HealthTap Versus Amwell

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HealthTap is a Palo Alto-based company founded in 2010. The app has been covered by several national magazines and newspapers.

How Does HealthTap Work?

You need to create a personal account before you can start using the HealthTap app. The account will require you to answer some basic questions about your medical history and current health status. Once you complete the registration process, you can use the app quickly at any time.

If you have the free version of the HealthTap app, then you only need to ask your question and wait for an answer. It’s a simple exchange that only takes a few minutes.

If you want to meet with a doctor online, then you need to describe your symptoms and make an appointment. (This usually only takes a few minutes.) When the doctor comes online, he or she will try to diagnose your condition and make a personalized health plan that will make you well. If you require prescription medications, then your doctor can send a request to a pharmacy near you.

What Makes HealthTap Stand Out?

The most exciting thing about HealthTap is that it doesn’t charge you any money to ask general health questions. Once you create an account, you can submit questions without paying anything. You should receive a response quickly.

HealthTap also stands out for taking a lead in the healthcare app industry. The company has conducted numerous surveys to learn more about the services that patients want. It also works with doctors across the country to improve its platform continually.

HealthTap’s HIPAA-compliant technology keeps you secure when you text or video chat with a doctor. The company has put a lot of work into making sure that it follows government guidelines carefully.

Common Reviews of HealthTap

A lot of people like the HealthTap app because they can get basic medical information for free. Those who pay for the additional services say that they enjoy having quick access to a medical professional without going to an emergency room or urgent care center. Patients routinely describe the doctors as knowledgeable, courteous and professional.

Negative reviews of HealthTap usually come from people who don’t want to pay the $99 per month subscription fee. Many complain that $99 is higher than their co-pays, so they might as well see a doctor in person.

Other negative reviews usually come from people who use the free version of the app and don’t feel that they got adequate answers to their questions. Unfortunately, the free version of HealthTap will never compare to the paid version. If you expect too much from the free option, then you may feel disappointed.

Is HealthTap for me?

HealthTap is probably a good option for you if you prefer using an online service instead of visiting your doctor, ER or urgent care center. The subscription model makes it especially useful for parents with several children because they can get their concerns addressed without spending money on co-pays.

If you want to find a more convenient, affordable approach to healthcare, then you should consider using HealthTap. You can try the free version before paying for full access to the app’s services.

About the Author

Alex

Amwell was founded in 2013, so it’s one of the more recent medical apps. Despite how new it is, the Amwell app has been downloaded more than 1 million times. It has been noted as an outstanding medical app by several authorities.

How Does Amwell Work?

Amwell tries to make it quick and convenient for you to get treatment from a medical professional certified to work in your state. When you make an account, you provide some basic information about yourself and your medical history. All of your information gets stored securely so you and your doctor can access it at any time.

Once you make your personal account, you get to see a list of medical professionals working in your state. Each doctor’s listing includes the person’s experience. Listings even include reviews written by other patients. Having feedback from other patients makes it easier to choose a doctor who will fit your needs.

Finally, you schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor. You can see your doctor at any time of the day or night since Amwell is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You connect with your doctor via the Amwell app on your smartphone or tablet. The app uses high-quality streaming video to create a personalized experience. Following your conversation with the doctor, you will receive a personalized health plan that tells you how to treat the condition affecting you. If your plan requires medication, then the doctor will send a prescription request to your pharmacy.

Amwell is intended to help you get medical services when you need them quickly. You should still have a general practitioner who can see you for comprehensive services and annual exams.

What Makes Amwell Stand Out?

Amwell stands out for giving patients access to so much information about the company’s doctors. Few medical apps post reviews to help users decide which doctors they want to use.

Amwell also leads the way in helping patients receive treatments for mental and behavioral health issues. Not many companies have invested in psychiatric services. Given the large number of people who don’t have immediate access to psychiatrists and counselors, it makes sense for Amwell to provide this service. Unfortunately, few medical apps do.

Common Reviews of Amwell

Amwell has thousands of satisfied patients who prefer using the app instead of visiting an emergency room or urgent care center. Most patients praise the app for its seamless video streaming and wide range of services. Patients also like that they can choose their own doctors instead of getting assigned randomly to someone.

Some people complain that Amwell’s higher price makes it difficult for them to take advantage of its services. Check out how Amwell compares with the cost of other medical apps here. Other negative reviews say that a remote experience cannot replace visiting a doctor in person. Of course, Amwell isn’t supposed to replace your general practitioner. It’s supposed to give you medical help when you need it quickly.

Is Amwell for me?

Amwell is a good option for people who need medical attention for common issues like flu symptoms, strep throat and pink eye. If you don’t want to spend time and money at the ER, then you should consider using Amwell for a faster, more affordable experience.

Amwell also has good options for people living with mental and behavioral health issues. If you don’t, or can’t, see a counselor in person, then the Amwell app is one of your best treatment options.

About the Author

Alex