What is the best online doctor consultation website?

The best thing to do is to make an appointment and see a doctor in person.

Welcome to Fluther.

I doubt if you will find a responsible doctor who will provide diagnosis without some form of in-person (or these days, perhaps some kind of phoned-in via an app) consultation. (Frankly, I’m not sure that I would even want such a physician.)

However, for “general medical questions” I always like WebMD.com.

There is an app called “Doctor on Demand”. This was developed in association with the TV Program called “The Doctors” Obviously it is designed for non-emergency situations.

All of them on the program are board-certified MDs. A lot of the info they give I have personally checked out via reputable sources such as Mayo Clinic and it’s been accurate.

I seriously doubt that if they developed this app that they would have it staffed by sketchy people who are not qualified MDs. This could have serious negative effects upon their ratings as well as potential lawsuits so it’s in their own best interest to make sure that you interact with qualified MDs.

However, I have not personally used this app, not because I’d be reluctant to do so but because I just haven’t had the need. The app is free on both Google Play and iTunes but if you do go through with a consultation with an MD, the charge is $40.

However, if you Google “Promo Code” you may be able to get a price break. I know that there’s a promo code on The Funny Mom Blog.

I’m assuming you can also Google reviews for the Doctor on Demand app to see what others’ experiences have been.

FWIW it has five stars on the Apple app store as well as high marks from Amazon’s reviewers. So, obviously it’s been proven helpful to a sizable number of people already. But, do your homework and use your best judgement.

It’s definitely not a scam or else Apple would not allow it in the app store. They’re pretty fussy that way :)

@Buttonstc Going along the lines of @CWOTUS‘s point, what kinds of MD’s would want to work like that? I think you’re getting the MDs in the bottoms of their class that couldn’t get better positions elsewhere. I’m sure they’re certified, and could probably do ok with really basic questions/problems, but If it was nuanced and/or sophisticated, I’d go with one who physically interacts with their patients. That’s not to say all doctors in physical locations are great (some are bad) and there probably are good doctors that work for these online companies. I’m just saying, statistically speaking, the online MD’s are probably going to be significantly worse than those that work in traditional medical practices.

I don’t think they’re working full time for DOD.

I’ve read several reviews where apparently they’re consulting with the phone patient as part of their regular day at their own practice similar to an in person consultation.

But, as I emphasized, each person should do their own research and info about this app BEFORE they need it.

I’m sure if there are criticisms of it that they are out there to be read by all. As with everything: “caveat emptor”.

I’m not giving it a wholehearted unquestioning recommendation since I’ve never had the need to use it.

Clearly it’s not intended for serious, possibly emergency situations. But I can see it coming in handy for a Mom with four kids and never enough time to get advice about a bothersome but not deadly serious concern.

Or for someone with mobility problems needing a consult about an issue.

I basically let the OP know about its existence with the caution to do their own further research.

I myself have just done a cursory lookover rather than in depth. I’ve read a few reviews not a ton. That’s becAuse I don’t anticipate having a need to use it.

But the next time my Drs. office refuses me a refill on blood pressure meds which I’ve been taking for years (so the dosages and effects are stable and I regularly take my BP at home) I might consider giving DOD a call to get refills.

Anyhow, your aura of caution is a good one. I just don’t think these are all a bunch of bottom of the barrel rejects hanging around waiting for a call.

They also emphasize in their info that all of their Drs. are thoroughly vetted, board certified and located in your own state.

Hence my impression (combined with comments from reviews) that these are MDs with regular practices for whom this is a part time consulting endeavor.

I’m assuming that board certified still stands for something even in this day and age. Also if they are merely making that claim even tho untrue that it would be easy enough to check up on similar to what you do in real life.

If they’re claiming board certified and that’s not the case, I would assume that’s lawsuit time, right?

Anyhow, the app is out there. Any adult is capable of doing their own checks on it. If they don’t then it’s their own fault.