FAQs | Online Medical Doctor

General FAQ

Do I need to select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) before my virtual visits?

It depends on your health insurance requirements.

If your insurance requires you to choose a PCP, you need to do it before your virtual visit. If that is not done by the day of service, insurance is not going to pay for your visit and the cost is going to be your personal responsibility.
By choosing a PCP now, you are not obligated to stay with that PCP. You can change your PCP as you go. Most health insurances allow you to do it as often as daily.
You can select one of our doctors as your PCP for a scheduled visit if necessary.

What should I expect from a doctor at Online-MD?

Since we are primary care doctors, we can be your first point of contact for most of common medical conditions:

We can help you with minor urgent health issues (like flu, ear or eye infection, UTI or skin infection, and many more)
We can help you with most chronic medical conditions (with some exceptions)
We can initiate and refill most medication prescriptions, with a few exceptions. Click here for list of exceptions.
We can give you a referral to a specialist
We can give you lab referral (for all types of blood work and other testing)
We can help you get imaging referrals (X-rays, CT scan, etc.)

What happens if your doctor cannot solve my problem?

If for any reason we cannot help you, we will refund your money.
This is usually the case:

If the health issue you have beyond the scope of our practice.
If you need to be seen in person and physical examination is advised
If the medication you are requesting is on the exceptions list

How long do refunds take?

Refunds will be initiated the same day, but can take 7-10 business days to appear on your account, depending on your bank. If more time has passed, please contact your bank.
You can request a refund receipt for your records.

Can I book a walk-in appointment with Online-MD?

Yes, but we have only one physical walk-in clinic location, in Midtown Manhattan, NYC:

274 Madison Ave, Suite 705,
New York, NY 10016

Can I send personal information to you by email?

Yes, you can but it is not advisable.
If sending an email and communicating with Online-MD via email generally, you should be aware that email is not considered a secure method of communication, and you assume the privacy and security risk of such unsecured communication.

Is my credit card information secure?

Yes. It is kept safe and not shared with anyone outside the organization

Is Online-MD HIPAA Compliant?

Yes, Online-MD is HIPAA compliant.
We train our team extensively to ensure that patient information is thoroughly protected

Do you do physical exams?

Yes, we do. We have a physical location in Midtown Manhattan, NYC where we can do an actual physical exam if necessary.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Yes, unless you are only getting a prescription for medication or referrals using a text messaging service

Medication FAQs

Refills

Getting refills for prescriptions

If you need a medication refill, you need to choose one of our services to get it refilled: video, phone or texting.

Refills via text messaging can be given only for a certain limited number of medical conditions.
For all other type of refills, you need to schedule a video or phone consultation with one of our doctors.

Duration of medication refills

We can prescribe you medications for up to a 90-day period for any previously prescribed medications (with a few exceptions)
However, doctors will always use their medical judgment to determine whether to prescribe a medication and the appropriate duration of medication on case-by-case basis.
If medication you request is not prescribed (out of scope of our practice) your fee will be refunded.

Prescriptions

Which medications can you prescribe at Online-MD?

We can initiate or refill many routine prescriptions that are non-controlled such as antibiotics, birth control, diabetes, hypertension medications, antipsychotics and many more

However, it is important to note that our doctors will still defer to their best medical judgment during your visit, which may result in an outcome that is independent of prescribing specific medications.

Which medications cannot be refilled?

We cannot prescribe or refill controlled substances via any type of virtual care.

If you are unsure whether your medication is a controlled substance, please send a message to medicalcenterny@yahoo.com

These are a few examples of some medications we are NOT able to fill:

Weight loss drugs: Qsymia, Belviq, Phentermine, Desoxyn, Suprenza
Pain medications: Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Tramadol, Percocet, Demerol, Methadone, Dilaudid
Sleeping pills: Ambien, Valium, Lunesta, zolpidem, Luminal, phenobarbital
Antipsychotics: Risperdol, Halidol, Latuda, Zyprexa, olanzapine
Anxiety: Ativan, lorazepam, Xanax, alprazolam, Klonopin, clonazepam, Restoril, Halcion, diazepam, other benzodiazepines
ADD/ADHD: Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, amphetamine, methylphenidate, Focalin
Misc: Fioricet, cough syrup with codeine, Suboxone

What prescriptions can I get using text messaging services?

This is the list of medications you CAN get via text messaging services.

For any others you need to talk to a doctor via phone or video conferencing to get medication prescribed.

Pharmacy

Can I choose any pharmacy?

Yes, you can choose any pharmacy in the USA to get your prescription.

What if the prescription is not received by my Pharmacy?

We send your prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice within 1 hour after appointment completion.
If your pharmacy states it has not received your prescription within that timeframe, please call us at (212) 696-5900 or email us at medicalcenterny@yahoo.com. We will respond during our normal office hours.

What if my pharmacy does not have the medication in stock?

If your local pharmacy does not have the medication in stock, you can call us at (212) 696-5900 or email us at medicalcenterny@yahoo.com so we can redirect the prescription to another pharmacy of your choice. This should be done during our .

How can I change my pharmacy information?

If you decide to switch to another pharmacy you can do it by calling us at (212) 696-5900 or emailing us at medicalcenterny@yahoo.com during

Please be aware that it can take up to 2 hours for your prescription to be ready. Time frames for receiving the prescription and having it ready for pick up varies and depends on your pharmacy.

Appointment change and cancellation policy

Do I need to schedule an appointment with Online-MD?

Yes, unless you are getting a prescription or referrals via texting services.
Be aware that we can do only limited things via text services:

Prescribe certain medications
Make specialist referrals
Make lab referrals

What happens if I miss my appointment (no show)?

The time slot is reserved for you and if you miss your appointment, your credit card will be charged for the entire cost of the appointment.

You can email medicalcenterny@yahoo.com or call 1(212) 696-5900 to reschedule your appointment.

Appointment Change Policy

Patients can cancel their appointment at no charge 2 or more hours before the appointment time
Patients who need to cancel their appointment within 2 hours of the appointment start time will be charged a $30 late cancellation fee.

Online-MD cancellation or rescheduling

In some cases, Online-MD may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment to ensure patients get the appropriate care they need.
When Online-MD cancels or reschedules the appointment, the patient will not be charged any fees.

Conditions we treat

What conditions can you treat?

We diagnose, advise and prescribe medications for a variety of health issues. As PCPs (Primary Care Doctors) we are your first point of contact for an acute or chronic medical problem.

Examples of acute medical conditions we commonly treat:

Respiratory: URI, sinusitis, sore/strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, ear infection, cold, flu, pink eye, stye, pneumonia, dental infection and others
Urinary: UTI, bladder infection, kidney infection, and others
Genital: penile discharge, warts, vaginal discharge, itch, balanitis, yeast infection, erectile dysfunction and others
Skin: Rash, skin infection(cellulitis), acne and others
GastroIntestinal: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and others
Musculoskeletal: Back pain, gout attack, minor trauma
Neurologic: headaches, vertigo, migraine, dizziness, minor numbness and others
Medication refills: PEP and PrEP for HIV, hair loss medication, birth control pills, and others

Examples of chronic (ongoing) medical conditions we commonly manage:

High Blood Pressure, High cholesterol, Asthma, Hypothyroidism, Anxiety, Diabetes (both types), Depression, Seizures, Migraine, Acne, PrEP. And the list goes on and on.

If you unsure whether we can help you with your conditions, please communicate with us via email or by calling us at (212) 696-5900.

Please note: cases that require in-person examination by a physician will entitle the patient to a refund of any charges made for the online appointment.

Do you offer treatment for mental health conditions?

Our doctors have the ability to initiate and refill non-controlled substance medications for common conditions such as anxiety & depression. This is the we can and cannot prescribe.

Conditions we cannot treat

As a virtual care services, we do not deal with emergencies that require immediate assistance.

A few examples are:

Bleeding, major trauma with loss of consciousness, stroke, heart attack, broken bones, cuts that need to be stitched up. In those cases please call 911 or report to a hospital emergency room (ER).

Fortunately, those conditions are not that common.

Please note that we reserve the right to refund your payment if the doctor decides that you need an in person medical examination at the office for the issue you have, or if the problem is beyond the scope of our practice.

What is the Cost of the visit: insured and uninsured?

How much does an appointment with Online-MD cost?

If you have health insurance from a payer that we accept, you will be responsible for your portion of the payment based on your health insurance. It can be a copay, coinsurance or deductible.

If insurance is not an option for you, the cost of service is:

$59.00 for phone or video conferencing services
$30 for texting services for medication refill and obtaining specialist and imaging referrals. Please read about the restrictions for this services here.

Does Online-MD work with my health insurance?

At Online-MD we accept most health insurance. This is the list of .

Please note that we accept health insurance for video and phone consultation services, but not for text messaging.

Have a question regarding your health insurance or charges? Send us a message to medicalcenterny@yahoo.com or give one of our support team members a call at (212) 696-5900

How can I figure out my insured patient responsibility for a virtual visit?

Our experienced staff has online tools to check your particular insurance info for your portion of the visit for PCP or telehealth services.
Once we know, we will notify you in advance what your responsibility is for an upcoming virtual visit. No surprises - guaranteed.

If you want to find out first hand from your health insurance company, you can call them and find out if you have any copay, co-insurance or deductible that applies to the telehealth or PCP visit.

Please note that any patient responsibilities should be paid before the visit is initiated.

If for any reason we cannot help you because the medical issue you have or medication you are requesting falls outside the scope of our practice, we will issue you a refund the same day. Our service is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Be aware that it might take up to 7 business days for money to be reported on your account.

Refund

If an appointment was missed, cancelled or rescheduled by a patient

If you missed your appointment (no show) your credit card will be charged for the entire cost of the appointment.

If you cancelled or rescheduled your initial appointment:

More than 2 hours before your scheduled appointment time, you will get a full refund
Within 2 hours of the appointment start time, you will be charged a $30 late cancellation fee.

If you had an interaction with a doctor (via video or phone)

If you had any type of interaction with a doctor, we need to hear about any refund request from that doctor.

The general rule for refunds when interaction with a doctor occurred is:
We refund

If the condition you have requires in office examination
If the condition you have is beyond the scope of our practice
If we cannot prescribe the medication you are requesting

How long does a refund take?

The refund is initiated the same day, but it may take up to 7 days to be reflected on your account.
Once a refund is completed, you may request a paper refund receipt for your records

Imaging referrals

What kind of imaging referrals can Online-MD give?

We provide all kinds of imaging referrals: CT(cat scan), MRI, X-rays, ultrasound of various organs, Doppler study, ECG, ECHO and many others

How can I get imaging referrals?

Most of the imaging referrals require one-time video or phone consultation. That will include ordering the test, discussing the results with you once it is completed, and addressing the problem, if necessary.
The only way an imaging study can be requested via text services is if it is for an existing medical condition, and is necessary before seeing a specialist for follow up.

How am I going to get the results of imaging?

While you are undergoing imaging study, you will ask that imaging facility to send the report to this fax number: 212-696-5909
Once we get it, we can discuss it with you and you can get a copy for your records.
If the report needs to be forwarded to a specialist, we can do that as well

Can I go to the facility of my choice for imaging?

Yes, you can choose any location for your imaging studies. Our open referral should work with any imaging facility in USA.
But please be sure that they have our fax number: (212) 696-5909.

Specialist referrals

How can I get a referral to a specialist?

You can get specialist referrals using any channel of service we offer:

Video
Phone
Text messaging

Do you have a list of specialist referrals?

Yes, we do have a list for NYC only.
If you are from another city or state, you can use our referral to see any specialist you choose in your own area.

Requesting a blood work referral

What kind of blood work referral does Online-MD provide?

We provide all kinds of blood test referrals: cholesterol, diabetes, CMP, STD testing, liver, kidney, urine, PrEP, drug screen and many others.

How can I get blood work referrals?

Most blood test referrals require a one-time video or phone consultation. We will order the test, discuss the results with you once it is completed, and address any problem if necessary.
The only way a blood work referral can be requested via text services is if it is for an existing medical condition and is necessary before seeing a specialist for follow up for that condition.

How am I going to get the results of my blood work?

Once we get the results, we can discuss them with you and you can get a copy for your records as well.
We can forward the report also to your specialist or PCP upon your request

Can I go to the facility of my choice for lab work?

Yes, you can choose any location for blood, urine or any other testing.
Our open referral should work with any lab in USA.

Telemedicine process

Here’s a short explanation of how it works and what to expect:

Step 1. Schedule an appointment

You schedule an appointment online by choosing a time that’s convenient for you.
You will get an email explaining how to proceed further.

Step 2. Create an account on WRS portal

Create an account on WRS
Put your personal and clinical information into the WRS system.
If you are insured, put your health insurance information into the WRS system. (Send us a picture of your insurance card info if you want us to do it)

Step 3. Checking on your health insurance coverage

If you’re insured:
We will check your insurance information to determine your responsibility.
We will contact you (the way you want us to) by phone or by email, with an explanation of your responsibility for telehealth services.

Step 4. Going through your clinical information

We will review your clinical information to see if we can help you with a medical issue you’re having.
We will let you know (via phone or email- your choice) if we need more information before making a decision.

We do not waste your time and money if we cannot help.

Step 5. Charging your credit card for an upcoming visit

If you are insured:
Your financial responsibility for the visit will be charged before talking to a doctor, but only after discussing it with you.

If you self-pay:
We will charge your credit card $59 for the upcoming visit
All charges are incurred about 15 min before talking to a doctor.

Step 6. Talk to a doctor

Download the free app and talk to a doctor

Step 7. Pick up your prescription

Get your prescription at your local pharmacy

Step 8. If you have more questions and/or requests

Phone consultation process

Here’s a short explanation of how it works and what to expect:

Step 1. Schedule an appointment

You schedule an appointment online by choosing a time that’s convenient for you.
You will get an email explaining how to proceed further.

Step 2. Create an account on WRS portal

Step 3. Checking on your health insurance coverage

Step 4. Going through your clinical information

Step 5. Charging your credit card for an upcoming visit

Step 6. Talk to a doctor

Call our office at (212) 696-5900 and talk to a doctor

Step 7. Pick up your prescription

Get your prescription at your local pharmacy

Step 8. If you have more questions and/or requests

Text messaging service

Here’s a short explanation of how it works and what to expect:

Step 1.

Check which conditions we can address via text messaging services. This is the complete list

Step 2.

Send us an email at medicalcenterny@yahoo.com requesting a texting service and describing what you need.

Step 3.

We will respond back to you within 30 minutes so you can create an account on WRS. This service is available during only.

Step 4.

Fill out your personal information and clinical information

Step 5.

A doctor will review your clinical information and decide whether we can provide the service you need.

Step 6.

We will ask you for additional information, if necessary

Step 7.

We charge your credit card the fee for text service

Step 8.

You can pick up your medication at the local pharmacy or get a referral to a provider of the medical services you requested

We do not charge you if we cannot help. Our service is backed up by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Text messaging FAQ

Getting medication via text messaging service

How it works?

Choose the medication we can prescribe you from the list
*Be sure you aware of potential side effects of the medication
Create an account and leave a text message to a doctor
*Doctor will review your information within 1 hour
We will let you know that we are sending the medication to your pharmacy
We charge your card $30 fee.
*No insurance accepted by us for text messaging service.
You can pick up the prescription using your insurance.

What is included in that $30 fee?

Sending a prescription for the medication to the pharmacy of your choice electronically.
Getting prior authorization or approval for the medication, if necessary, from your insurance company

Can I request any medication I want?

No. We can treat only a limited number of conditions via text messaging service: UTI, cold sore, hypothyroidism, hair loss, ED (erectile dysfunction), and BCP (birth control pills). If you need a prescription for anything else, please choose our telehealth or voice phone services.

Can I get the prescription sent to any pharmacy?

Yes, we can send it to any pharmacy in USA. You need to tell us in advance which pharmacy you choose. We need a pharmacy phone number and street address.

How long will it take to get my prescription?

We will send it right away. The rest depends on your pharmacy. Generally, it takes about 1 hour for the medication to be readied for pick-up.

Can I get my money refunded?

Once the prescription is sent electronically by us, fees are not refundable, even if you choose not to buy the medication.

Lab referral via text messaging service

How does it work?

You request the test that you need to have done.
We will give you a referral to any lab of your choice.
We can advise you on the best ‘in-network’ lab for your particular insurance
If you are uninsured, we can refer you to Quest Diagnostics. They will charge you only Medicare schedule fees (lowest amount possible) because we have an account with them.

How much is the charge for lab referrals?

We charge a $30 flat fee that includes the lab referral and interpretation of the test.

Do I need to pay extra for the actual lab test?

If you have insurance:
Health insurance usually covers the testing. But it still depends on your health insurance plan. We can help you by choosing an in-network lab or you can call your insurance company yourself for that information.

No insurance:
Yes, if you do not have insurance.
For uninsured people, we negotiated a very low price at Quest Diagnostic labs.
They will charge you a Medicare schedule fee for that test (the lowest price possible).
You need to let us know in advance that you are paying ‘out of pocket’ so that we can stamp the requisition as UPP (uninsured private patient).

What is included in the referral fee?

Giving a referral, interpretation of the test results and sending the customer a copy of the test results

How am I getting my results?

We will release the report to you or to the specialist of your choice

How soon do test results usually come back?

It depends on the lab and the specific test but in general they are available in 2-3 business days.

Specialist referral via text messaging service

How does it work?

You need to tell us via text message which specialist you want to see and why.
You get information on the doctor that you want to visit: Name, address, specialty, phone number and provide it to us.
We will do online or prescription referrals based on your insurance requirements.
We do not provide specialist names unless you live in NYC. But we can do referrals to any specialist you choose in the US.

Can I get a referral to any specialist?

Yes.

Do you recommend specialists?

No, unless you want a specialist in NYC. Otherwise you need to find and choose your own.

What is included in the $30 fee?

Open referral, prescription or the electronic version depending on your insurance requirements

Imaging referral via texting messaging service

How does it work?

You request a referral for specific test prior to seeing a specialist
We will send you or your imaging facility of choice a paper referral by fax. If your insurance requires prior authorization, we will get it for you.
You get the testing done
We will release your test results to you

Who can get a referral?

You can get referral to any imaging services for an existing condition before seeing a specialist.

Who cannot get a referral through text messaging service?

If you have a new symptom or need treatment, text message imaging referral is not for you. You need to be evaluated by a doctor via telemedicine or phone consultation services.

What imaging services referrals I can get?

You can get referral to any imaging services such as: MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound, X-rays and many more, for pre-existing conditions.

What is included in the $30 fee?

The fee of $30 will include writing a referral, obtaining prior authorization, and releasing your results to you and your specialist.

Is imaging going to cost me extra?

Yes. However, most health insurances cover the imaging if it’s medically necessary for your current condition.

Do you offer referral to imaging services?

Yes, but only if you live in NYC. Otherwise we can write you a referral that is accepted anywhere in USA, but you need to find a local imaging facility.

Can I get a refund if a referral was not used?

No. Referral is considered successfully completed if you have the option to follow up on it and go for the study.
We issue the refund only if we cannot get prior authorization through your insurance.
If it is your choice not to proceed with a study after the referral is given, the fee is not refundable.

Health insurance

Do you accept health insurance?

Yes, we do. We accept most health insurance plans. If you do not see your insurance provider on the list, please call us to find out more (212) 696-5900 during our office hours.

What virtual care services are covered by health insurance?

Most healthcare insurance covers only telemedicine service at this time.

What is going to be my financial responsibility for the telemedicine visit?

If you have insurance:
Your responsibility depends on the health insurance plan you have. It can be co-pay, deductible or coinsurance

We can let you know this portion by checking it online
You can call your health insurance to get that information yourself

If you do not have health insurance:
$59 flat fee

Will I know in advance about insurance responsibility details for the virtual visit?

Yes. Once we find out your plan details, we will let you know.
This task is completed prior to your appointment and interaction with a doctor. No surprises - guaranteed.

Can I pay for my visit later?

No, all payments are processed right before your scheduled appointment time. We will make you aware of the charges in advance. No surprises!

Commonly asked questions

General FAQ

Medication FAQs

Appointment change and cancellation policy

Conditions we treat

What is the Cost of the visit: insured and uninsured?

Refund

Imaging referrals

Specialist referrals

Requesting a blood work referral

Telemedicine process

Phone consultation process

Text messaging service

Text messaging FAQ

Health insurance

App

Office hours- EDT time (New York City)

Insurances we accept at Online-MD:

Insurances we do not accept: