.

Platforms supported:

• iPhone, iPad
• Android
• Web

For Doctors: Through Teladoc’s platform, healthcare providers can access a secure dashboard of the medical telemedicine app for doctors. This allows them to easily manage their patients’ appointments and medical records while providing access to a library of patient education materials to enhance their quality of care.

For Patients: With Teladoc, patients can easily find and schedule appointments with a licensed physician from any device. They also have access to an extensive library of patient education materials that help them make informed decisions about their health. 

Pros:

• Secure platform with HIPAA compliance 
• Ability to connect to healthcare providers from any device 
• Comprehensive library of patient education materials 
• 24/7 access to healthcare services 

Cons:

• Limited access to certain states and insurance carriers 
• No option for in-person visits or follow-up appointments.

Summary: Teladoc is one of the pioneers of telemedicine, offering comprehensive virtual care solutions for both healthcare providers and patients. The platform is secure, HIPAA-compliant, and provides 24/7 access to healthcare services. However, its reach is limited in certain states and insurance carriers.

Read Also: How to Develop a Doctor’s Appointment Booking App

healow TeleVisits

Healow is a top-rated comprehensive telehealth platform that provides access to healthcare services for both patients and providers. Founded in 2014, healow has become one of the leading telemedicine apps on the market.

Years on the market: 9; since 2014

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: healow offers a versatile and comprehensive telehealth solution for healthcare professionals. The platform provides robust functionalities such as patient scheduling and management, ePrescribing, lab and imaging integration, and secure messaging. One standout feature is its TeleVisits functionality, which allows physicians to conduct secure, virtual visits with patients, providing care remotely. This feature is even more crucial in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where in-person visits pose significant health risks. 

For Patients: healow presents a user-friendly interface for patients, offering a convenient app for telemedicine. Patients can schedule appointments, view lab results, manage medications, and securely communicate with their healthcare providers, all from the comfort of their homes.

Pros:

• Comprehensive platform for both healthcare providers and patients
• Ability to manage multiple patient accounts within one patient account (for parents, kids, etc.)
• Access to a library of educational materials
• Integrated lab and imaging feature 

Cons:

• Patients need to have their doctor’s practice code to use the app
• Some users report technical difficulties

Summary: healow offers robust and comprehensive telehealth services, with its TeleVisits functionality standing out as a critical feature for both patients and providers. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths make it one of the best apps for telemedicine.

MDLive

MDLive is another popular telemedicine solution providing patients access to licensed physicians from their homes. The platform offers virtual visits, prescription refills, and secure messaging services for doctors and patients.

Years on the market: 13; since 2010.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: MDLive provides healthcare providers with a secure portal to manage their patients’ care. The platform allows doctors to offer diagnoses and treatment and conduct follow-up visits and prescription refills. 

For Patients: Through MDLive, a mobile telehealth app for patients, individuals can access licensed physicians 24/7 for virtual visits and secure messaging. They can also conveniently refill prescriptions and access educational resources to make informed decisions about their health. 

Pros:

• Comprehensive telemedicine solutions for both doctors and patients 
• Ability to access healthcare providers from any device 
• Secure messaging and prescription refills 
• 24/7 access to healthcare services

Cons:

• Limited access to certain states and insurance carriers 
• No option for in-person visits.

Summary: MDLive is a comprehensive telemedicine platform that provides both doctors and patients with virtual care services, secure messaging, and prescription refills. The platform is available 24/7, making it an ideal choice for those who require quick access to healthcare services. However, its reach is limited in certain states and insurance carriers.

Talkspace

Talkspace is one of the most popular telehealth apps for doctors and patients, offering access to licensed therapists and counselors for virtual visits. Patients can easily find and schedule appointments and securely message their approved therapists throughout the day.

Years on the market: 11; since 2012.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: With the Talkspace Provider app, therapists can handle client relationships seamlessly, from scheduling to billing. The platform features a secure messaging system, allowing healthcare providers to maintain continuous contact and offer support to their patients between live or asynchronous sessions.

For Patients: Talkspace provides an easy way to connect with licensed therapists and counselors from any device. With the platform, patients can easily find a therapist that best meets their needs, schedule appointments, securely message them, and access educational resources about mental health. 

Pros:

• Automatic therapist-patient matching 
• Ability to connect with therapists from any device 
• Comprehensive library of mental health resources 
• Tracking health goals and symptom tracker
• 7-day free trial

Cons:

• Limited access in certain states and insurance carriers 
• No option for in-person visits.

Summary: Talkspace is an innovative telemedicine platform that provides access to licensed therapists and counselors. Patients can easily find a therapist, schedule online doctor appointments, securely message them, and access educational resources about mental health. However, its reach is limited in certain states and insurance carriers.

LiveHealth

LiveHealth Online is an online telemedicine app that connects patients with board-certified doctors, therapists, and specialists via video chat. This app offers convenience and ease for those needing immediate healthcare access, even outside regular office hours.

Years on the market: 10; since 2013.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: LiveHealth Online offers a robust platform for healthcare providers to conduct virtual visits, manage patient records, and provide treatment plans. The app allows for real-time consultation, enabling medical professionals to diagnose and treat common health conditions such as colds, flu, allergies, cold sores, and non-emergency medical conditions like rashes or infections.

For Patients: LiveHealth Online offers patients a seamless way to connect with healthcare professionals. The platform allows users to conduct a virtual visit with a doctor, therapist, or specialist without leaving their homes. Furthermore, users can get prescriptions filled and access their health records, all from the app.

Pros:

• Immediate access to board-certified doctors and specialists 24/7.
• Prescription service available.
• Mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry.
• Ease of use and convenience.

Cons:

• Patients cannot communicate with their therapists outside of scheduled sessions via messaging.
• Not available in all states.
• Some user reviews indicate long wait times.

Summary: LiveHealth Online is an excellent resource for those needing immediate access to healthcare professionals. With the ability to connect with doctors, therapists, and specialists via video chat, it provides a convenient way for patients to access the care they need. However, limitations include restricted availability in certain states and with certain insurance carriers and potentially long wait times.

Walmart Health Virtual Care

Walmart Health Virtual Care is the retail giant’s entry into the telemedicine space, providing virtual primary care services via your smartphone or tablet.

Years on the market: 3; since 2020.

Platforms supported:

• desktop web
• mobile web

For Doctors: Walmart Health Virtual Care facilitates healthcare providers to manage their patients’ care virtually. Via the platform, doctors can give diagnoses, prescribe medication, and offer treatment plans for a wide range of common conditions, from allergies to minor injuries.

For Patients: Walmart Health Virtual Care allows patients to connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes. The platform provides a simple and convenient way for patients to get medical advice, treatment, and prescriptions for a wide variety of common conditions. 

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of primary care services.
• Simple and intuitive platform for both patients and doctors.
• Patients can get medical advice, treatment, and prescriptions for common conditions.
• Affordably priced services.

Cons:

• Appointment cancelation at least 24 hours in advance. 
• Does not support mental health services.
• No native mobile phone apps

Summary: Walmart Health Virtual Care is an easily accessible telemedicine platform that provides a wide range of primary care services. The platform’s straightforward and intuitive design makes it easy for patients to connect with healthcare professionals and receive treatment for common conditions. However, its availability is limited to select states and lacks support for mental health services.

PlushCare

PlushCare is one of the top telemedicine apps for physicians, offering access to board-certified doctors for primary care and urgent care needs.

Years on the market: 9; since 2014.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: PlushCare provides doctors with a platform to conduct virtual visits, manage patient records, and prescribe medications. The platform ensures easy scheduling of appointments and enables healthcare providers to provide quality care to patients nationwide.

For Patients: PlushCare allows patients to connect with a doctor virtually, either by phone or video chat. Patients can receive treatment for various medical conditions, including common illnesses, mental health concerns, and chronic conditions. Additionally, PlushCare allows patients to refill prescriptions and have them delivered to their doorsteps, offering seamless healthcare experience.

Pros:

• Access to board-certified doctors for primary and urgent care needs.
• Ability to refill prescriptions.
• Comprehensive services that include mental health and chronic disease management.
• Offers lab testing and specialist referrals.

Cons:

• Services may be unavailable for patients without insurance.
• No round-the-clock access to doctors.
• Some users report difficulty in scheduling appointments.

Summary: PlushCare is a comprehensive telemedicine platform that offers a broad range of services, from treating common illnesses to managing chronic diseases. The platform’s strengths include its ability to refill prescriptions and offer lab testing and specialist referrals. However, access to services may be limited for patients without insurance, and some users have reported difficulty scheduling appointments.

Doctor on Demand

Doctor On Demand is a well-established telemedicine platform that provides patients with easy access to medical and mental health services (usually the highest-paying telehealth option).

Years on the market: 10; since 2013.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web

For Doctors: Doctor On Demand offers a comprehensive platform for doctors to manage their patients remotely. It provides a streamlined interface for conducting video consultations, prescribing medication, and handling follow-ups. The platform also supports mental health professionals, allowing them to provide therapy and psychiatric services virtually.

For Patients: Doctor On Demand provides a platform for patients to seek immediate medical attention for non-emergency conditions. It also offers mental health services, which include therapy and psychiatric care. Patients can book appointments that fit their schedules, and the app’s user-friendly interface makes navigating healthcare services an easy task.

Pros:

• 24/7 access to healthcare services.
• Offers both medical and mental health services.
• User-friendly interface and easy appointment scheduling.
• No subscription is required; patients can pay per visit.

Cons:

• Not the cheapest cost of a visit for those without insurance.
• The wait time can be long, especially for same-day appointments.
• Some users report technical issues with the video chat feature.

Summary: Doctor On Demand is one of the best telehealth apps for providers and patients, offering round-the-clock access to comprehensive healthcare services. Its versatility in providing both medical and mental health services sets it apart in the telemedicine industry. However, costs can be high for those without insurance, and some users report long wait times and technical issues with the platform.

Amwell

Amwell is a reliable and easy-to-use telemedicine platform that provides 24/7 access to healthcare services.

Years on the market: 14; since 2009.

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Web

For Doctors: Amwell is the best telemedicine app for doctors, providing a comprehensive platform for continuous care and remote patient health monitoring. It equips the telemedicine provider with the necessary tools to conduct video consultations, prescribe medications, manage patient records, monitor treatment progress, and customize follow-up plans.

For Patients: Amwell provides patients with round-the-clock access to a wide range of healthcare services, including urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and a number of specialist services. Patients can seek immediate medical attention for non-emergency conditions and consult with board-certified doctors right from their homes.

Pros:

• Round-the-clock access to medical care services.
• Ability to consult with a wide range of specialists.
• User-friendly interface with easy appointment scheduling.
• Insurance is accepted, and the cost per visit without health insurance is transparent and relatively affordable. 

Cons:

• Visits are typically limited to 10 minutes, which may not be enough time for complex issues.
• The wait time can be long, especially during peak hours.
• Prescriptions are not available in all states.

Summary: Amwell is a versatile and accessible telemedicine platform that is available 24/7. Its extensive range of services, including urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and specialist consultations, make it a popular choice among patients. However, the relatively short consultation time and limitations on prescriptions in certain states are aspects that require consideration.

Firefly Health

Firefly Health is a relatively new player in the telemedicine field, aiming to revolutionize healthcare by providing patients with a personal care team.

Years on the market: 3; since 2020.

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Web

For Doctors: Firefly Health presents an innovative approach to healthcare delivery, enabling doctors to provide comprehensive care, including preventive, acute, and chronic care, along with behavioral health services. The platform also facilitates effective communication within the care team, which includes a doctor, nurse, and health guide.

For Patients: Firefly Health is one of the top telehealth apps that offers patients an integrated care experience. It combines traditional primary care, mental healthcare, and specialist care in one easy-to-use app. Patients can see a doctor via video visits, chat with their care team, get prescriptions, and even have referrals to trusted specialists for in-person visits.

Pros:

• Integration of primary care, mental healthcare, and specialist care.
• Personal care team for each patient.
• Accessible and easy-to-use app.
• Offers navigation assistance for insurance and billing queries.

Cons:

• Currently available only in certain states.
• Newness in the market may raise concerns about platform stability.
• Need for in-person visits for some specialist care.

Summary: Firefly Health is a promising tele health app that provides integrated care through a personal care team. Its innovative approach combines primary care, mental healthcare, and specialist care, making it a convenient one-stop shop for healthcare needs. However, being new to the market and having limited availability might concern some users.

HealthTap

HealthTap is an innovative telemedicine platform that connects patients with a network of more than 90,000 doctors for virtual consultations.

Years on the market: 13; since 2010.

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android
• Web

For Doctors: HealthTap is one of the best telemedicine apps for providers, offering a robust platform for delivering virtual care. The platform’s AI-based system, Dr. A.I., assists in triaging patients, allowing doctors to prioritize patient care. Doctors can provide consultations through text, phone, or video and easily share treatment plans, including prescriptions and lab work.

For Patients: HealthTap offers an extensive range of services, from primary care and urgent care to chronic disease management, mental healthcare, and even wellness advice. The platform’s unique feature is its AI-based system, Dr. A.I., which provides initial guidance to patients before connecting them to the right doctor based on their needs.

Pros:

• Access to an extensive network of doctors.
• Offers a variety of healthcare services.
• AI-based system for initial guidance.
• 24/7 availability of healthcare services. 

Cons:

• It may not accept specific insurance.
• Some patients may find the cost of consultations relatively high, especially without insurance.
• Some users have reported technical issues with the app.

Summary: HealthTap is an advanced telemedicine platform that offers a wide range of healthcare services, available 24/7. The platform uses an AI-based system to provide initial guidance and connect patients to an extensive network of doctors. But the potential lack of coverage by major insurance companies and higher consultation costs may be a concern for some users.

K Health

K Health is one of the best apps for tele medicine, utilizing artificial intelligence and patient data to deliver personalized care.

Years on the market: 6; since 2017.

Platforms supported:

• iOS 
• Android 
• Web 

For Doctors: K Health is a revolutionary telemedicine platform that offers providers intelligent insights as they assess and treat patients. The platform’s AI-based system, called Ada, provides personalized medical advice to doctors based on the patient’s data and anonymized medical records from more than 10 million other patients.

For Patients: K Health is an easy-to-use app that helps patients make informed decisions about their health care needs. Patients can use the app to access personalized care advice, make video visits with doctors, and get prescriptions. The app also has a built-in symptom checker that helps provide initial guidance.

Pros:

• AI-based system for providing personalized health advice.
• Access to an extensive database of patient medical records for more accurate diagnosis. 
• Integrated symptom checker for initial guidance.
• 24/7 availability of healthcare services. 

Cons:

• Only available in certain states.
• Some users have reported technical issues with the app. 
• Relatively expensive compared to other telemedicine platforms. 

Summary: K Health is a powerful telehealth platform that uses AI and patient data to provide personalized care. It offers doctors intelligent insights and patients access to a symptom checker and 24/7 health services. However, its limited availability and higher cost may be drawbacks for some users.

MDBox

MDBox is a comprehensive telemedicine solution for remote patient monitoring, health data management, and telehealth mobile apps.

Years on the market: 7; since 2016. 

Platforms supported:

• iOS
• Android 
• Web 

For Doctors: MDBox offers innovative tools for remotely managing patient health data, including tracking vital signs, vital statistics, lab results, and patient-reported data. The platform also allows for automated appointment reminders and secure messaging for patients. 

For Patients: MDBox is a great telemedicine app for patients who want to take charge of their health data. It offers an easy-to-use dashboard where users can access and manage their health records securely in one place. The app also allows patients to set up automatic reminders for important health-related tasks and schedule video visits with their providers. 

Pros:

• Comprehensive solution for patient data management. 
• Automated appointment reminders and secure messaging. 
• Easy-to-use dashboard for accessing and managing health records securely in one place. 
• 24/7 availability of health services. 

Cons:

• Currently available only in certain states. 
• Some users have reported technical issues with the app. 

Summary: MDBox is a comprehensive telemedicine solution for remotely managing patient health data. It offers convenient features such as automated appointment reminders, secure messaging for patients, and an easy-to-use dashboard for managing health records securely. Although its limited availability may be a concern, the app provides reliable and secure remote care services 24/7.

Comparison Table of the Best Telemedicine Apps

Also Read: Healthcare App Development Guide

Interested in learning more about implementing a white label telehealth platform and how telehealth applications can revolutionize your practice and improve patient care? Get in touch with us today.

[This blog was originally published on 8/29/2023, but has been updated for more details]