Teladoc FAQs
General Medical
Can Teladoc handle my emergencies?
No, Teladoc is designed for non-emergency medical problems. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Do I talk to “real doctors”?
Yes. Teladoc members only interact with actual U.S. board-certified doctors licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. These doctors include internists, family practitioners, and pediatricians, and they all live and practice within the United States.
What are some of the common conditions Teladoc treats?
Teladoc treats many non-emergency illnesses, including sinus problems, respiratory infections, allergies, and flu symptoms.
Can I request a particular doctor?
You cannot request a specific doctor. Teladoc is intended to complement your relationship with your existing doctor rather than replace it. All Teladoc doctors are board-certified and state-licensed, ensuring quality care.
Can I use it for my family?
If you have dependents, you can register them under your account. Adult dependents ages 18 and older are also eligible. An email will be sent to the adult dependents after you add them to your account.
Is my electronic health record kept private?
Yes, your health records are kept private with robust encryption methods. You control who has access to your records.
Can I be turned down for a pre-existing condition?
No, Teladoc does not turn patients away due to pre-existing conditions.
Can I call Teladoc outside of the United States?
No, Teladoc services are only available within the United States.
Dermatology
How do I access the service?
Dermatology visits are available online. You can log in to your account or contact the Teladoc call center for assistance.
Can I ask follow-up questions?
You can direct follow-up questions to your provider within seven days of your initial visit.
Do I have to upload an image?
You must upload at least three images before scheduling your visit to ensure proper diagnosis.
What types of images are allowed?
Acceptable image formats include JPEG, GIF, and PNG, with a maximum file size of 15MB per image.
Can I choose my doctor?
You will be assigned the first available dermatologist for your initial visit. For subsequent visits, you can choose the same provider or the first available.
How long will it take for the physician to respond to my visit request?
Physicians typically respond within two business days.
How will I be notified if I am prescribed medication?
All information, including diagnosis and prescriptions, will be managed through your Message Center.
Will I be speaking with a licensed dermatology provider?
Yes, all Teladoc dermatologists are board-certified.
What if my condition requires immediate attention?
In such cases, a licensed clinician will contact you by phone and message through your Message Center.
Can I address more than one condition in a visit?
Teladoc requests that you limit each dermatology visit to one medical condition.
What conditions are not treated by Teladoc dermatologists?
The treating dermatologist will determine the best course of action during your visit.
Why do I have to fill out additional intake questions?
These questions help ensure the provider has all the necessary information to assist you effectively.
Is Dermatology available in all states?
Dermatology services are available in states where teledermatology is permitted, and Teladoc provides telemedicine services.
Can a dermatology visit be scheduled for someone under the age of 18?
Dermatology visits are available for all Teladoc members, including those under 18.
How will I be notified if the dermatologist has additional questions?
You will receive a message in your Message Center and can be alerted by text or email.
Do I need online access for a Dermatology visit?
Yes, online access is required due to the nature of the visit, which involves uploading images and providing additional health information.
Behavioral Health
Can I use the Behavioral Health service for an emergency?
No, this service is not intended for emergencies. In an emergency, please dial 911.
What should I do if I feel I am in immediate danger of self-harm?
If you are in immediate danger, please dial 911 for emergency assistance.
Should I schedule an appointment, or can I call for the next available time?
All Behavioral Health visits are scheduled in advance; no on-demand option exists.
How long is the typical Behavioral Health visit?
First-time visits typically last around 45 minutes. Psychiatry visit lengths may vary based on patient needs.
Can a Behavioral Health visit be scheduled for someone under 18?
Behavioral Health services are available for members aged 18 and over.
What should I expect during my call?
You will complete a quick intake assessment, followed by a conversation with a Behavioral Health professional, similar to an in-person visit.
Can I talk to the same specialist each time I request a visit?
You can see the same specialist or a different one for each visit.
How secure is the communication line, and who retains my medical records?
Teladoc follows strict security protocols to ensure confidentiality. All medical records are kept in a secure environment and are only shared at your request or as required by law.
How do I access this service?
You can access the Behavioral Health service by logging into your Teladoc account or calling customer service.
What type of equipment do I need for a Behavioral Health visit?
You need a telephone for telephonic visits. You also need internet connectivity and a webcam for video visits, which are recommended.
What if I need a medication?
Psychiatrists can prescribe from a limited formulary. The specialist may refer you for an in-person visit if a different medication is necessary.
Can I select my doctor based on preferences such as specialty, gender, or language?
You can view profiles with this information when selecting a specialist online.
Can I schedule recurring appointments?
If deemed necessary, the provider will schedule a follow-up visit. At present, only the next visit can be scheduled.
Is bilingual assistance provided?
Yes, an interpreter will be provided if a bilingual provider is unavailable.
Is there a time limit on how long I can speak with a specialist?
Behavioral Health visits typically last around 45 minutes, with psychiatry visits varying based on need.
What type of Behavioral Health specialists does Teladoc have?
Teladoc offers access to psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, and therapists.
What types of specialists can prescribe medications?
Only psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medications.
Does Teladoc follow up after each visit?
Yes, Teladoc specialists follow up via the Message Center, and nursing staff may contact patients by phone after multiple visits to check on their progress.
What can be shared with my PCP?
Behavioral Health visit information is not automatically included in the medical record sent to your primary care provider.
Why do I have to fill out additional intake questions?
These questions provide specialists with important information to better assist you.
Prescriptions
Can I get a prescription?
Teladoc doctors can prescribe medication if they determine it is medically necessary. However, they do not prescribe substances controlled by the DEA, non-therapeutic drugs, or medicines like Viagra and Cialis.
How are prescriptions sent to the pharmacy?
If a Teladoc doctor prescribes medication, it is sent electronically or by phone to the pharmacy of your choice.
Are there limits on how many visits can be scheduled within a month?
There are no limits, but Teladoc continually evaluates its programs to ensure patient safety.
Are there limits on the number of days a prescription can be issued?
Prescriptions may be issued for 30 to 90 days at the discretion of the licensed specialist.