Want to know what I’m doing right now? Right now, while I’m sitting in my PJs, typing up a draft of this post, and my husband is giving the boys a bath upstairs… I am also…
visiting a doctor!
As I type, I’m waiting for the doctor I selected to come on screen… whoa, there she is, hang on, I’ll be right back…
See… that is how easy it is to get ahold of a medical professional. At home. Online.
Online doctor visits, my fellow moms, is pure genius!!
Believe me, as a new mom, and still today as a mom of young boys, the last thing I want to do is drag everyone to the doctor’s office, and sit in a waiting room for forty-five minutes.
But now? Moms, parents, everyone!!! I am so happy to shout it out: online health care has arrived!
But how do online doctor visits (aka telehealth) work?
As part of MomTrends blogger program, I got to check out Amwell, the nation’s leading telehealth company.
It was so easy. In minutes I had an account, logged in, added my kids, and got in touch with a dietician.
I’ve been concerned about whether my kids have been eating enough. The dietician kindly and thoroughly discussed my boys eating habits. She gave me ideas for altering our snack routine a bit to avoid the before bedtime “I’m hungry” cries! And she followed up with a message that included a dietary guideline for their ages.
Using Amwell was a simple and easy experience. I could choose from board-certified, licensed doctors, dieticians, and psychologists for immediate visits. And it’s 24/7 – you login and see who is available using your mobile app or desktop.
I can see this coming in super handy for when we travel. Or what if we’re all home sick and can’t get out to the doctor? (Ahem, like last Thanksgiving Day!?).
I am rejoicing at what a time-saver this will be!!! I didn’t have to fit in an appointment, then build my entire day around getting kids ready, driving there, traffic, waiting room times, getting home, unloading the car, etc. Just sat down when I had a 20-30 minute window and got my answers – fast!
Here’s a great video that illustrates my point here!
And? I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I often postpone doctor visits (for myself) because of cost. Amwell saves you money! At the end of this post, I’ll tell you how you can get a $1 visit!!
Generally, fees for online visits ranged from $25-49, and may be covered by some insurance plans. That’s such a cost savings compared to an in-office visit! (Plus the savings of gas and your time!).
I could see this being a huge help for college students, or parents who are between jobs or unemployed.
Moms, as you well know, illnesses can be sudden onset. Those middle-of-the-night wake ups with kids coughing or throwing up? With Amwell, I get on-demand access to a doctor in minutes. No need to wait for the call center to page my doctor, or drag everyone out of bed for an ER visit! Amwell is accessible 24/7. This is a huge relief for parents!
I’m sure you’re wondering who you will talk to. Real doctors. Amwell employs primary care, specialist physicians, licensed behavioral therapists and registered dietitians. Bring your questions and issues related to minor illness and injury, general health, prescription refills and chronic condition situations to them any time of day.
How many times have you delayed getting a new prescription because getting in to see the doctor just didn’t fit into your schedule? Did you know primary care physicians on Amwell can write prescriptions and submit to your pharmacy? Just one more point of awesome there!
Let’s not forget: Peace of mind. Yes, I called for a minor issue – my kid’s nutrition. However, for the past few months they have been eating what I consider to be very little. I got tremendous peace of mind talking through their diet with a professional, and getting fresh ideas and a new perspective on what is “normal” for their ages.
Are you ready to try out an Amwell visit for just $1!?
Many common ailments can be handled with an Amwell online physician: fever, pinkeye, flu, cold, headache, UTI’s, vomiting, cough, sinus infection, sore throat. With the onset of winter, I’m grateful to have the option of telehealth in my back pocket!
Create an account – it’s easy. Then login, and select the type of visit and a provider. The doctor can diagnose, suggest followup , and prescribe (when appropriate). The whole process is done on a secure site, and is HPAA compliant, so your information is private.
Amwell is available in 46 states and accepted by many major insurers; if you enter your health insurance information, you could get a lower cost visit.
But since you read this post, your FIRST visit is just $1! Just visit Amwell, and when you have your first visit, use this code: BEWELL1 – Your visit will be only a dollar!
I think online health care IS the wave of the future, and it’s here right now for us to enjoy. Get used to it! I already have!
This post has been sponsored by Amwell through MomTrends. All opinions are my own.
Maria
Friday 12th of February 2016
Great service fast and accurate. Great doctor.
Nicole Feliciano
Monday 23rd of November 2015
This app cuts out so many unnecessary obstacles, like the waiting for the doctor and the travel time and also the possibility of getting sick in the waiting room. Job well done Amwell!