Frequently Asked Questions

The first time you use a virtual doctor visit provider you will need to set up an account with that virtual doctor visit provider group. You will need to complete the patient registration process to gather medical history, pharmacy preference, primary care physician contact information and insurance information. Before your first visit, you may be asked for your credit card information.

Each time you have an online doctor visit you will be asked some brief medical questions, including questions about your current medical concern. If appropriate, you will then be connected, using secure, live audio and video technology, to a doctor licensed to deliver care in the state that you are in at the time of your visit. You and the doctor will discuss your medical issue, and if appropriate, the doctor may write a prescription^* for you.

The details of your virtual doctor visit will be documented by the doctor and are available to you on the virtual doctor visit provider group’s site so that you can review and share with your primary care physician.

^*Prescription services may not be available in all states.

One in four Americans is affected by emotional distress at some time in life, but only one in eight seeks care. From chronic concerns such as depression and anxiety, to recent stress caused by events such as grief, divorce, childbirth/parenthood, menopause, or other major life changes, online therapy allows for reliable and convenient therapy visits with licensed and highly-trained therapists.

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a therapist:

• “I feel like I should probably see a therapist, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.”
• “I am experiencing stress at work and need someone to talk to.”
• “I am having relationship problems and don’t know where to go from here.”
• “I don’t know why I am feeling so sad.”
• “I just need someone to talk to.”
• “There aren’t many therapists in my area.”
• “I’m not sure if a therapist could help me with my anxiety or not.”
• “My therapist is on maternity leave and I don’t want to go to go to a clinic.”
• “I just moved and don’t know any therapists in my area.”
• “I just need a second opinion.”

Some substances that trigger an allergic reaction include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, food, insects bites, and medicines.

People most often develop ALS between the ages of 40 and 70, but there are still cases of the disease developing in people who are in their 20's and 30's. The average age for diagnosis is 55.

People with hypothyroidism should avoid certain foods including soy, iodine-rich foods, iron and calcium supplements, high-fiber foods, and certain vegetables that are high in fiber. Outside of those restrictions, people are encouraged to eat a nutrient-rich diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants as well as foods that are good sources for selenium and tyrosine.

Zika was first discovered in 1947 on a captive, rhesus monkey. Scientists conducting a routine survelliance for yellow fever in the Zika forest of Uganda intially discovered the virus.

Yes, asthma can be hereditary, though there is some nuance to this question. Children whose parents have asthma are more likely to develop the condition, but oftentimes passing on genes is not the only factor. Other considerations include environmental factors, gender, and allergen sensitivities.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you talk with a pediatrician.

A majority of pregnant women deal with acid reflux or GERD at some point during their pregnancy. There are certain hormones that come with pregnancy and they can cause the digestive system to slow down. Therefore the muscles that push food down the esophagus also move slower. This, combined with a growing uterus, can push on the stomach and can cause acid to travel back up the esophagus.

Yes, men who experience pelvic pain may have prostatitis, a condition in which the prostate is inflamed or infected. This can lead to painful urination or ejaculation.

Chlamydia isn’t directly fatal, but if left untreated, it can lead to a number of serious complications. In women, these complications include inflammation of sexual organs (i.e. cervix, urethra, lining of the uterus, uterus, fallopian tubes, and pelvis), infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. Complications in men include urethritis, inflammation of male sexual organs, and infertility.

Olecranon bursitis is a type of bursitis that specifically affects the elbow. Oftentimes the first sign of olecranon bursitis is swelling, followed by pain and sometimes an infection. Similar to bursitis, olecranon bursitis may occur as a result of trauma to the area, prolonged pressure on the elbow, infection, or underlying medical conditions like arthritis and gout.

Cold sores are not the same as canker sores. Cold sores are a form of herpes, herpes simplex type 1. The sore is fluid-filled, painful, and located outside the mouth around the lips. These sores are also very contagious. Canker sores are ulcers that develop inside the mouth. These sores make eating and talking uncomfortable. They are typically caused by stress or an injury to the tissue inside the mouth.

If someone with celiac disease consumes a food or drink with gluten, their immune system will react negatively and begin to damage the small intestine. Eventually this leads to malabsorption of nutrients, but in the short term, that person may experience an upset stomach, belching, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

People with narcolepsy do not necessarily experience sleep stages the way someone without narcolepsy does. While someone without the condition will first enter non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and eventually fall into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, someone with narcolepsy falls immediately into REM sleep.

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin. Pustules are blisters of noninfectious pus that consist of white blood cells. This condition is not contagious. It can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you visit with a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act was created in the late 1990’s to combat internet pharmacies that were selling controlled substances online. The Act took effect on April 13, 2009 and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) issued regulations effective on the same date. This Act imposed a federal prohibition on form-only online prescribing for controlled substances.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a dietitian online.

This type of pink eye is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. It differs from other viruses due to the fact that it can induce blurred vision. Other symptoms may occur such as eye pain, redness and increased tear production.

Your Amwell physician can learn a lot about your diabetes from vital signs, but obviously is not able to take them during the visit. Having current vital sign results will make the online session more effective. Examples of vital signs you should provide to your Amwell physician include: most recent Hemoglobin A1c; a range of your recent blood glucose levels for morning, before lunch, before dinner and bedtime; and most recent blood pressure.

Pregnancy-related counseling visits cost $99 (master’s level provider) or $110 (doctoral level provider), compared with the average national cost of $161 for a therapy visit, and usually just a co-pay or meeting a deductible if your employer or insurance company offers a telehealth benefit. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

Through the Amwell website or mobile app, you can see a psychiatrist face-to-face from the privacy and comfort of your own home to address common behavioral health challenges. Psychiatrists are different than Amwell’s therapists in that they have the ability to prescribe medications for the treatment of diagnosed mental disorders.

During an LGBTQ counseling session, you will speak privately and confidentially with a licensed therapist who is familiar with issues facing people of diverse genders and sexualities. You can talk about any concerns you have, whether they are specific to your gender identity/sexual orientation or not. LGBTQ counseling can help with exploring your gender identity or expression; exploring your sexual orientation; thinking about coming out; identifying and managing depression, anxiety, or gender dysphoria; and dealing with discrimination or bullying. Your LGBTQ counselor can also help with concerns such as relationship issues, sexual problems, parenting matters, and addiction.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you visit with the doctor.

Yes. Some people tend to get strep throat more than others and a common way to get strep again is if it is not cured after the first course of antibiotic treatment. If you have had strep throat 7 or more times in one year, your physician will most likely recommend performing a tonsillectomy.

There are several different types of anxiety. They include:

• Social anxiety: People with an intense fear of social or performative situations may have social anxiety disorder. They think that their actions or behaviors will be “wrong” in the eyes of family, friends, colleagues, and/or peers. This may lead them to avoid social scenarios.
• Generalized anxiety (GAD): When you have GAD you show excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about personal health, your job, social interactions, and/or everyday routine situations.
• Panic disorder: People with panic disorder have recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear. These attacks come on fast and peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a feared object or situation.
• Specific phobia: A phobia is when fear or anxiety is circumscribed to the presence of a particular situation or object. Most people in this category have more than one specific phobia, and the fear can lead to persistent avoidant behaviors that may impact their quality of life. 
• Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is understood as fear or anxiety about using public transportation, being in open spaces, being in enclosed spaces, crowds, and/or being away from home.  Most often, a person will avoid the situations that provoke the anxiety, fearing that they will have an embarrassing event or be unable to escape the situation.  Activities of daily living can potentially be very impacted by this avoidance.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop in people who’ve lived through a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. PTSD causes people to feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.
  
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): People with OCD have uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over. OCD is usually diagnosed when these thoughts and behaviors occur over a long-lasting period of time.
• Separation anxiety: Infants and toddlers often go through a stage of separation anxiety. This can happen when they’re leaving their parents to spend time with other family members or caregivers. It’s a normal stage of development. Most children outgrow separation anxiety by about 3 years of age.
• Substance/Medication-induced anxiety: Significant anxiety symptoms can be a result of both the use of a substance or medication, or withdrawal from a substance or medication. A medical professional is important to understand and diagnose any medication or substance use related anxiety and respond accordingly.

Virtual Second Opinions costs $1,850, and payment is due at the time of visit intake.  This all-inclusive fee covers:

• An on-demand or scheduled intake visit with your Nurse Care Manager who will help facilitate the collection of your medical records and imaging
• A review and assessment of your condition by a Cleveland Clinic specialist
• A one-on-one educational consultation directly with your Cleveland Clinic expert specialist to discuss your second opinion and answer any questions you have.

The AHA suggests that people focus on eating nutritious food from all of the food groups, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry or fish, nuts and legumes, and vegetable oils.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

The virus is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets between people who are in close contact — within about 6 feet of each other. Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled into the lungs or land on the skin of someone nearby who then spreads it when they touch their face or mouth. While reports of spread occurring from people without symptoms has been reported, this is believed to be uncommon.[1]

[1] CDC Coronavirus Disease and You- Key Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html

There are certain medications that have been approved for weight loss in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Most weight loss supplements that you can buy over the counter have little evidence to support their weight loss claims.

DBT is a type of CBT. The main difference is that DBT focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, while CBT focuses on replacing negative thoughts and actions with productive behaviors.

The five stages of grief were identified by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969 in her groundbreaking book On Death and Dying. Her theory explained the process of grief over five distinct, linear stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Kubler-Ross’s work was revolutionary. It acknowledged that grief is a normal emotional process, which helped reduce the stigma associated with grieving. However, Kubler-Ross’s research was done with patients who were dying of a terminal illness which gave the impression that grief was a linear process — where one step had to follow another. This became problematic as the grief experienced by the survivors of loss is unique. People move in and out of the stages of grief in varying ways and time frames. The idea that someone was not grieving “correctly” was confusing and painful.

Dr. Kubler-Ross later regretted the misunderstanding of her original work and revised her 5-stage model to a 7-stage grieving process. The stages of shock and testing were added so that the complete process consisted of shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. Shock describes an initial response of emotional paralysis, or numbness, and the testing stage involves trying new ways of coping with the loss and rebuilding life after loss.

Endometriosis may make it difficult to conceive a child. About half of women with endometriosis report difficulty getting pregnant. Through it may be challenging to conceive, women who are experiencing infertility as a result of endometriosis will still be able to conceive with the correct treatments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a method of treatment that is used to effectively address a wide range of mental health concerns. CBT is a goal-oriented psychotherapy that aims to improve mental health functioning by challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs (cognitive distortions). It helps the client change unhelpful patterns of behavior and improve emotion regulation and coping skills. CBT also allows clients to recognize their cycles of thought, feeling, and behavior to notice maladaptive patterns and initiate change. CBT is different from traditional talk therapy in that it is problem-focused and action-oriented and less time is spent delving into the client’s past or the therapist’s interpretations.

The use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies for long-distance healthcare. Common telehealth technologies include computers and mobile devices.

The flu typically lasts for one to two weeks. Severe symptoms usually set in after two or three days. You may experience symptoms of weakness, dry cough, and/or fatigue, which can linger for three to seven days.

The heat and steam from a hot shower does wonders for congestion and sinus pressure. Netti pots, salt water nasal sprays, Vapo rub and humidifiers can also help relieve the discomfort from your sinus infection symptoms. 

Side effects of bulimia include dehydration, tooth decay, gum disease, digestive problems, anxiety, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or suicide.

Amwell is an affordable, convenient way to resolve routine medical conditions. Our secure technology makes it possible to see a doctor face to face, without having to leave home, on your smartphone, desktop or telephone. With video, providers can look, listen, and engage with you to diagnose health concerns and provide you with an effective treatment plan.

Yes, it can improve your ability to manage birth control methods and has other advantages as well. In addition to making you more accountable for following your plan for birth control methods, telemedicine also establishes a long-term relationship between you and your physician, which encourages better supervision of your reproductive options, provides you with the most recent methods and treatments, and encourages you to make better choices. The use of telemedicine also helps empower patients to take control not only of their birth control regimen, but also their overall health.

Foods that trigger IBS symptoms vary from person to person. Some foods that have been identified as triggers include: 

• Chocolate
• Spices
• Fats
• Fruits
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Milk
• Carbonated beverages
• Alcohol

Bowel movements are typically brown because they contain bile salts -- substances made in your liver to help with digestion. If your stools are a different color, it could be caused by foods you’ve eaten -- either due to their natural color or the use of food colorings. But it could also be related to health concerns. For example: 

• Green: Can occur with diarrhea or result from taking iron supplements. Can also be a sign that food and waste are passing through your colon too quickly. 
• Clay or putty-color: May mean your liver isn’t producing enough bile, or the flow of bile out of your liver is blocked.  
• Black or tarry stools: This could be a sign of bleeding in the upper part of your digestive system; it’s important to contact a health care provider you experience this. 
• Red: Can be a sign of bleeding in the lower part of your digestive tract. 

When reading your blood pressure numbers, the top number is the systolic pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating. The diastolic pressure is the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats. Think of this number as the one you get when your heart relaxes - it should be lower. The numeric difference between the two numbers is called your pulse pressure.

Illness or injury can strike at any time. Amwell helps you get back on your feet, no matter where you are or the time of day. You can see a doctor online for a range of issues, from minor illnesses and injuries, symptoms from a chronic condition, or to address general health concerns. Here are a few reasons people go online to see a doctor:

• “I feel like I should probably see a doctor, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.”
• “It’s difficult for me to get a doctor’s appointment.”
• “I’m home with my baby or children, or managing other health issues, and it’s hard for me to get to my doctor’s office.”
• “I’m not sure if I should go to the ER or not.”
• “My doctor’s office is closed and I don’t want to go to an urgent care clinic or hospital.”
• “I just moved and don’t know any doctors in my area.”
• “I just need a second opinion.”
• “I’m between jobs and have no coverage.”
• “I have a question about a loved-one’s health and would like some advice.”

Lactation Consultants are trained experts in the clinical management of breastfeeding. You can trust that the information they provide is the most up‑to‑date, evidenced-based practice for breastfeeding care. Whether it’s a simple breastfeeding question or a more complex problem, lactation consultants are here to help you in your unique situation.

Pregnancy can be tough on a woman’s back. Back pain during pregnancy typically occurs in the area of a woman’s back where the pelvis meets the spine, also known as the sacroiliac joint. Some causes of pregnancy-related back pain include weight gain, posture changes, hormone changes, and muscle separation. To treat back pain related to pregnancy, it’s recommended that women maintain regular exercise, apply heat and cold to the region, and improve posture.

The first step to helping someone who is struggling with anorexia is to understand that it is a complex condition and should be handled sensitively. Just telling someone to “eat more” isn’t the answer.

One of the best ways to help someone who is struggling with anorexia is to provide ongoing support. When speaking with someone that is struggling with anorexia or any eating disorder for that matter, it's important to have conversations in private and be patient if your friend and/or loved one responds with denial.

Some tactics to avoid include:

• Mentioning their weight
• Forcing them into therapy
• Shaming them

It’s also helpful to encourage this person to seek professional help if they seem open to it.

Conditions requiring a physical examination will need to be seen in person. Many diagnoses and treatment plans can be started online, however physical examinations or lab tests may be recommended for irregular bleeding, yeast infections, and hemorrhoids. Your online provider can provide counseling for typical presentations of endometriosis, vulvodynia, and pelvic pain however for more unusual or severe cases you may be referred for an in-person examination.

This page offers general health information to facilitate discussion with your telemedicine provider. Every patient is different, so your treatment will be personalized just for you. Providers may recommend different treatment options or in-person care. When you see a clinician on Amwell, you will receive a diagnosis and treatment in a matter of minutes so you can get back to feeling well.

Yes, some people who have bipolar disorders may have hallucinations and see or hear things that are not present. This can occur during an episode of mania or depression.

You should call a doctor if any of the following occur:

• Vomiting that lasts for longer than 1 day
• Fever or severe diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Vomit or diarrhea turns bloody or tarry

“While it’s not an absolute contraindication, avoiding anything that could irritate or chafe the urethra is probably a good idea so avoiding sex for a few days typical makes sense.” - Dr. Cynthia Horner

A contraindication is a procedure that doctors advise against based on evidence that it may cause harm to the patient.

Health care costs and inconveniences are rising due largely to redundancy of services caused by poor communication between providers. To manage your conditions responsibly, laboratory and diagnostic testing and specialist referrals are occasionally needed either for accurate diagnosis or ongoing monitoring. As with controlled substances, these recommendations will be made and carried out through your primary care provider, again avoiding duplication of tests and providing the best coordination of your care.

Fibromyalgia affects woman more often than men, but it’s been found that men reported more severe symptoms than women. Women may experience the following symptoms:

1. Cognitive and memory problems
2. Trouble sleeping
3. Headaches
4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
5. Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
6. Numbness
7. Morning stiffness

Men affected by fibromyalgia may experience the following symptoms:

1. Fatigue
2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
3. Tender points that will vary in number and severity
4. Decreased physical function
5. Lower quality of life

All of Amwell’s services are available without insurance. Your visit will be charged to your credit card. Visits vary depending on service/specialty, but urgent care visits start at just $79.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that are thought to have a direct impact on restless leg syndrome, specifically iron, folate, and magnesium. For this reason, it’s recommended that people who are experiencing restless leg syndrome symptoms add certain foods to their diet, including spinach or other dark and leafy greens, fortified cereals, and beans.

Early signs of Parkinson’s disease will often only occur on one side of the body. They may include trembling hands, stiffness in the arms and legs, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination.

Not at this time. While you can choose to obtain these additional services from the virtual doctor visit provider, the services will not be covered under your virtual doctor visit benefit and you will be responsible for the full cost of these services. The costs for these services will not count towards your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Yes, you can get a prescription online. While there is support for this nationwide, there are several exceptions to be aware of. Learn more on our prescriptions page.

Melancholia is a form of severe depression where many physicial symptoms of depression are present. Very common symptoms typically include:

• When a person starts to move more slowly
• They are more likely to have a depressed mood that can be characterised by a complete loss of pleasure

Yes and the physical symptoms of stress are different from person to person. If you’re stressed you may experience headache, back pain, and stomach discomfort. These symptoms can appear as a result of short- or long-term stress. Regardless of how long your symptoms have been affecting you, it’s always okay to seek support.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

The four predominant types of aphasia include:

• Expressive aphasia – You know what you want to say, but you experience difficulty articulating your thought through writing or speech.
• Anomic aphasia – You see words or hear someone speaking without being able to make sense of what it means.
• Receptive aphasia – You have difficulty identifying the right words you want to use while speaking.
• Global aphasia – You cannot read, write, speak and comprehend speech or writing.

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can see a psychologist or counselor face‑to‑face to address common behavioral health challenges, from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s online therapy services are available nationwide and include a network of more than 350 psychologists, social workers, and other mental health disciplines with a wide variety of specialties.

The life expectancy of Crohn’s disease is not reduced by the condition as long as that person keeps their symptoms in check. Even when symptoms aren’t manifesting, someone with Crohn’s is at risk of colorectal cancer, deep vein thrombosis, or other complications. As long as someone with Crohn’s maintains regular check-ups, they should expect the same lifespan as someone without the condition.

Despite some theories about diet (nutritional imbalances, mineral deficiencies, etc.) and supplementation, there are not any proven natural remedies.

When one experiences multiple types of incontinence at the same time.

Less frequent causes of confusion include an infection in the brain or its lining, an imbalance of salts and minerals in the blood, underactive thyroid gland, vitamin B1 deficiency, Cushing’s disease, and an epileptic seizure.

Some activities that may provide relief for carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

• Shaking your hands in a motion similar to when you’ve washed your hands and want to air dry them.
• Make a fist and then fan your fingers out, stretching them until they are completely straight.
• Sit upright with hands straight out and in line with shoulders. Face palms up, perpendicular with forearms, then flip them downwards, forming a claw. Repeat.
• Place your forearm on the table and hold a relatively light weight in your hand. Flex wrist up and down without moving forearm off the table.

Certain lifestyle changes may help lessen the symptoms of vertigo. These include stress management, yoga and tai chi, an adequate amount of sleep, hydration, and vitamin D.

For someone who lives with headaches, headache hygiene is the practice of making lifestyle changes that will help prevent headaches. There are a number of triggers for headaches that fall into seven categories: dietary, chronobiological (headaches that occur at a specific time of day), environmental, hormonal, stress, stress letdown, and physical. The first step is to identify what triggers affect your headache and then establish daily routines that lessen the frequency of these triggers.

Treatment for acne scars depends on the type of scar. Some popular treatments include over-the-counter topical treatments, laser resurfacing, soft tissue fillers, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. Other treatments include surgery, needling, and botox.

A phobia is a heightened fear response to a very specific stimulus or event. Having a phobia essentially means being scared of something so much that it leads to physical discomfort and disruptions in your life. Common phobias include a fear of animals or insects, natural events such as thunderstorms, medical procedures, blood, injuries, injections with needles (trypanophobia), and holes (trypophobia).

Cellulitis — a skin infection that causes pain, redness, and swelling — isn’t contagious; you can’t catch it from someone else. Cellulitis is caused when bacteria that normally live on your skin enter your body and infect deeper tissues. This can happen if you have an injury such as a cut or burn, or even a scrape or insect bite.  

You may also have a greater risk of getting cellulitis if you: 

• Have a chronic skin condition such as eczema or athlete’s foot 
• Have diabetes or vascular disease 
• Are overweight 
• Take immune-suppressing medications such as corticosteroids 
• Get a tattoo or piercing 
• Use injectable drugs 

Some complications that may arise after developing Alzheimer’s including the inability to communicate if he or she is experiencing pain, follow a treatment plan, report medication side effects, describe or notice symptoms of another condition.

Bronchitis is a swelling of the bronchi, the airways that lead to your lungs. The most common symptoms are coughing and mucus, but you may also have wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a slight fever. Bronchitis is usually caused by cold or flu viruses, but occasionally a bacterial infection may be the culprit. Acute (short-term) bronchitis usually goes away on its own, without medicine.

Pneumonia is when the small air sacs within your lungs, called alveoli, fill up with fluid or pus due to an infection. The infection can occur in one or both lungs and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing (with or without mucus), chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia may be treated with antibiotics or antiviral or antifungal medications, depending on the cause.

If you have symptoms common to both of these conditions, your doctor may order a chest X-ray to diagnose — or rule out — pneumonia.

Visits cost $70, but may be less since some insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

You can’t get chlamydia from kissing someone who has it — or from other casual contact, such as hugging, sharing towels or eating utensils, or using the same toilet. Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), is spread through: 

• Vaginal, oral, or anal sex 
• Touching an infected person’s genitals 
• Childbirth (from an infected mother to her baby) 

Both men and women can get chlamydia and can pass it on to men or women. A man who has chlamydia does not need to ejaculate to infect his partner. A person with chlamydia can pass it on even if he or she has no symptoms. If you’ve had chlamydia in the past and been treated for it, you can get it again. 

When an Amwell physician determines you need a change in medication, but due to either state laws or some other reason prefers not to write a full prescription, he or she may furnish you with a “bridge prescription.” A bridge prescription is an order for a limited supply of medication – usually enough for 15 to 30 days – that will cover your needs until you see your primary care physician and receive a physical examination to determine if the medication is right for you and if a longer-lasting supply is warranted.

In the practice of telehealth, the child should be present during the visit. The patient’s appearance, particularly with children, is critical to differentiate between “sick” and “not sick.” Occasionally, the parent may want to talk in private with the physician and likewise, the provider may want to speak to the child without the parent. It is highly recommended all children are seen using video, however for those states that do not require video to prescribe, the decision to prescribe in this situation is at the sole discretion of the physician. Additionally, children need to have their own account to have a visit online - they cannot be seen under a parent account.

There is no proven cause of Type 2 diabetes. The condition is linked to being overweight, but not everybody with Type 2 diabetes is overweight. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

In this model, there is more responsible oversight of controlled substance prescriptions, which is important due to their potential for addiction and the risks of combining controlled substances with other medications. Controlled substances being prescribed by more than one provider is a common occurrence, but can easily be avoided by us collaborating with your primary care provider. When appropriate, we will provide our recommendations to them and request that they prescribe you these types of medications in order to help avoid duplication of prescriptions, excessive use of the medications, and medication conflicts.

Some of the most common forms of treatment for phobias include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, both of which are well suited for delivery in an online therapy setting. With CBT, a therapist helps to make connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as you work to better understand your phobia or anxiety and change negative cycles. Exposure therapy is a process of working to take small steps of exposing yourself to the things that make you feel anxious. Doing this little by little can help you to slowly regain control over your fears and reactions. It is important to work with a mental health professional in these types of treatment, as they have the training to support and guide you towards progress without becoming overwhelmed.

There is no “getting over” loss but there is a gradual process of acceptance that is complex and individual. Many find it helpful to think of grief stages in broader ways like shock, suffering, and recovery, which normalizes the human experience with room for a wide range of individual experiences..

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, aren’t contagious. They occur when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra, the tube that drains urine from your bladder when you urinate.  

UTIs are more common in women because of their anatomy. The opening of the urethra is close to the vagina and anus, which can harbor infection-causing bacteria, and their shorter urethras make it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.  

UTIs occur more often in women who:  

• Start having sex or having it more often 
• Use spermicide or a diaphragm 
• Have had UTIs in the past 
• Are pregnant 
• Have had several children 
• Have gone through menopause 
• Are obese 
• Have diabetes 

In men, problems that restrict normal urine flow, such as an enlarged prostate, can cause bladder infections, a type of UTI.

To soothe your throat when it’s sore or dry, you can try ice pops, chicken soup, hot tea, etc. A turkey sandwich is a great source of lean protein which will give your body energy to fight illness. Bananas are easy on the stomach with and they can help with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Yes – many people with anxiety have physical (or “somatic”) symptoms such as dizziness, headache, stomach aches/bowel issues, fatigue, insomnia and even increased pain.

Inverse psoriasis will typically appear in body folds, like behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. Usually, it will appear as very red lesions that are smooth and shiny. It is common for people with inverse psoriasis to develop another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.

It’s suggested that people with endometriosis eat a diet that aims to reduce internal inflammation in the body and improve response to pain. This includes foods rich in vitamin B, fiber, omega fatty acids, and iron.

Psychologists and counselors are available for scheduled sessions. To schedule an appointment, log on and select the time that works best for you.

Unfortunately, women are at a higher risk of depression during pregnancy and in the year following childbirth. Depression during pregnancy is typically referred to antenatal depression and depression after childbirth is referred to as postnatal. Pernital depression typically describes the period covering pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. After a woman goes through pregnancy, there can be major hormonal changes, which is referred to as 'baby blues' - this affects up to 80% of women. The 'baby blues' are very common in women and are different than depression. Depression affects about 10% of women during pregnancy and 16% of women in the first three months after childbirth.

The most common allergic reactions that trigger asthma are allergies caused by inhalation. These include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. However, food allergens may also trigger an asthma attack, but this is very rare.

While there are no home remedies that would help someone control their hypothyroidism, there are many alternative treatments that may manage the symptoms. One remedy is to avoid certain foods that may impact the effectiveness of the treatment, such as soy, iodine-rich foods, iron and calcium supplements, and high-fiber foods. Other treatments that could help manage hypothyroid symptoms include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation.

Some lifestyle changes may help prevent confusion including eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting rest, reducing stressors, trying to learn new things, limiting alcohol intake, and seeking treatment for depression.

Women and men are just as likely to get the condition, but it affects a woman’s life in different ways, specifically when it comes to periods, pregnancy and menopause. For example, a woman may experience symptom flare-ups in the weeks leading up to her periods. They should also aim to plan pregnancy around times where they are in remission.

This condition occurs when one has a phycial or mental impairment that keeps you from getting to the toilet in time.

While both narcolepsy and insomnia are sleep disorders that cause daytime tiredness, narcolepsy occurs when someone cannot control when they fall asleep and insomnia occurs when someone has trouble falling (and staying) asleep. People with narcolepsy fall into the deepest sleep cycle almost immediately, called REM sleep, while people with insomnia struggle to fall asleep and will feel like they didn’t get enough sleep upon waking up.

During relationship counseling (also called couples therapy) a licensed therapist can help you and your partner with a range of relationship issues during a face-to-face meeting, from problems communicating or resolving conflicts to infidelity, parenting concerns, sexual difficulties, and more. Your therapist can help you better understand each other’s actions and motivations, and learn skills for better communicating and resolving conflicts. Relationship counseling is for adults of any gender who are in an intimate relationship. If your partner doesn’t want to participate, you can have a relationship counseling session on your own. With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can receive relationship counseling online in your home with complete confidentiality.

There are certain conditions that cause pain more often on one side of the pelvis versus the other. For example, pain in the lower right pelvis may indicate that the condition is appendicitis.

ALS symptoms are progressive meaning the symptoms get worse over time and often develop very quickly. That said there are some cases in which symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, can get better for a period of time.

Make sure you speak to a doctor if your headache:

• Feels different than usual
• Is aggravated by exertion, coughing, bending over, or sexual activity
• Is associated with another symptom, including nausea, fever, or recent head trauma

Also be sure to monitor whether the headache is getting worse, requires more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter medications to deal with the pain, or is interfering with work and quality of life. If you have a sudden, debilitating headache, seek immediate, in-person medical care at an emergency room or call 911.

Early signs of the disease include memory loss that affects daily life; difficulty solving problems; trouble reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast; misplacing things; and changes in mood or personality.

Vertigo symptoms will vary depending on the type. For Meniere's disease, vertigo symptoms can range from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Meanwhile, for BPPV, symptoms can last up to a week or longer.

There are two strains of probiotics that have been identified as most helpful for IBS symptoms, though there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness. These strains are Lactobacillus (such as L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus) and Bifidobacterium (such as B. infantis (Align), B. longum, B. bifidum).

In general, it is important for you to have the following information available for your visit:

• Most recent lab results
• Results of any daily testing (e.g., blood pressure, blood glucose)
• Any medications you are taking – both prescription and over-the-counter

For ADD, Amwell psychiatrists can prescribe medications such as Strattera, clonidine and other options. We cannot prescribe controlled substances, unless a patient is currently in a DEA registered facility (i.e. CMHC, an In-Clinic Program site, etc.).

The CDC advises women who are pregnant or trying to conceive to avoid travel to certain cities in the continental United States, Mexico, South America, West Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit the CDC website to get a granular look into the level of risk in specific locations.

Speech therapy activities aim to improve a person’s ability to communicate by practicing communication skills. There are a number of different forms of therapy activities, including use of apps, paper-based booklets, in-person group therapy, and popular word games.

In group therapy, people with aphasia can practice a number of day-to-day activities, for example initiating conversations, speaking in turn, and clarifying misunderstandings. Other group therapies emphasize ways to communicate without speaking, including using props to communicate a message to someone else or drawing pictures.

Some mobile-based offerings include apps that offer activities that are specifically designed with speech pathology in mind. Oftentimes, mobile apps offer exercises that help the user with memory, reading skills, speech, and other related areas. One benefit to a mobile app is that the app provides analytics so that users can track their progress. Other mobile-based tools include games that are used by the general population, including Words with Friends, Ruzzle, and 4 Pics 1 Word.

There are also a number of analog offerings for people with aphasia. An example includes a few workbooks that offer tools for people with aphasia to improve their speech skills. These include WALC Cognitive Rehab, HELP exercises for language processing, a series of books called Just for Adults.

Strep throat has many symptoms. Some of the more common ones are: 

• Sore throat that comes on suddenly 
• Painful swallowing 
• Fever 
• Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with whitish spots or patches 
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth 
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck 

Strep throat may also cause headaches or stomach aches as well as nausea or vomiting, particularly in children. Some people with strep throat may get a red skin rash, called scarlet fever, before or after feeling ill. 

Strep throat, which is caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus, doesn’t typically cause coughs or runny noses. Those symptoms may suggest the illness is caused by a virus instead. 

Amwell is an affordable, convenient way to resolve routine medical conditions. Our secure technology makes it possible to see a doctor face to face, without having to leave home, on your smartphone, desktop or telephone. With video, providers can look, listen, and engage with you to diagnose health concerns and provide you with an effective treatment plan.

As long as you aren’t experiencing chronic diarrhea, the condition should go away after a few days on its own. To treat the condition, you can take nonprescription antidiarrheal medicine, including psyllium, antispasmodic antidiarrheals (Imodium A-D), or probiotics.

Generally speaking, refills or bridge prescriptions are available from your Amwell physician with an online video visit. In those states that allow it, new prescriptions for non-controlled medications (Birth Control medications usually are not controlled substances) may be prescribed at the discretion of your Amwell physician. The physician will make that determination after conducting your online exam and obtaining information from you such as the timing and results of your last lab tests, and when you last had a physical exam. More information is available in the FAQs on our Prescriptions page that offer further clarification.

The cost of a visit is $79, compared to the average national cost of $139 for an office visit or $645 for an emergency room visit, and may be even less as some employers and insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered. This cost does not include the cost of any prescriptions, follow-up lab work or follow-up visits if deemed applicable.

Yes, yoga does help with back pain. In fact, recently, a study of 320 people, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that yoga and physical therapy provide the same level of improvement for people with back pain. The study involved participants who had chronic lower back pain. The study groups also reported similar quality of life and satisfaction measurements.

The cost of a visit is $79, compared to the average national cost of $176 for an office visit or $645 for an emergency room visit, and may be even less as some employers and insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered. This cost does not include the cost of any prescriptions, follow-up lab work or follow-up visits if deemed applicable.

Stress shows up differently for everybody and can last anywhere between a couple of minutes to multiple weeks or months. Common symptoms include sadness, frustration, helplessness, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can appear in response to both short- and long-term stress, so it’s a good idea to seek support whenever you feel you need it. [1]

[1] Center of Disease Control and Prevention-Tips for Coping with Stress

Yes, by dialing 1-844-SEE-DOCS you can connect with agents who can assist you with whatever it is you’re looking for, including enrollment, connecting with a doctor, or answering any technical support questions.

Yes, common foods to avoid are:

• Chocolate
• Tomatoes
• Citrus foods
• Mint
• Garlic
• Onions
• Spicy foods

LGBTQ counseling is for adults as well as for adolescents (ages 10-17 who have the consent of a parent or guardian). You may benefit from LGBTQ counseling if you identify as LGBTQ, are exploring your gender identity or sexual orientation, or want to be an ally of someone who is. During LGBTQ counseling with Amwell, you’ll have a secure, confidential face-to-face session with a licensed therapist who is experienced with issues facing people of diverse genders and sexualities. To ensure your privacy, your Amwell therapy session will not be recorded or stored.

The best meal plans and programs will vary based on lifestyle choices, existing health conditions, and dietary restrictions. Here are some questions to consider when choosing a weight loss plan:

Structured versus unstructured program? For example, are you signing up for a 12-week program that includes regular, mandatory visits with a nutritionist or doctor or is it a program that you can meet with the provider at your will? For some individuals, having regular check-ins with a provider is preferable to stay on track and for accountability.

Type of diet? Does the program endorse a certain type of diet like a low carb or low fat diet? Depending on your medical history and food preferences or intolerances one type of diet might be better for you than another.

Supplements included? Some diet plans include supplements. Be careful what you sign up for! As stated above, there is not a lot of strong scientific evidence to support supplement use for weight loss. You may be wasting your money.

Wearable tracking devices included? Some weight loss plans include wearable tracking devices like a fitbit. If you like to keep track of your food, physical activity and sleep habits this might be the plan for you.

Online versus in-person? Do you prefer attending meetings or visits in person or online? There are a number of self-directed online weight loss groups and programs.

Acute bronchitis is very common, while chronic bronchitis is a more serious condition. Chronic bronchitis is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes and happens more frequently in smokers. Duration of the cough in a chronic case can last upwards of 3 weeks, in many cases. So support and home remedies are key.

While CBT was originally developed to treat depression, it has long since been a widely effective treatment approach for most mental health concerns including anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, body dysmorphia, sleep disorders, and pain management.

An initial 45-minutes consultation with a psychiatrist costs $279, compared with the average national cost of $400. Follow-up 15-minute consultations cost $109. We recommend scheduling an initial consultation with our team of psychiatrists for an appropriate assessment and treatment protocol.

Here are a few reasons children go online to see a pediatrician:

• If you live far from your nearest physician's office.
• Ongoing management of a child's chronic condition.
• See a doctor quickly for minor conditions, such as a cold or flu.
• You and your child may need to speak with a specialist, including pediatricians that focus on pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, and pediatric urology.

DBT can be used to treat personality disorders, depression, bulimia, binge eating, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic-stress disorder, and substance abuse.

Stomach flu and food poisoning are very similar conditions, while initial symptoms typically include fever and diarrhea. But a stomach virus can take 24 to 48 hours to develop and can have other symptoms, including:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach or intestinal cramps
• Joint stiffness
• Weight loss

Food poisoning symptoms can begin to develop 2 to 6 hours after food consumption and other symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Sweating
• Eye swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Thirst

The best way to find out if a visit is covered by your insurer is to enter your insurance information and subscriber ID when you log in. Then, you can follow the steps until you reach the insurance information page. The price you pay will either be your insurance copay or the low cash price of $79. You have the option of cancelling the visit, if for some reason your insurance does not cover it.

Through Amwell, on your computer or smartphone, a licensed allergist of your choice can address common allergy questions and concerns, from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s allergy services are available in select states.

Overall fatality rates of COVID-19 are low, and most people have mild symptoms. Those with chronic lung disease and other chronic medical conditions and people older than 65 years with weaker immune systems are most at risk for complications if they contract COVID-19.[1] Even though most individuals will not die from it, COVID-19 is a public health concern because there is no immunity to it.[2]

[1]  Wilson N, Kvalsvig A, Telfar Barnard L, Baker MG. Case-fatality estimates for COVID-19 calculated by using a lag time for fatality. Emerg Infect Dis. 3/13/2020 https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.200320DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.200320

[2] Becker's Hospital Review, Leaked AHA webinar slide shows US hospitals brazing for 96 million coronavirus cases3/12/20: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/leaked-aha-webinar-slide-shows-us-hospitals-bracing-for-96-million-coronavirus-cases.html

Bipolar II is a milder version of bipolar I disorder. When someone develops bipolar I disorder, that person experiences abnormal periods of mania, which manifests as high energy moods or irritability and depression. Bipolar II disorder is similar to bipolar I disorder, but their mood swings are less intense.

Although Parkinson’s is typically diagnosed in people over 60 years old, young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) can develop in someone who is 50 years old or even younger. A majority of the symptoms and treatments are similar for the two conditions, but there may be differences in the overall course of the disease.

Pregnant woman are more likely than the general population to get restless leg syndrome. Pregnant women may develop restless leg syndrome as a result of folic acid deficiency, iron deficiency, or hormonal changes.

There are a few home remedies you can try to help with pain caused by fibromyalgia:

1. Exercise
2. Yoga and meditation
3. Acupuncture
4. Massage
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
6. Apple cider vinegar
7. Tumeric

A sinus infection (sinusitis) is swelling in the lining of your sinuses — hollow spaces in the bones of your skull. It’s usually caused by a cold or other virus but can also be caused by allergies or bacteria.  If your sinus infection is from a cold virus , you can spread it through droplets in the air from your sneezes, coughs, or breathing, or if another person touches a surface you’ve touched.  That person may get a cold or other respiratory symptoms but may not necessarily develop a sinus infection. If your sinus infection is due to bacteria or allergies, it’s usually not contagious. 

A typical therapy visit on Amwell is 45 minutes. The average number of visits a patient has is six, but each patient has an individualized treatment plan and your therapist may recommend more or fewer visits.

Telemedicine is an area of telehealth. It involves practicing medicine using communication technologies between a doctor in one location and a patient in another location.

Yes. Appointments with Amwell dieticians can be made using the self-scheduling feature in the app or by calling 1‑844‑SEE‑DOCS. Our team of dietitians have daytime, evening, and weekend appointments for your convenience.

Care managers are available daily, including most weekends, to see you at home and get your second opinion process started. You can meet with a care manager in minutes or schedule an intake visit for a time convenient for you. Your manager will help coordinate your records, imaging, and test results.

After your intake visit, our care managers will help begin collecting your records. Once all your relevant information has been received at Cleveland Clinic, you’ll be matched with a Cleveland Clinic physician expert in that specialty. Once your specialist reviews your results, you’ll receive a one-on-one consultation with your specialist who can discuss your second opinion, answer questions, and provide recommendations for care.

When someone experiences cystic acne, it’s important they stick to a regular skin care routine that includes specialized soaps, moisturizers, and toners. Other remedies include icing the acne so that the blood vessels will contract, avoiding popping the pimples, and regularly washing all items that may touch your face including your towels and pillowcases.

Some physical complications of anorexia include anemia, bone loss, absence of a period in women, low testosterone in men, heart problems. Someone with anorexia may also experience mental side effects, including depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide.

Orbital cellulitis refers to an infection of the eye tissues behind the orbital septum, which is membranous tissue that separates the eyelid from the eye socket. Periorbital cellulitis is also an infection of the eye tissue, however, it only affects the front of the orbital septum. On the other hand, orbital cellulitis spreads to the eye socket.

Another big difference between periorbital and orbital cellulitis is timing. While adults can get periorbital cellulitis, it’s more common among children who are under two years. Orbital cellulitis is more commonly caused by sinusitis, while periorbital cellulitis is commonly caused by trauma or barteremia.

People with anorexia and bulimia both are fixated on obtaining a thin figure, but people who have anorexia do so by limiting their food intake to an unhealthy degree. While people with bulimia may limit their food intake, they will also binge eat, but will purge whatever they’ve consumed.

Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that provides lubrication between the muscles, bones, and tendons near the joint. Trochanteric bursitis is a type of bursitis, which predominantly affects the hip. The trochanteric bursa is a fluid-filled sac that is located near the hip, thighs, and buttock. Symptoms of this type of bursitis include limping, hip pain, and swelling in the region.

Wrist braces provide relief from carpal tunnel symptoms because they keep your wrist straight. When your wrist is held straight by the brace, it will take pressure off the median nerve, which is what causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Home remedies for cold sores include:

• Over the counter cold sore ointment (i.e. Abreva)
• Lip balms and lip creams
• Cold compress application
• Pain relieving creams
• Reducing stress
• Creams that combine rhubarb and sage

Certain supplements are supposed to contribute to heart health. These include fiber, sterols and stanols (found in nuts and grains), coenzyme Q10, fish oil, and garlic.

Virtual Doctor Visits provider groups are expected to deliver care within 30 minutes or less from the time of a patient's request. You are also able to schedule an appointment for another time with a virtual doctor visit doctor.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a dietitian online.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you visit with a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

On average, new mothers need 1‑3 consultations to answer their questions and resolve breastfeeding challenges or issues.

Everyone experiences feelings of sadness or despair in the lives, these are human emotions that are a part of life. When these feelings do not subside after a few days or persist outside of a distressing life event like a breakup or loss, you may be experiencing an episode of Depression. Major Depression is a common, yet serious clinical illness that requires help by a trained professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. In order to be diagnosed with Major Depression, several symptoms need to be present nearly every day for at least 2 weeks including:

1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, blue, “down in the dumps,” or empty) or observations made by others (e.g., appears tearful or about to cry). (In children and adolescents, this may present as an irritable or cranky, rather than sad, mood.)
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities every day, such as no interest in hobbies, sports, or other things the person used to enjoy doing
3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day
4. Insomnia (inability to get to sleep or difficulty staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day
5. More days than not, problems with sitting still, including constant restlessness, pacing, or picking at one’s clothes (called psychomotor agitation by professionals); or the opposite, a slowing of one’s movements, talking very quietly with slowed speech (called psychomotor retardation by professionals)
6. Fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy nearly every day — even the smallest tasks, like dressing or washing, seem difficult to do and take longer than usual
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day (e.g., ruminating over minor past failings)
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (e.g., appears easily distracted, complains of memory difficulties)

There are many things that can be eaten to help with the stomach flu, but foods that are known to help alleviate symptoms include:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

Fibromyalgia is not considered an autoimmune disease. There are many unknowns about this condition and as a result, more research needs to be compiled before fibromyalgia can be classified as autoimmune.

One of the best ways to manage stress is to use self-care techniques. These will be different for everyone, but some key things to think about are eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and taking breaks from intense concentration. Talking to friends and family can also help, even if you just need to vent. If your stress starts to feel overwhelming, just know you’re not alone. Reach out to a therapist who can help you find a solution before it gets harder to handle. [1]

[1] Center of Disease Control and Prevention-Tips for Coping with Stress 

ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, while ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The “H” in ADHD is when hyperactivity is a symptom. Adults will typically not express hyperactivity and only have the attentional issues.

A typical nutrition visit on Amwell is 30 minutes, but you can schedule follow‑up appointments with your dietitian/nutritionist should you need more than one session to address your concerns.

When an Amwell physician determines you need a change in medication, but due to either state laws or some other reason he or she prefers not to write a full prescription, the physician may furnish you with a “bridge prescription.” A bridge prescription is an order for a limited supply of medication – usually enough for 15 to 30 days – that will cover your needs until you see your primary care physician and receive a physical examination to determine if the medication is right for you and if a longer supply is warranted.

Medications for IBS vary based on the form of IBS. Some medications that aid in the treatment of IBS include:

• Fiber supplements
• Anti-diarrheal medications
• Anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications
• Antidepressant medications
• Antibiotics

Early signs of ALS can include difficulty walking, tripping and falling, hand weakness, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, difficulty keeping good posture, or muscle cramps.

This condition is caused when one doesn't empty the bladder completely. Usually, there will be a constant dribbling or leaking of urine.

To lose weight, base your diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and healthful fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and nut butters. Avoid or limit refined, processed foods like white bread, white rice, sugary snacks and breakfast cereals.

"There is no conclusive evidence that cranberry juice actually works – the support is mostly anecdotal. If you do choose to try it, I would recommend the cranberry gel capsules with water. You can avoid any of the extra sugars in the juices and it is more concentrated." -Dr. Cynthia Horner

"Cranberries do contain an ingredient that makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder, but studies have not conclusively shown that there is enough of an effect to cure or prevent infections. However, some patients do feel that it helps and there is no evidence to suggest it is harmful.” - Dr. Michael Gray

A typical nutrition visit on Amwell is 30 minutes, but you can schedule follow‑up appointments with your dietitian/nutritionist should you need more than one session to address your concerns.

Yes, you can get a prescription online. While there is support for this nationwide, there are several exceptions to be aware of. Learn more on our prescriptions page.

A typical doctor visit on Amwell is 10 minutes – the amount of time needed to handle most medical issues. Of course, you can add more time should you need to.

People with narcolepsy should try to stick to the same routine every night, including going to bed at the same time, even on weekends. Other bedtime techniques to try include:

• Dimming lights and setting the air to a comfortable temperature
• Avoiding gadgets like smartphones
• Drinking non-caffeinated tea
• Sleeping on your side

Some home remedies include the use of warm and cold packs on muscles to alleviate leg pain and aches. Other treatments include doing moderate exercise every day, meditating, and sticking to a strict sleeping schedule.

There are two surgical treatment options for people with endometriosis. These options include laparoscopy and hysterectomy. Laparoscopy is a procedure to look for and destroy implants and scar tissue in the region. A hysterectomy, which is a procedure that removes a woman’s ovaries, is an option for women with no plans of getting pregnant and will help with the pain over the long term.

Collaborative Care Psychiatry is when our psychiatrist cares for you in coordination and partnership with your primary care provider. Another term for this is Integrated Care.

Yes, it can improve your ability to manage hypertension. Using telemedicine to manage hypertension brings with it many advantages. In addition to making you more accountable for controlling your high blood pressure, telemedicine also establishes long-term relationships between physicians and patients, which encourages better supervision of the condition. The use of telemedicine also helps empower patients to take control of their hypertension, influencing attitudes and behaviors, which leads to improvements in their medical conditions.

Many studies have shown that being able to access care online greatly increases your ability to manage your condition. The ease of access to specialists – particularly in remote areas – means patients have greater opportunities to discuss their conditions on a regular and more frequent basis. Also, the ability to speak with a physician or specialist more frequently helps you to stick with your care plan and to get a better understanding of your condition.

A typical online doctor visit on Amwell is 10 minutes – the amount of time needed to handle most medical issues. Of course, you can add more time should you need to.

Strep throat is highly contagious. When you sneeze, cough or breathe, tiny droplets containing the strep bacteria go into the air and are easily inhaled by others. You can pass strep throat to others until you’ve been taking antibiotics for 1 to 3 days. If you have strep throat, stay home until your fever is gone and you’ve been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.  Avoid kissing people or sharing eating utensils when you have strep throat.

Regulations regarding the requirement of video as a prerequisite to prescribing versus the use of phone only differs state by state. If you are in a state where prescribing by video is necessary, our providers will ask you to end the call with no charge and call back over video where you can see the same provider. We recommend video consultations when treating children with respiratory conditions, abdominal pain, etc.

Amwell is partnering with new insurance plans every single day. Every health plan is different, so depending on your plan, you may have different levels of coverage. Many plans are offering telehealth visits as a covered benefit or at a reduced rate.

We work with a variety of health insurance companies including, but not limited to:

• Academic Health Plan
• Aetna
• APWU
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
• Beacon Health
• Benovate
• BroadSpire
• Capital Blue Cross (PA)
• Capital Health (FL)
• CorVel
• EmblemHealth
• EnhancedcareMD
• Health Alliance Plan (MI)
• iCare
• Medica
• Mississippi State Employees
• Physicians Health Plan (MI)
• SingleCare
• UnitedHealthcare
• WEA Trust
• Highmark

Sign up today, enter in your insurance information and see what type of coverage you have.

There is no Zika vaccine available at this time.

Yes – anxiety is a very normal reaction especially in stressful situations. Although, it is a disorder needing treatment when it occurs without provocation, is excessive or inappropriate to the situation. If it impairs the person’s functioning in any aspect of their lives it is also considered a disorder.

Yes, in fact, a number of studies have been conducted to study the ability of telemedicine to help patients achieve better diabetes self-management. A study published in the Diabetes Journal, was conducted in South Carolina and followed patients with diabetes; some were followed through a telemedicine program, while others were followed in the usual way, through on-site physician follow-ups. Those followed through on-site follow ups saw only a two percent reduction in their Hemoglobin A1c levels, while the average A1c of those in the telemedicine decreased by almost 12 percent. Subjects in the telemedicine group also experienced greater weight loss and improvements in their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

Yes, when you use one of the provider groups in our Virtual Doctor Visits network, you have benefit coverage for visits to treat certain non-emergency medical needs such as the flu, colds, pink eye, rashes and fevers. For a more complete list of the coverage available under your virtual doctor visit benefit, go to the "About Virtual Doctor Visits" tab. Check your plan documents for more information about your plan's specific virtual doctor visit benefit. 

Psychologists and counselors are available for scheduled sessions. To schedule an appointment, you can call 877‑410‑5548. Therapists are available 7 am – 11 pm EST, 7 days per week to help you and your families cope with many life issues that may require professional attention. Once you and your therapist have established a relationship, your therapist will schedule ongoing sessions to continue treatment.

There is no proven diet to help people with Crohn’s disease, but there are certain foods that may be triggers for the condition. Some foods to avoid include:

• Alcohol
• Butter
• Coffee
• Tea
• Chocolate
• Fatty foods
• Nuts and seeds
• Raw fruits
• Raw vegetables
• Spicy foods

Additionally, it’s recommended that people with Crohn’s disease stick to a high-calorie, high-protein diet.

Essential tremor is a condition that causes uncontrollable shaking in different parts of the body, including the arms, hands, voice box (larynx), tongue, and chin. While an essential tremor often affect the voice and head, head tremors are uncommon in Parkinson’s. Additionally, essential tremor tends to worsen when a part of the body is in motion, while Parkinson’s-related tremors decrease when the body is in motion.

Aphasia and dysarthria are both caused by trauma to the brain, like stroke, brain injury, or a tumor. Aphasia occurs when someone has difficulty comprehending speech, while dysarthria is characterized by difficulty controlling the muscles used for speech.

A typical therapy visit on Amwell is 45 minutes. The average number of visits a patient has is six, but each patient has an individualized treatment plan and your therapist may recommended more or fewer visits.

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections. Colds are typically milder than the flu. A cold can make you feel ill for a few days, while flu symptoms can make you feel ill for weeks. The flu can also lead to more serious health problems like pneumonia. If you are coming down with a cold, your symptoms will typically begin with a sore throat and other symptoms like runny nose, congestion and cough will most likely follow a sore throat. Flu symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, but they are usually more severe and come on very quickly.

Yes! It is never too late to tackle a phobia and make real changes. The treatment of phobias, like any other type of mental health treatment, takes hard work and dedication. With a commitment to getting better, there’s no limit to what online therapy can do for you.

Yes. Amwell lactation consultants are only available by appointment by calling 877‑410‑5548, or by using the self-schedule feature within the Amwell app. Our lactation consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with common questions and issues associated with breastfeeding.

A majority of women experience pelvic pain at some point during their pregnancy. Oftentimes, women experience pelvic pain in the first trimester, but can also experience pain throughout their pregnancy and into the third trimester.

This is a type of asthma that is caused by a narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to strenuous exercise. This can cause symptoms including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and others.

Some studies have suggested that Pelargonium lessens the severity of bronchitis and cuts the duration by two days on average. This is a natural herb from the South African Geranium, "umcka" is the local name for the cough reducing plant. This product comes in lozenges and liquid and is available in many local pharmacies and on Amazon.

Another natural remedy which is great for kids is honey. Honey is a temporary fix that works as a cough suppressant and typically helps cover up that tickly feeling.

People with Alzheimer’s often experience significant changes in behavior in the late afternoon and early evening, which is triggered by fading light. This behavior can include yelling, pacing, mood swings, or hearing and seeing things that don’t exist. In order to mitigate the affects of sundown syndrome, it’s suggested that caregivers note the things that seem to trigger sundown syndrome and limit those triggers to the best of their ability.

Talking with a mental health professional about loss and grieving can be helpful in many ways. Some mental health professionals specialize in the grieving and bereavement process which can be useful when coping with a traumatic or complicated loss. Since grieving is a normal part of the human condition, most therapists are equipped and skilled to help their clients navigate their individual grieving process.

Some people may experience “complicated grief” during which they feel stuck in persistent, unrelenting despair and functional impairment that warrants seeking help from a mental health professional. If someone has the following symptoms in a prolonged manner they may be experiencing what’s known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder:

• Intense sadness and emotional pain
• Feelings of emptiness and hopelessness
• Yearning to be reunited with the deceased
• Preoccupation with the deceased or with the circumstances of the death
• Difficulty engaging in happy memories of the lost person
• Avoidance of reminders of the deceased
• A reduced sense of identity
• Detachment and isolation from surviving friends and family
• Lack of desire to pursue personal interests or plans

The symptoms listed above are consistent with and mimic a Major Depressive Disorder which may require clinical intervention in order for the healthy grieving process to resume.

The 2^nd or 3^rd day of your sinus infection is usually the most uncomfortable. If you have a fever, take the day off and talk to a doctor about your symptoms.  If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is a good idea to take the 1^st day off to rest and allow the medication to start to work.

CBT therapists will assist clients in developing specific goals and identify strategies that will most effectively address these goals and decrease symptoms. CBT is often a manualized, short-term treatment and includes interventions such as relaxation exercises, motivational self-talk, journaling, mood monitoring, and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). CBT relies heavily on the skills being practiced between sessions, with detailed review of progress and problem solving. This process allows the client to apply the strategies discussed in therapy to  real life.

Doctors on Amwell take into consideration the specific symptoms and their duration when diagnosing pink eye. A detailed medical history will also help a doctor on Amwell determine the diagnosis and proper course of treatment.

Dialectical behavioral therapy, is a manualized, skills-based type of CBT that was originally developed in the 1980’s for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsh Linehan, Ph.D. DBT has since been used in a much broader way as an evidenced based treatment approach for many mental health conditions.

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to improve acid reflux symptoms. The most effective remedy is avoiding food that may trigger acid reflux, including chocolate, tomato, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy foods. Other actions that help with acid reflux are eating smaller meals more frequently, quitting smoking, eating more than a few hours before lying down, and avoiding tight clothes.

 Two home remedies for diarrhea are hydrating regularly, especially sticking to clear liquids, and eating a bland diet (avoiding spicy food, fruits, alcohol, and caffeine).

1. Open the Virtual Second Opinions by Cleveland Clinic app or web platform, or download the app on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Choose the “Virtual Second Opinions” practice found in the specialty services section.
3. Start an intake visit with the care manager of your choice in minutes or schedule a visit for a time that is convenient for you.
4. Provide details about your records, imaging, and test results so your Cleveland Clinic specialist can review your information.
5. Have a one-on-one educational consultation with your dedicated Cleveland Clinic specialist who can discuss your second opinion and provide recommendations for care.

To check whether or not someone is experiencing confusion, ask the person his or her first name, age, and the date. If someone is confused, always introduce yourself, even if you know this person well. Remind this person of his or her location, place a calendar or clock near the person, and talk about current events or plans for the day. Aim to keep the surroundings quiet and peaceful.

You and your partner will meet in a private video session with one of our licensed relationship therapists using Amwell via the web or the mobile app. If it’s your first session, the therapist will ask questions to understand the nature of your relationship issues and your goals for couples therapy. Your online therapist will then suggest a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include recommendations for further sessions, using one or more specific therapy methods. Your couples therapist may provide insights to help you better understand each other’s actions and motivations, tips for more constructive ways to talk about your feelings or issues, and specific skills you can practice for working out differences or solving problems together.

Doing Brandt-Daroff exercises will help with vertigo symptoms, especially for people who have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and labyrinthitis. The Brandt-Daroff exercise involves starting in an upright, seated position. From there, lay down on one side of the body with your nose pointed slightly up, remain in this position for 30 seconds, and then repeat on the other side. This exercise can help the body get accustomed to confusing signals that cause vertigo.

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose symptoms, but there are some that are particularly common to coronavirus infections. COVID-19 is a lower respiratory infection, which means it mainly affects the lungs. Most people develop a fever with a cough and shortness of breath. Many also feel exhausted, and have body aches[1]

[1] CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Symptoms; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Visits cost $70, but may be less since some insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see doctors licensed to treat you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a doctor whether you are home or on the go. Doctor visits via telehealth are permitted in every state nationwide.

Our online pediatricians are a broad network of independent doctors who have visits with patients like you from across the country.

Home remedies for headaches include:

• Resting
• Drinking water
• Identifying stressful situations that may be contributing to the headache and mitigating those stressors
• Massaging the area experiencing pain
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication in moderation

Different stretches and exercises are recommended for upper and lower back pain. Exercises to aid in the management of lower back pain include:

• Bridges: Lie on your back with feet on the floor and knees pointing to the sky. Lift your hips up and hold position for five seconds before releasing.
• Lower back rotation: Begin lying on your back with your feet on the floor and knees pointing to the sky. Roll knees to one side of the body, hold for 10 seconds, repeat on the other side.
• Abdominal contractions: Begin lying on your back with your feet on the floor and knees pointing to the sky, contract abs and lift chest to the sky. Hold for five seconds.

Exercises to aid in the management of upper back pain include:

• Arm reach: Begin on your hands (in line to shoulders) and knees (in line with hips). Stretch one arm in front of you, hold for five seconds, release. Repeat on other side.
• Butterfly: Place palms on shoulders with elbows pointing out. Slowly bring elbows together in front of body until you feel a stretch. Hold for five seconds.
• Shoulder roll: Roll shoulders forward, slowly, making large circles. Reverse directions.

During your online LGBTQ counseling session on Amwell, you’ll meet face-to-face with a board-certified therapist experienced in helping people of diverse genders and sexualities. The therapist will work with you on whatever concerns you wish to address, helping you gain insights and skills to enjoy an emotionally healthier life and relationships. If it’s your first session, your LGBTQ counselor will ask questions to better understand how your difficulties are affecting your life and what your goals are for counseling. The therapist will then suggest a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and goals.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild version of hypothyroidism and the term is used to describe a somewhat underactive thyroid. Subclinical hypothyroidism is also known as early-stage hypothyroidism. Only a very small percentage of people who have subclinical hypothyroidism eventually develop hypothyroidism.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you talk with a psychiatrist.

Telehealth makes healthcare more accessible and efficient. It can be especially useful for people who live far away from their provider or don’t have time to travel to the doctor’s office. Telehealth is also a great health self-management tool and can be used collaboratively with providers and other members of your healthcare team.

This is a severe type of psoriasis that leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. This condition can cause severe itching, pain and the skin can come off in sheets. Erythrodermic psoriasis typically appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis and is rare, occurring in only 3% of people who have psoriasis during their lifetime.

One in four Americans is affected by emotional distress at some point in their life, but only one in eight seeks care. From chronic concerns such as depression and anxiety, to recent stress caused by events such as grief, divorce, parenthood, and other major life changes, online psychiatry allows for reliable and convenient visits with licensed and highly-trained physicians. In addition to the initial consultation and diagnosis, here are a few reasons people go online to see a psychiatrist:

• You need one or more psychiatric medications
• You have one or more mental disorder diagnosis
• You feel that you aren’t getting better under the care of a general practitioner
• You are experiencing complex side effects with your current medication(s) and would like a second opinion
• You want to change your psychiatric medication
• You have questions about your doctor’s treatment plan and want a second opinion

And here are some of the most common conditions that can be addressed online:

• Anxiety
• Depression (Major Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Visits cost $109 (master’s level) or $129 (doctoral level), compared with the average national cost of $161, and usually just a co-pay or meeting a deductible if your employer or insurance company offers a telehealth benefit. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

Yes, you can get a prescription online. While there is support for this nationwide, there are several exceptions to be aware of. Learn more on our prescriptions page.

More research is needed to make official claims about fibromyalgia, but a few studies show that fibromyalgia is a genetic disease.

For information about what Virtual Doctor Visits provider groups are in the network, including the states in which each provider group operates, go to the "Choose a Provider" tab. 

Telehealth provides a patient portal to communicate with your healthcare provider, request prescription refills, review test results and previous visit summaries, and schedule appointments or request appointment reminders.  With some apps and platforms, you can also have on-demand visits.

Yes. All of our lactation consultants are current IBCLCs—International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. The IBCLC credential is the gold-standard in breastfeeding care. Each consultant has had a thorough lactation education, completed a lactation-specific clinical internship, and passed a board examination. In addition, they must re‑certify every 5 years and re‑test every 10 years, so you can be confident their education and expertise is always up‑to‑date.

It is possible to get strep throat after you’ve had your tonsils removed, although there is some evidence that you may get it less often . Strep throat is when bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) infect your throat and tonsils. Once you’ve had your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy) the bacteria can no longer infect them but can still infect your throat. What you can’t get after you’ve had your tonsils removed is tonsillitis — what doctors call an infection of the tonsils regardless of the cause. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus, but when it’s caused by bacteria, the culprit is usually streptococcus, or strep.

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can select a registered dietitian/nutritionist of your choice to address common nutrition questions and concerns from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s nutritional services are available nationwide.

Most of the time, the flu is contagious for about 24 to 72 hours after you have come in contact with the virus. You might remain contagious for up to five days after the onset of symptoms.

CBT is well suited for online therapy because of its focus on active participation and interaction between the therapist and client. Clients’ access to therapy from their chosen location aligns with the CBT therapist’s solution-focused approach and desire to help their clients make practical and specific improvements. Most, if not all, CBT approaches can be adapted to an online format.

The best way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 is to avoid exposure.[1]

1. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and after you have been in a public place.
2. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
5. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
6. Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
7. Wear a face mask if you are sick. Face masks are not helpful if you are well, unless you are caring for someone who is sick with a respiratory infection.
8. Clean and disinfect doorknobs, phones, keyboards, counters, toilets, faucets and sinks every day.

[1] CDC How to Protect Yourself https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

Yes, Zika-infected mosquitoes have to bite you to give you the virus.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you visit with a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

Through Amwell, on your computer or smartphone, a licensed pediatrician of your choice can address common pediatric questions and concerns, from the privacy and comfort of your own home. This includes generalist pediatricians as well as doctors that focus on pediatric gastroenterology, neurology, and urology. General pediatricians are available nationwide, while specialty pediatricians are available in select states.

Research shows that losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can improve overall health and well-being and reduce risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

• Cut the salt
  • It’s not necessarily the salt, it’s the sodium.
• Try some hibiscus
  • Combine 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus, 1 cup of hot water and honey, lemon or 1-2 cinnamon sticks.
• Drink coconut water
• Fish oil
• Hawthorn – a staple herb that is great for your heart
• Exercise – proven to help by directly lowering pressure and by keeping excess weight under control, which can increase blood pressure.
• Garlic
• Melon
• Ginger-cardamom tea

Because doing so provides you with the highest quality care and most improves your overall health. Other important reasons to receive psychiatric care this way are safety, wellness, and efficiency.

Prescribing is at the sole discretion of your physician. Often times, someone will receive a prescription but that medication will be available in multiple forms. If the medication your provider prescribed is not covered by your insurance, then you may be issued a different medication with the same purpose that is covered by insurance.

If you have questions about your prescription, please reach out to our 24/7 support line at support@amwell.com or call 877-410-5548. Keep in mind that you can also review the notes section from your visit in your account on Amwell.

There are many studies showing there is a chance that humans and dogs can give each other noroviruses, otherwise commonly known as the stomach virus. Noroviruses can be caused by contaminated food or water, an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces. It has not been proven yet that canines can give stomach flu to humans. Although, it is very likely, as there have been many cases when canines and their owners have had stomach flu at the same time.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days without lasting effects, although you may continue to cough for weeks. If you experience repeated instances of bronchitis you could have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention and can last much longer.

Sinus infections can last several days. Viral sinus infections are usually most severe three to six days after they start, and then begin to improve by day 10. A viral sinus infection can develop into a bacterial infection, which typically lasts longer than 10 days. Patients will usually respond to antibiotics within two to three days after a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed and treated. After that, sinus infections can resolve anywhere between seven and 14 days.

There are three types of sinusitis. All three are based on length of symptoms:   

• Acute Sinusitis - symptoms last for less than four weeks
• Subacute Sinusitis - symptoms last for four to 12 weeks
• Chronic Sinusitis - symptoms last for more than 12 weeks

Having your vital signs available provides your Amwell physician with a lot of information that is pertinent to your treatment and has bearing upon his or her decision of whether or not to prescribe birth control and what type of method or medication to prescribe. Having your current vital sign results will make the online session more effective and enable your physician to provide you with all the services he or she can at that time. Examples of vital signs you should provide to your Amwell physician for a visit regarding birth control include your most recent blood pressure and resting heart rate

Over-the-counter artificial tears can relieve the inflammation and dryness of pink eye (conjunctivitis). Other steps you can take at home are applying warm compresses and avoiding wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms. If your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, over-the-counter allergy medicines and eye drops may also help. 

If your pink eye symptoms worsen or don’t get better, or if you have eye pain, intense redness in your eyes or light sensitivity, it’s a good idea to see a doctor who can diagnose the infection and suggest a more targeted treatment plan. Depending on the cause of your pink eye, this could include prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment, or antiviral medication.

Depression is when one is constantly in a low mood with loss of interests and enjoyment, accompanied by other changes such as low energy, disturbed sleep, changes in appetite and poor concentration. Anxiety does not always include this feeling of a low mood – typically, it is excessive or inappropriate worry.

While there are many phobias that can be effectively treated in online therapy, some of the most common include a fear of public speaking, heights, crowds, germs or dirt, illness, closed spaces, and social situations. Some people find online therapy particularly helpful for phobias of social interactions (or even leaving their homes) as it allows them to access treatment from a location where they feel most comfortable. For some, anxiety symptoms can be a major obstacle when trying to get to a traditional office setting for regular therapy appointments. These people often experience inconsistent or disrupted care. In cases like this, getting treatment via online therapy can make a huge difference in your ability to get the care you really need.

To keep health information private, each adult must create their own account. Children under 18 may be added to their parents account.

No. Because diagnoses of chronic conditions require specialized tests with specific equipment, they cannot diagnose your chronic condition. In order to see an Amwell physician for chronic care management, you will first need a diagnosis of that condition from a physician you have seen in person.

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can see a psychologist or counselor face-to-face to address common behavioral health challenges, from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s online therapy services are available nationwide and include a network of more than 350 psychologists, social workers, and other mental health disciplines with a wide variety of specialties.

Care managers are available daily, including most weekends, to see you at home and get your intake visit started. The process begins during your intake visit, and the manager will collect all of the relevant records and images for your case. Depending on the complexity of your case, and where you may have had previous testing, record collection varies in length and impacts the time to render the opinion. Our team’s focus is to take the burden off of you, and we will do our best to facilitate the collection of your records in a timely fashion.  Cases are generally completed in under two weeks (and less where medically indicated).

Stimulants (e.g., Ritalin, Dexedrine) are effective for treatment of ADHD/ADD, but they are controlled substances, which cannot be prescribed online. Other medications include Strattera, clonidine and other options, which are not controlled substances and can be prescribed online.

SAD is a mood disorder that has a seasonal pattern. It is unclear what the true cause of this disorder is. Although, studies have found that it is related to the variation in light exposure in different seasons. This disorder typically starts in winter and ends when spring rolls around.

The four modules of psychological and emotional function that DBT focuses on include: Mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Traditionally, skill development in these four modules is approached in a systematic and gradual manner in both individual and group therapy. DBT, like other forms of CBT, focuses on the client's functioning in their day-to-day lives and incorporates skill coaching and reinforcement of skill practice between therapy sessions.

Effectiveness of couple’s therapy is hard to determine because “successful” relationship outcomes are different for everyone and by nature, subjective. In general, there is strong evidence to support that therapy approaches that focus on engaging commitment in the therapy process, establishing clear goals and guiding effective between session work on those goals, is likely to be effective.

Amwell is designed for on-demand care so no appointment is necessary. After you register and log in to Amwell, doctors who are available for a visit will appear on your screen. You can browse doctor profiles and select who you want to see by clicking on the green “Connect” button. If no one is available, you will be placed in a "waiting room" and notified by text message once a doctor becomes available.

If you have any other type of psoriasis except for plaque, then the scales must be removed with gentle washing, so topical medications can penetrate the skin. If you have plaque psoriasis, it is recommended that you do not remove the scales because bleeding may occur which will actually activate the condition.

When one has a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by getting to the toilet and not having to urinate anymore. This type of incontinence may be caused by a minor condition, such as infection, or a more-severe condition such as neurologic disorder or diabletes.

Visits cost $70, but may be less since some insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

There are two main types of narcolepsy - narcolepsy with cataplexy and narcolepsy without cataplexy. You may ask, what is cataplexy? Cataplexy is a sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness or paralysis that is often triggered by a strong emotion, such as excitement or laughter.

People who experience cataplexy as one of their narcolepsy symptoms often times have low levels of hypocretin, while those who do not experience cataplexy symptoms have normal levels of hypocretin. Hypocretin, also known as orexin, is a brain chemical that regulates arousal, wakefulness and apptetite.

Some reasons that people with narcolepsy may be producing low levels of hypocretin include:

• Autoimmune disorders that cause a loss of the brain cells that produce hypocretin
• Brain injuries that specifically impact the section of the brain that controls wakefulness and REM sleep
• Family history of narcolepsy with cataplexy

The cost of a visit is $79, compared to the average national cost of $139 for an office visit or $645 for an emergency room visit, and may be even less as some employers and insurance companies cover telehealth visits. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered. This cost does not include the cost of any prescriptions, follow-up lab work or follow-up visits if deemed applicable.

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections of childhood. However, since children may have more serious complications than adults, it is important to collect a urine sample on all children before they are treated with antibiotics. If your online doctor decides that your child may have a UTI, you will need to take your child to your primary care physician or local urgent care center for testing.  

It is VITAL to your well-being that you to manage and control your diabetes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and puts you at a much greater risk for stroke, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, and limb amputations.

Your Amwell physician can learn a lot about your hypertension from vital signs, but obviously is not able to take them during the visit. Having current vital sign results will make the online session more effective and enable your physician to provide you with all the services he or she can at that time. Examples of vital signs you should provide to your Amwell physician include: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. If you have your most recent lab results for Hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, etc. they are useful, but not necessary for your online visit. Additionally, if it pertains to you, please have your most recent blood glucose levels available to share with your provider. If you can take a reading in the morning, after being awake/active for 30 minutes or more and then another reading when you have symptoms, like headache, fatigue, etc. that will only make the visit quicker and easier for both you and your provider.

It isn’t about which is better; it’s about availability and access. Ideally, everyone would have unlimited access to personalized healthcare, but we do not live in an ideal world. Telemedicine bridges those instances when distance, access, and special needs interfere with the provision of healthcare and preventative measures, like diabetes management.

Birth control medication is a safe, simple, and convenient way to prevent pregnancy. It also has other benefits like reducing acne, making your periods regular, and easing menstrual cramps. It’s effectiveness, however, is predicated upon you taking the medication every day, or you might not be protected from pregnancy. Also, like most medications, birth control pills can have side effects. While most go away after two or three months, you will want to talk with your doctor about finding another brand of pill or another birth control method. It is imperative, however, that you do not stop taking the pill before you start a new method or you’ll be at risk of pregnancy.

An important function of the couple’s therapist is to observe the dynamics and patterns in the relationship in order to assist with skill-building and change. The couple’s therapist is not there to “save” the relationship or even have an opinion about whether or not the relationship should continue. The therapist will observe the couple’s interactions and listen to each individuals’ experiences in order to assess the areas of concern and where changes need to be made. It is the objective nature of the couple’s therapist that is the ally of the relationship and will guide interventions for aligning the couple in their shared goals and values.

Some doctors on Amwell offer on-demand care with no appointment necessary. However, other pediatricians are available by appointment only. After you register and log in to Amwell, pediatricians who are available for a visit will appear on your screen. You can browse doctor profiles and select who you want to see by clicking on the green “Connect” button. If no one is available, you will be placed in a "waiting room" and notified by text message once a doctor becomes available.

Animals can get strep throat. On the flip side, it is rare for an animal to pass the streptococcal bacteria to humans.

– Does the provider group operate in the state you are when you need care?
– Does the provider group prescribe in the state you are when you need care?
– On average, how much experience do the physicians in the provider group have?
– Do you like the provider group's website and/or mobile app experience?

Menopause counseling visits cost $99 (master’s level provider) or $110 (doctoral level provider), compared with the average national cost of $161 for a therapy visit, and usually just a co-pay or meeting a deductible if your employer or insurance company offers a telehealth benefit. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

Mosquitoes, specifically an Aedes species mosquito (the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya), spread the virus through bites. If a mosquito bites someone with Zika and then bites another person, it’ll pass along the virus through the bloodstream.

Anxiety can be caused by a number of factors. One reason is disturbance in brain function related to the serotonin levels. This will ultimately cause symptoms of excessive worry or nervousness. Serotonin carries signals along and between nerves and is regarded by some researchers as a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance.

Some risk factors for all types of anxiety disorders include:

• A shy or nervous temperament as a child 
• Stressful and negative life or environmental events in early childhood or adulthood
• A family history of anxiety or other mental illnesses  

Stressful situations can temporarily worsen anxiety, but do not cause it. Our social and family environments can impact our experience of worry and anxiety as well. For example, if you are surrounded by others with high anxiety or were taught that many life situations and events warrant excessive worry, this may have influenced how you have grown to make sense of the world around you.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you talk with a therapist.

DBT is well suited for clients who have struggled with emotion regulation. This therapy is based in a biopsychosocial framework and theory that some people have a predisposition toward emotional hyperarousal and take longer to regain emotional balance than others. This tendency in combination with a social environment that reinforces maladaptive responses to emotion, can lead to the development of patterns of reactivity that are extreme and out of proportion. Such reactions and behaviors may cause problems in relationships, learning, and employment. DBT emphasizes the partnership of the therapist and client. This kind of collaboration can foster the positive alliance necessary to engage in the difficult and challenging work of changing maladaptive patterns to create a “life worth living” as defined by the client.

While there isn’t an established relationship between fibromyalgia and IBS, oftentimes, symptoms for the two diseases overlap. Fibromyalgia is a nervous system disorder and IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder, but both conditions are associated with a hypersensitivity to pain. While hypersensitivity for people with fibromyalgia is in their skin and muscles, hypersensitivity for IBS is in their intestines.

Sleep apnea and narcolepsy are very different conditions. The only similarity is that they are chronic sleep disorders. While narcolepsy affects how well someone can control their sleep patterns, sleep apnea occurs when there are repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.

A typical nutrition visit on Amwell is 30 minutes, but you can schedule follow‑up appointments with your dietitian/nutritionist should you need more than one session to address your concerns.

Amwell is an affordable, convenient way to resolve routine medical conditions. Our secure technology makes it possible to see a doctor face to face, without having to leave home, on your smartphone, desktop or telephone. With video, providers can look, listen, and engage with you to diagnose health concerns and provide you with an effective treatment plan.

An initial telepsychiatry consultation lasts 45 minutes. Follow‑up visits are 15 minutes. If a psychiatrist deems additional behavioral talk therapy to be appropriate for your mental health, he/she can refer you to a psychologist or counselor within the Amwell network.

There are many natural home remedies that can help alleviate flu symptoms. These include:

• Hydrating
• Soup
• Relaxing – be a couch potato!
• Breathing moist air – a humidifier
• Cough drops, throat lozenges and hard candies
• Gargling with salt water

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can select a registered dietitian/nutritionist of your choice to address common nutrition questions and concerns from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s nutritional services are available nationwide.

If it is not an emergency condition, yes. Doctors on Amwell are able to provide medical advice, counsel you about your condition, and help you work through your treatment options.

It depends on which type of bronchitis you have. Chronic bronchitis — which is typically caused by constant lung irritation from things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust — isn't contagious. Acute bronchitis, which is usually caused by a virus, is contagious for up to a week (although symptoms may last up to three weeks). Less often, acute bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection. If your doctor gives you antibiotics for bacterial bronchitis, you typically will stop being contagious 24 hours after you start taking the medication. To avoid catching acute bronchitis, keep your distance from anyone who has the flu or another respiratory illness. Ask the person to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

• Viral gastroenteritis
• Bacterial gastroenteritis
• Amebic dysentery
• Bacillary dysentery

Currently, we can provide patients with help managing the following:

• Diabetes
• Headaches/Migraines
• Birth control methods
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Hypertension
• Insomnia (cannot prescribe bridge prescriptions)
• COPD/Asthma
• Dermatology issues (Acne, Eczema, recurrent infections)
• Depression/Anxiety
• …and many more!

Major depression is the most common form of depression. It is sometimes called major depression, clinical depression, unipolar depression or simply 'depression.' Major depressive disorder is typically when one has a low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities. Other symptoms can be a factor in depression and most of these symptoms will last for at least two weeks. Depression can be described as mild, moderate or severe. Severe cases of depression are either melancholia or psychotic.

When one experiences urine leaks from pressure on your bladder. This can be caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, or lifting something heavy.

Prescription refills are ordered at the physician’s discretion and require an online visit with video. Refill visits require a full medical evaluation. Patients receiving refills online are required to have an annual visit with their primary care physician or more frequently as determined by the online physician.

Yes. Specifics vary by Virtual Doctor Visits provider group. All virtual doctor visits provider groups offer some Spanish-speaking physicians, although not in all states. Specific information is available at each Virtual Doctor Visits provider group's website.

The service is not covered by insurance.

Yes. Appointments with Amwell dieticians can be made using the self-scheduling feature in the app or by calling 1‑844‑SEE‑DOCS. Our team of dietitians have daytime, evening, and weekend appointments for your convenience.

All you need is a mobile device or computer and a strong wifi connection. You can use a mobile device to log into your account and choose from various providers, depending on the kind of care you’re looking for. You’ll be asked to upload your information before your visit to help your provider learn more about you and how they can best provide support. Many telehealth services use video during your visit, but some platforms may also provide phone or chat options. You can access notes, tests, next steps, and other details about your visit using your account.

Knowing the patient’s medical history and severity of symptoms are the most useful pieces of information when diagnosing a sinus infection online.  Even in the office setting, one cannot see inside the sinuses, or obtain fluids from the sinuses to analyze further. Doctors on Amwell rely on the patient’s description of their symptoms and active participation in the visit to define our diagnosis and determine the best course of action.

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can see a lactation consultant face‑to‑face to address common issues associated with breastfeeding. They can provide help with a number of issues such as latching, breast pain due to feeding issues, questions about milk supply, pumping, returning to work or school, and many other topics.

1. Log in and navigate to My Account. 
2. Under My Children, click Add. 
3. You can then choose to either create a new profile or link to an existing profile.

Visit prices vary depending on service type. Urgent care visits start at $79, while therapy visits price at $99 (master’s level) or $110 (doctoral level). You can compare prices by reading more on our service pages: https://patients.amwell.com/services/.

For more information, contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visits are covered.

Studies repeatedly show that your overall health can be most improved by coordinating your mental and physical health care. Also, we realize that sometimes controlled substances are necessary to treat your condition, and we want you to receive the optimal treatment rather than offering you an alternative or second choice medication. As part of our collaborative approach, we may also recommend nutrition and/or talk therapy services to help you achieve optimal wellness.

Men can get UTI’s, but due to human anatomy, it is much less common. Because it is less common and may be a sign of a more serious problem, we do not treat men online as urine culture is required prior to treatment.

Guttate psoriasis is the second-most common type of psoriasis – about 10% of people will develop this type. This form of psoriasis typically appears as small, dot-like lesions. The condition will most likely begin in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by a strep infection.

Yes, by dialing 1-844-SEE-DOCS you can connect with agents who can assist you with whatever it is you’re looking for, including enrollment, connecting with a doctor, or answering any technical support questions.

There are different types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic. How long your pink eye lasts will depend on what type it is. Viral pink eye typically goes away within a week or two on its own. (There’s no treatment that will cure viral pink eye.) Bacterial pink eye can last a month or longer, even with antibiotic eye drops. Allergic pink eye is likely to remain a problem as long as you’re in contact with whatever it is that you’re allergic to. Both viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious, although you usually can’t spread the bacterial kind after 24 hours on antibiotic treatment. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.

Illness or injury can strike at any time. Amwell helps you get back on your feet, no matter where you are or the time of day. You can see a doctor online for a range of issues, from minor illnesses and injuries, symptoms from a chronic condition, or to address general health concerns. Here are a few reasons people go online to see a doctor:

• “I feel like I should probably see a doctor, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.”
• “It’s difficult for me to get a doctor’s appointment.”
• “I’m not sure if I should go to the ER or not.”
• “My doctor’s office is closed and I don’t want to go to an urgent care clinic or hospital.”
• “I just moved and don’t know any doctors in my area.”
• “I just need a second opinion.”
• “I’m between jobs and have no coverage.”
• “I have a question about a loved-one’s health and would like some advice.”

Doctors on Amwell follow the standard of care and recommendations provided by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) with regard to treatment and antibiotic prescription. There are specific symptoms we look for as well as symptom duration to consider when deciding whether or not to prescribe a patient antibiotics. By nature, sinus infections take a long time to heal; antibiotics are not always the recommended form of treatment.

• Arkansas
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nevada
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Flu viruses that are able to survive on surfaces outside of the body that will then get transferred to someone’s hands can live up to 24 hours. Although, infectious flu viruses can survive on tissues including your hands for only 15 minutes.

UnitedHealthcare requires all network providers, including virtual doctor visit providers, to comply with all applicable laws, including laws relating to the security and confidentiality of patient information. Virtual Doctor Visits providers are covered entities under HIPAA and its regulations. Therefore, these providers have direct legal requirements to protect and secure confidential patient information. Virtual visit providers determine the manner and means by which they meet these privacy and security requirements. More information regarding security and privacy is available on the virtual doctor visit providers' websites.

It isn’t about which is better; it’s about availability and access. Ideally, everyone would have unlimited access to personalized healthcare, but we do not live in an ideal world. Telemedicine bridges those instances when distance, access, and special needs interfere with the provision of healthcare, preventative measures, and long-term management of birth control measures.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

“Staying well hydrated is probably the best way to prevent UTI’s. Front to back personal cleansing for women and urinating after intimate activity can also reduce infections.” - Dr. Michael Gray

”For women, urinate after sex every time, even if it is only a few drops and always drink a glass of water. In general, hydrating well will help with prevention the most. If you work a job where you are on your feet and don’t get much time for breaks, you have to find time to hydrate and to urinate. Don’t fight your urge to pee – it’s a set up to get a UTI.” - Dr. Antoinette Eng.

We encourage you to provide your PCP information to the virtual doctor visit provider so that virtual doctor visit records can be sent directly to your PCP. You may also be able to access your online doctor visit record with the virtual doctor visit provider group so you can provide the records directly to your PCP or other health care providers as desired.

Amwell is designed for on-demand care so no appointment is necessary. After you register and log in to Amwell, doctors who are available for a visit will appear on your screen. You can browse doctor profiles and select who you want to see by clicking on the green “Connect” button. If no one is available, you will be placed in a "waiting room" and notified by text message once a doctor becomes available.

With the Amwell web or mobile app, you can select a registered dietitian/nutritionist of your choice to address common nutrition questions and concerns from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Amwell’s nutritional services are available nationwide.

The most common way to get the contagious form of pink eye is through direct contact with an infected person’s discharge, usually through hand-to-eye-contact. Pink eye can also develop from allergies and exposure to certain chemicals.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is a shortage of pediatric medical subspecialists, such as pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric neurology, and pediatric urology. Telemedicine addresses this by offering these services remotely across state lines by giving patients in rural and undeserved areas easier access to care.

In traditional DBT treatment, clients have weekly sessions with an individual therapist and weekly DBT group therapy where there is a focus on working through the specific skills in each module. In more recent years, as DBT’s effectiveness has become more clear,ithas been adapted and integrated into other forms of psychotherapy.

Bronchitis, a swelling of the airways in the lungs that causes coughing and mucus, can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Bacteria can also sometimes cause acute bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis is most often more common in smokers. However, nonsmokers can also get chronic bronchitis. You may be at higher risk of getting chronic bronchitis if you:

•       Are older
•       Have a family history of lung disease
•       Had respiratory diseases in childhood
•       Have been exposed to fumes or secondhand smoke
•       Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Unfortunately, doctors haven’t proven the exact cause of fibromyalgia. However, the cause of fibromyalgia most likely involves a variety of the following factors:

• Genetics
• Some specific infections
• Physical or emotional trauma

Plaque psoriasis will often result in plaques of red skin, covered with itchy scales of skin. The disorder can also lead to abnormalities of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed. 

If just the male partner travels to an area with Zika, it’s recommended he waits six months before trying to conceive. If it’s just the female partner, the couple should wait two months. If both partners travel to an area with prevalence of Zika, the couple should wait six months.

When an Amwell physician determines you need a change in medication, but due to either state laws or some other reason he or she prefers not to write a full prescription, the physician may furnish you with a “bridge prescription.” A bridge prescription is an order for a limited supply of medication – usually enough for 15 to 30 days – that will cover your needs until you see your primary care physician and receive a physical examination to determine if the medication is right for you and if a longer supply is warranted.

• A sunken soft spot on their head
• Excessive sleepiness or fussiness
• Dehydration
  • Decreased urination – more than 6 hours without a wet diaper
  • Wrinkled skin
  • Dry lips
  • Crying without tears
  • Extreme thirst

A patient would see a psychiatrist for medication management and a psychologist for talk therapy. Sometimes the best form of treatment is a combination of both talk therapy and medication management. Psychiatrists and therapists are each able to evaluate a person to determine whether one or both treatment approaches are necessary, and can make recommendations based on their assessment.

To soothe the pain of strep throat, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other cool beverages. If you find warm drinks more comforting, try tea or broth. Throat lozenges, hard candies, or frozen fruit pops can also help ease your strep throat. When eating, stick to soft foods. Gargling with saltwater can also help; it reduces swelling and irritation . Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with 4 ounces of warm water  and gargle with it, but don’t swallow. If your strep throat is still sore, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Never give aspirin to children under age 18.

Online couples’ therapy will increase the effectiveness in several specific ways; it increases access to well-trained providers, reduces scheduling limitations and allows for flexible meeting times, lessens child-care needs, reduces travel time and time off from work and people can join from different locations. It is clear that when couples reach out for help before problems go on for too long, their chances of relationship success greatly improve; online couples therapy is a simple yet very effective modality for couples therapy.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you talk with a therapist.

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a dietitian/nutritionist:

• “I need nutrition advice to incorporate with my training plan.”
• “I want to look good and eat well in a way that fits my busy lifestyle.”
• “I want to lose weight and need some nutrition tips to help me reach my goal.”
• “I am a mom‑to‑be and I’m eager to learn more about eating for both myself and my baby.”
• “I am looking for ways to boost my energy throughout the day.”
• “I am looking for new ways to keep my family healthy.”
• “I want tips for easy meal planning and healthy snacks.”
• “I want to watch what I eat, but not sacrifice my favorite foods.”
• “I want to learn what to eat to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.”
• “I am looking for nutrition tips to help with my chronic condition.”
• “I need help determining nutrition and diet facts from fads.”

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a dietitian/nutritionist:

• “I need nutrition advice to incorporate with my training plan.”
• “I want to look good and eat well in a way that fits my busy lifestyle.”
• “I want to lose weight and need some nutrition tips to help me reach my goal.”
• “I am a mom‑to‑be and I’m eager to learn more about eating for both myself and my baby.”
• “I am looking for ways to boost my energy throughout the day.”
• “I am looking for new ways to keep my family healthy.”
• “I want tips for easy meal planning and healthy snacks.”
• “I want to watch what I eat, but not sacrifice my favorite foods.”
• “I want to learn what to eat to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.”
• “I am looking for nutrition tips to help with my chronic condition.”
• “I need help determining nutrition and diet facts from fads.”

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 and who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or who live in a community where there is active spread of COVID-19 should contact a healthcare professional to discuss whether testing is necessary.[1]

[1] CDC Testing for COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

When an Amwell physician determines you need a change in medication, he or she may prescribe a “bridge prescription.” A bridge prescription is an order for a limited supply of medication – usually enough for 15 to 30 days – that will cover your needs until you can see your primary care physician and receive a physical examination to determine if the medication is right for you and if a longer-lasting supply is warranted.

Yes – many medications are available and effective in decreasing anxiety. Examples include many types of antidepressants, as well as benzodiazepines and others.

Narcolepsy can be inherited, but for the most part, this condition is not hereditary. A majority of cases of narcolepsy are sporadic, which means the condition will develop in someone with no family history of narcolepsy.

Research shows that when narcolepsy is inherited, it’s more common for someone to inherit narcolepsy with cataplexy, which is a specific type of the condition that occurs when people produce low levels of a brain chemical called hypocretin.

The psychiatrist will perform the initial psychiatric evaluation and all follow up visits with you, make a diagnosis and revise it as necessary over time, and prescribe you the psychiatric medications needed to get you well. With your permission, after each visit he will send a copy of the visit note to your primary care provider so they know what medications have been prescribed for you. The only medications the psychiatrist will not prescribe to you directly are any controlled substances, but he can recommend in his note that your primary care provider prescribe those for you. Other things the psychiatrist may recommend to your primary care provider are to order any lab tests, diagnostic studies, or specialist referrals that the psychiatrist may feel are important in managing your condition.

Dysthymia is very similar to major depressive disorder, but it is less severe. However, dysthymia symptoms typically last longer. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, a person will have this milder form of depression for more than two years.

Doctors on Amwell will discuss your health history and assess whether a refill is safe at this time or whether it would be necessary to see your primary care physician in person. The decision to provide a refill and the quantity is at the sole discretion of the doctor. Be sure to share any information you have about your health history and condition that may help facilitate your refill, such as recent lab tests or blood pressure readings.

The choice is yours. You will be asked if you want a copy of your session notes and after‑visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after‑visit summary, Amwell will fax or electronically transmit it for you. You can also print the notes and save them for your own files or share them with other healthcare professionals. You may also decide not to share this information.

Amwell is designed for on-demand care so no appointment is necessary. After you register and log in to Amwell, doctors who are available for a visit will appear on your screen. You can browse doctor profiles and select who you want to see by clicking on the green “Connect” button. If no one is available, you will be placed in a "waiting room" and notified by text message once a doctor becomes available.

One in four Americans is affected by emotional distress at some time in life, but only one in eight seeks care. From chronic concerns such as depression and anxiety, to recent stress caused by events such as grief, divorce, childbirth/parenthood, menopause, or other major life changes, online therapy allows for reliable and convenient therapy visits with licensed and highly-trained therapists.

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a therapist:

• “I feel like I should probably see a therapist, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.”
• “I am experiencing stress at work and need someone to talk to.”
• “I am having relationship problems and don’t know where to go from here.”
• “I don’t know why I am feeling so sad.”
• “I just need someone to talk to.”
• “There aren’t many therapists in my area.”
• “I’m not sure if a therapist could help me with my anxiety or not.”
• “My therapist is on maternity leave and I don’t want to go to go to a clinic.”
• “I just moved and don’t know any therapists in my area.”
• “I just need a second opinion.”

Amwell psychiatrists are only available by appointment by calling 855‑818‑3627 or by using the self‑schedule feature within the Amwell app. Appointments are typically available in 14 days or less.

Our team of psychiatrists is often available during nights and weekends to help you cope with many life issues that require professional attention. Once you and your psychiatrist have established a relationship through the initial visit, your psychiatrist will schedule a follow‑up visit for you to continue treatment with them.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis will usually appear one to three days after exposure. Although, you’re contagious before you develop symptoms and up to two weeks after you’ve recovered.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, which is a hormone that helps the body use or store glucose. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body isn’t able to use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes is a condition that pregnant women develop when their body is not able to make and use insulin properly during pregnancy.

Pink eye can be contagious for up to two weeks, or until symptoms subside. Symptoms of pink eye include eye drainage, and red, swollen crusty eyelids. While many cases of pink eye infects only one eye, this infection can spread to the other eye. It is important to practice good hand washing and avoid touching your face when around anyone who has pink eye.

No. The cost is the same no matter when you visit with the doctor.

An initial 50‑minute consultation costs $129 compared with the average national cost of $150-$300. A 25‑minute follow up visit costs $75. Contact your Human Resources department or health insurance company to see if your visit is covered.

The primary care provider’s role in collaborating with the psychiatrist is to receive and review the visit noted sent by your psychiatrist, and consider following the recommendations that have been made. These recommendations may include prescribing a controlled medication, ordering laboratory or diagnostic tests, and making a referral to a specialist for evaluation of other possible relevant conditions. The primary care doctor will see that copies of all such tests and evaluations are sent back to the psychiatrist for his record. Finally, if the primary care provider has any concerns over how the psychiatric medications may be affecting your physical health or other medical medications, he will communicate this to your psychiatrist for his consideration.

Depression is not a “state of mind” or attitude problem that can be changed by simply “thinking more positively”. These are unfortunate misconceptions that perpetuate stigma which can lead to hiding the severity of symptoms and not seeking help. Depression is a medical condition that includes biological, chemical and medical factors.

Many people who suffer from Depression are considered “high functioning” and will continue to achieve and perform at high levels and may go to great lengths to hide their symptoms. Often, the symptoms of Major Depression will make day to day functioning nearly impossible and these changes are noticeable to others. Many people though can experience these same symptoms with slightly less severity and maintain day to day functioning, so their depression is not as noticeable. It is important to realize that even when able to maintain functioning, people are suffering, and symptoms should not be minimized. A therapist can help to sort out the symptoms and factors of depression in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop a plan for treatment.

Yes. Appointments with Amwell dieticians can be made using the self-scheduling feature in the app or by calling 1‑844‑SEE‑DOCS. Our team of dietitians have daytime, evening, and weekend appointments for your convenience.

Bronchitis, a swelling of the large airways of the lungs (called bronchi) occurs more often in older children and adults.

What’s more common in babies and younger children is a similar-sounding condition called bronchiolitis. That’s when smaller airways, called bronchioles, become swollen and narrowed, making it difficult for the baby to breathe. Bronchiolitis is most often caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu. Infants and children under age 2 are most commonly affected because they may not be able to fight off lung infections as well as adults can.

If you do not receive treatment for strep throat with antibiotics, you will remain contagious for two to three weeks. You will be much less contagious if you begin treatment with antibiotics – even after 24 hours.

After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you may have pain and swelling in the arm where you got the shot. You may also feel tired or get a fever, chills, or headache. Side effects are a normal sign that your body is building up protection against COVID-19. They should go away in a few days. Currently, both available COVID-19 vaccines require two shots for full immunity. If you have side effects after your first shot, you should still get the second one unless your doctor or vaccine provider tells you not to. Rarely, COVID-19 vaccines can cause a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment. If you believe you are having a severe allergic reaction after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, seek care immediately by calling 911. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html 

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a dietitian online.

Like all medical products, yes – vaccines can cause side effects. Typically, side effects of the flu shot are mild, but they can include soreness, headache, fever, nausea and muscle aches.

They are basically different names for the same thing. An anxiety attack is more of a lay term for the more technical panic attack.

Registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Virtually anyone can call himself/herself a “nutritionist” regardless of education or training. All of our nutritionists are registered dietitians (RDs). RDs receive extensive training that combines academic preparation with hands-on, practical patient experience. RDs must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, participate in a practice program involving direct patient care, and pass a national registration exam.

There are hundreds of controlled substances that cannot be prescribed online, these include most muscle relaxants, erectile dysfunction medications, and insomnia medications. Below is a list of commonly requested medications that we are not able to prescribe online:

• Adderall
• Alprazolam
• Ambien
• Ativan
• Carfentanil
• Clonazepam
• Cocaine
• Codeine
• Codoxyn
• Concerta
• Demerol
• Diazepam
• Dilaudid
• Fentanyl
• Fioricet
• Focalin
• Gabapentin
• Hydrocet
• Hydrocodone
• Klonopin
• Lorazepam
• Lunesta
• Methadone
• Methamphetamine
• Morphine
• Naloxone, Narcan
• Nubain
• Opium
• Opium Tincture
• Oxycodone
• OxyContin
• Percocet
• Pseudoephedrine / Ephedrine
• Restoril
• Ritalin
• Soma
• Sonata
• Temazepam
• Testosterone
• Tramadol
• Valium
• Vicodin
• Vyvanse
• Xanax

You can find a full list of controlled substances here: https://www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf

One in four Americans is affected by emotional distress at some time in life, but only one in eight seeks care. From chronic concerns such as depression and anxiety, to recent stress caused by events such as grief, divorce, childbirth/parenthood, menopause, or other major life changes, online therapy allows for reliable and convenient therapy visits with licensed and highly-trained therapists.

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a therapist:

• “I feel like I should probably see a therapist, but can’t really fit it into my over-booked schedule.”
• “I am experiencing stress at work and need someone to talk to.”
• “I am having relationship problems and don’t know where to go from here.”
• “I don’t know why I am feeling so sad.”
• “I just need someone to talk to.”
• “There aren’t many therapists in my area.”
• “I’m not sure if a therapist could help me with my anxiety or not.”
• “My therapist is on maternity leave and I don’t want to go to go to a clinic.”
• “I just moved and don’t know any therapists in my area.”
• “I just need a second opinion.”

In most cases, a sinus infection (sinusitis) goes away on its own and doesn’t need antibiotics. If your sinus infection lasts longer than 10-14 days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Meanwhile, there are things you can do to relieve your symptoms.

•       Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus and help it drain from your sinuses
•       Breathe moist air — in the shower or from a humidifier in your room
•       Apply a warm, damp cloth to your face periodically throughout the day
•       Use a saline nasal spray

 You can also try over-the-counter nasal sprays for stuffy noses, but don’t use these for more than three to five days. Using them too often can actually make your symptoms worse.

Certain medication that are potentially addictive are considered “controlled”, and can only be prescribed by a provider who has met you in person first, as per the federal regulation, The Ryan Haight Act of 2008. Examples of controlled medications are:

• Benzodiazepines - used for anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, tremors, and seizures - include medications such as Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, Valium, Klonopin, and Librium
• Hypnotics - used for insomnia - include medications such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, and Sonata
• Stimulants - used for ADD/ADHD, fatigue, depression, cognitive issues, and narcolepsy - include medications such as Dextroamphetamine, Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Methylphendiate, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Provigil, and Nuvigil
• Opioids, used for pain, and will not generally be recommended by psychiatrists

Neonatal conjunctivitis is the type of pink eye that affects newborn children. Newborns typically have a weaker immune system, giving them a higher risk for pink eye. This type of pink eye occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal. If the mother possesses certain types of bacteria, it can cause inflammation and this type of pink eye to occur. To prevent this condition from developing, hospital staff will immediately put newborn-friendly ointment around the baby’s eyes to prevent any bacteria from spreading. However, if some of the bacteria manage to survive, an infection may occur a few days after leaving the hospital.

Here are a few reasons people go online to see a dietitian/nutritionist:

• “I need nutrition advice to incorporate with my training plan.”
• “I want to look good and eat well in a way that fits my busy lifestyle.”
• “I want to lose weight and need some nutrition tips to help me reach my goal.”
• “I am a mom‑to‑be and I’m eager to learn more about eating for both myself and my baby.”
• “I am looking for ways to boost my energy throughout the day.”
• “I am looking for new ways to keep my family healthy.”
• “I want tips for easy meal planning and healthy snacks.”
• “I want to watch what I eat, but not sacrifice my favorite foods.”
• “I want to learn what to eat to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.”
• “I am looking for nutrition tips to help with my chronic condition.”
• “I need help determining nutrition and diet facts from fads.”

In most cases, a sinus infection (sinusitis) doesn’t need antibiotics; it will go away on its own. Viruses are usually the cause of sinusitis. However, if yours is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment to shorten your recovery time and relieve your symptoms. Amoxicillin, with or without clavulanate, is a first-line antibiotic prescribed for sinus infections, but your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic that’s best for your condition.

 Only take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them. Don’t try to self-treat your sinus infection by taking leftover antibiotics you may have on hand. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them won’t help your condition and could cause serious health problems.

Generally speaking, refills or bridge prescriptions are available from your Amwell physician with an online video visit; however, in those states that allow it, new prescriptions for non-controlled medications (diabetes medications are not controlled substances) may be prescribed at the discretion of your Amwell physician, who will make that determination after conducting your online exam and obtaining information from you such as the timing and results of your last lab tests, and when you last had a physical exam. More information is available in the FAQs on our Prescriptions resource page that offer further clarification.

If you have a history of allergic reactions not related to vaccines — for example, allergies to foods, pets, things in the environment, or oral medications — you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a vaccine or other injection in the past, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that vaccination providers monitor people on-site after giving them COVID-19 vaccines. These professionals have emergency treatments and equipment on hand in the event of a severe allergic reaction.  

You should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines if you have a history of allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate, or to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. If you had an allergic reaction after receiving your first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive the second shot.  

SOURCES:  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-cons

At this time we are accepting HSA and FSA plans. Check with your individual insurance provider to determine eligibility.

No. To ensure privacy and security of data, Amwell therapy sessions are neither recorded nor stored.

All doctors on Amwell can provide a prescription in accordance with state laws and when medically appropriate. Some states require a video visit. To find out if you can be prescribed medication via telephone call 1-844-SEE-DOCS. Please note that doctors on Amwell are not allowed to prescribe:

• Controlled substances (narcotics, anxiety medications, ADHD medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications for erectile dysfunction
• Any additional state specific controlled medications (additional pain medications, pseudoephedrine)

Check the Amwell availability map to see if your state allows prescriptions via telehealth.

Yes, you do need to create an account before you can speak to a doctor on Amwell. The account creation process is simple and takes just a few minutes. We recommend you set up your account now so it’s ready when you need it. Once your account is created, you can use the mobile app or website with the same username and password.

It’s not only safe for you, but it could also save you and/or your baby’s life. The Centers for Disease Control, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other organizations all strongly recommend that pregnant women get a flu shot.

Yes, in general you can get a prescription online. While there is support for this nationwide, there are several exceptions to be aware of. See the FAQs below to learn more about these exceptions.

Loss can understandably lead to feelings of sadness, but with grief these feelings are specific to the person or situation that has been lost, while depression tends to be persistent across all areas of life. Depression can evolve from unresolved or prolonged grief. Sadness is a normal emotion that all humans experience throughout life; it can be a symptom of depression but oftentimes it is a relatively short period of feeling down. Depression lasts at least two weeks and is accompanied by other symptoms like the ones described above.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is excessive worrying, whereas social anxiety only occurs in or is triggered by having to perform in social situations (i.e. eating, talking, etc. in front of others).

The telepsychiatry services on Amwell are provided by a network of licensed physicians who are board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. They can provide a thorough assessment and follow‑up visits for medication management. Each psychiatrist is licensed to practice in their state and is trained in delivering care via telehealth. In addition to psychiatrists, we have online licensed psychologists, therapists, and counselors who can provide counseling services.

Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.

Registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Virtually anyone can call himself/herself a “nutritionist” regardless of education or training. All of our nutritionists are registered dietitians (RDs). RDs receive extensive training that combines academic preparation with hands-on, practical patient experience. RDs must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, participate in a practice program involving direct patient care, and pass a national registration exam.

Acute (short-term) bronchitis usually goes away on its own. Doctors typically don’t prescribe antibiotics for bronchitis unless it’s caused by a bacterial infection, which is more common in children.

Treatments that may help your child get relief from symptoms include:

•       Drinking plenty of fluids
•       Getting rest
•       Breathing moist air — in the shower or from a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer
•       Sucking on lozenges (if they’re age 4 or older)- Honey - safe over age 1

 Before giving your child over-the-counter pain relievers, be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully. Never give aspirin to children. Don’t give ibuprofen to children under 6 months of age.

 Don’t give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines to children under age 4. If your child is 4 or older, talk with your doctor about whether these medicines are safe for them.

No. To ensure privacy and security of data, Amwell therapy sessions are neither recorded nor stored.

Registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Virtually anyone can call himself/herself a “nutritionist” regardless of education or training. All of our nutritionists are registered dietitians (RDs). RDs receive extensive training that combines academic preparation with hands-on, practical patient experience. RDs must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, participate in a practice program involving direct patient care, and pass a national registration exam.

No. At this time we are only seeing patients 18 and older. We plan to offer treatment for children and adolescents in the future, so be sure to check back often for updates.

Amwell’s nutritionists and registered dietitians have been hand-selected and certified in telehealth to deliver the best nutritional advice to you and your family. The online nutrition counseling services provided by Amwell are provided by a network within the Amwell Medical Group, a primary care practice with a national network of U.S. board-certified clinicians devoted to video telehealth.

Currently, there are two COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. Both require two shots in order for you to get the maximum protection. Depending on which vaccine you receive, you will need to get your second shot either three or four weeks after your first shot. Researchers are still studying another vaccine that requires only one shot. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html 

A cold is caused by a virus. Symptoms typically include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, and post-nasal drip (mucus going down the back of your throat). A cold usually lasts five to 10 days.

A sinus infection is swelling in your sinuses — air-filled spaces behind your forehead, nasal bones, cheeks and eyes — that prevents mucus from draining. A primary symptom is painful pressure in your cheeks and forehead. Sinus infection can also cause the same stuffy nose, cough, and post-nasal drip as a cold, as well as thick, yellow-green nasal discharge; headache; ear fullness; and even toothache.

A sinus infection can result from you having a cold; if your cold symptoms have lasted more than 10 to 14 days, you could have developed a sinus infection. Severe or persistent allergy symptoms can also lead to a sinus infection.

No. To ensure privacy and security of data, Amwell lactation sessions are neither recorded nor stored.

Once you have received a diagnosis from your online provider, they may talk to you about how online prescriptions work. At the beginning of your visit, you will be guided to pick a pharmacy. If your provider decides to give you a prescription, then your medication will be available at the pharmacy of your choosing and all you have to do is pick it up at your earliest convenience – it’s that easy!

The recommended diet for people who have diabetes is to limit foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Another diet option for people with diabetes includes a diet with smaller portions throughout the day that include a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a doctor online.

The telehealth therapy services provided by Amwell are provided by a network of licensed doctoral level psychologists and master’s level therapists practicing within the Amwell Medical Group. Each therapist is licensed to practice in their state, and trained in prevention and treatment techniques via telehealth. In addition to therapists, we have online physicians who can prescribe medications and manage urgent care and regular office visit medical needs staffed by a national network of U.S. board-certified clinicians devoted to video telehealth.

The telehealth therapy services provided by Amwell are provided by a network of licensed doctoral level psychologists and master’s level therapists practicing within the Amwell Medical Group. Each therapist is licensed to practice in their state, and trained in prevention and treatment techniques via telehealth. In addition to therapists, we have online physicians who can prescribe medications and manage urgent care and regular office visit medical needs staffed by a national network of U.S. board-certified clinicians devoted to video telehealth.

The term "neurotic" is actually no longer a term used in any official clinical diagnosis system or classification. While "neurosis" was once included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a diagnosis, this was removed in 1980 and is not commonly used by mental health professionals today. We now understand these symptoms to more appropriately fit with anxiety and depressive disorders. As with any outdated term, the meaning and use of the term neurotic and neurosis can vary considerably from person to person. In other words, without a standardized and official definition of diagnosis or symptom, there is a great deal of room for various interpretations and understandings of any mental health concept. Generally speaking, neurosis reflects a period of experiencing anxiety or obsessive thoughts, which can contribute to emotional instability and generally cause distress. At times, these symptoms may be severe enough to interfere with some areas of functioning, but not to a severe or significant degree. The good news is that these symptoms and experiences are well understood and treated within the framework of anxiety and/or depression, which most mental health clinicians are very experienced at working with!

Once your primary care provider has received the visit note from your psychiatrist recommending these medications be prescribed for you, you can call your primary care provider’s office and see if they will call those medications into your pharmacy for you to pick up. Your primary care provider may want you to schedule and come in for a visit with them first before they will prescribe these medications in some cases. In other cases, you may find that your primary care provider does not want to work collaboratively and does not agree to help you in this way. Should this be the case, one option is to consider finding a primary care provider who believes in collaborative care, wants to see that you get the help you need, and is willing to be part of this safe and thoughtful process.

 If strep throat is left untreated it can cause serious complications, including:

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

It is very common for daycares to require antibiotic eye drops for your child, especially if infected with bacterial pink eye, which is highly contagious. Even if prescription eye drops, we recommended your children not be around other children, at least until the redness and discharge subsides. It’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor, at any stage of the infection.

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

An online psychiatry session is essentially the same as an office visit, but with the convenience and location of your choosing, eliminating the need for travel. You will be asked about your current emotional symptoms, potential factors contributing to these symptoms, your history, and what you would like to accomplish during your visit. Using this information, your psychiatrist will develop a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan. This will be an ongoing conversation that adapts as your needs change over time and your psychiatrist gets to know you better.

Besides regularly sharing notes and test results back and forth, there will be a secure voicemail line for your psychiatrist that your primary care provider will have access to allowing them to either speak on the phone or leave each other messages. It is very important that you do not use this voicemail to communicate with your psychiatrist, as it is for primary care providers only and using it may prevent other doctors from being able to communicate with our psychiatrists. Please be aware that your psychiatrist will not respond to messages left on this line by patients.

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

Amwell’s nutritionists and registered dietitians have been hand-selected and certified in telehealth to deliver the best nutritional advice to you and your family. The online nutrition counseling services provided by Amwell are provided by a network within the Amwell Medical Group, a primary care practice with a national network of U.S. board-certified clinicians devoted to video telehealth.

Amwell is not for people suffering from serious or life threatening conditions, such as:

• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Neurological symptoms, suggesting a stroke
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Sudden bleeding
• Choking or gagging
• Severe Hypertension or Hemorrhoids
• Head injury
• Possible broken bones
• Cancer
• Patients who want to hurt themselves (suicidality)
• Patients who want to hurt others (homicidality)
• Schizophrenia or hallucinations

If you have any of the above symptoms or any other serious medical concerns, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.

A sore throat that starts very quickly is one of the most common symptoms of strep throat. But there are also visible signs, including:

• Fever and no cough or cold symptoms
• Red, swollen tonsils (the lumps on either side of the back of your throat)
• White patches or streaks on your tonsils
• Tiny red spots, called petechiae, on the roof of your mouth

 Strep throat is more common in children under the age of 19. If your child has it they may also get a red rash, called scarlet fever or scarlatina. The rash may start out as flat blotches and later turn to fine bumps that feel like sandpaper.

 While these are all common signs of strep throat, a doctor cannot tell for sure if you or your child has it just by looking at your throat. A rapid strep test or throat culture are the only ways to determine whether group A Streptococcus (strep throat) is the cause of your illness.

Our initial appointments are 50 minutes in length and our follow up appointments are 30 minutes. At the first appointment, a lactation consultant will review you and your baby’s health history to get a holistic understanding of the questions and issues you are having. When applicable, we perform a feeding assessment to help identify any problems and work with you to troubleshoot solutions. Finally, we come up with an individualized breastfeeding care plan that will be made accessible to you via your patient profile. The breastfeeding plan will review any topics discussed or instructions given at your appointment. We will also include any patient educational materials that may be beneficial to your unique situation.

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Online counseling has been demonstrated as an effective treatment modality for a wide range of conditions and diagnoses. The vast majority of symptoms that would be appropriate for treatment via outpatient therapy in a brick-and-mortar setting can also be effectively treated online.

Because a mental health clinician’s primary tools are their voice and language, therapy is an ideal fit for telehealth. Just as in a brick-and-mortar setting, the most important consideration is finding a therapist who has the clinical skill and experience to meet your needs, and with whom you feel comfortable. In other words, whether online or in-person, finding the right match is key.

There are some situations in which office-based therapy would be a better fit than online counseling. Examples include someone who is unable or unwilling to reliably access the necessary technology, lack of sufficient internet, someone with urgent safety needs, someone whose symptoms prevent them from engaging effectively in communication via video, young children, or those who do best with the various wrap-around services that can be offered by a community clinic or group practice setting. In each of these examples, there may be an opportunity for online therapy to be integrated into treatment, but not as the primary modality.

Some people simply enjoy or value the process and routine of going to an office setting, which online therapy would struggle to replicate.

Amwell’s nutritionists and registered dietitians have been hand-selected and certified in telehealth to deliver the best nutritional advice to you and your family. The online nutrition counseling services provided by Amwell are provided by a network within the Amwell Medical Group, a primary care practice with a national network of U.S. board-certified clinicians devoted to video telehealth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not determined whether future booster shots might be needed for either of the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently available. Only the two initial shots of the vaccine are recommended at this time. 

SOURCE: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Booster-doses 

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see therapists licensed to see you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a doctor whether you are home or on the go.

Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva - the lining of the eye  - due to allergies. This type of pink eye can usually be confirmed by your doctor based on your symptoms and patient history. Although, to narrow down which allergens are causing the symptoms, a skin test may be helpful. Allergic conjunctivitis is non-contagious.

Neurosis can be best conceptualized by a mental health professional as symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, and therefore responds very well to the many evidence-based practices developed for depression and anxiety. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment therapy (ACT), and many others. Therapists are trained to help individuals recognize negative thinking patterns and behaviors, identify opportunities for change, increase their ability to recognize and manage their emotional experiences and improve interactions with others. This can all be considered standard psychological care, which the concept of neurosis responds very well to. Online therapy can be a very effective modality for the treatment of neurosis and neuroticism. In some cases, a psychiatric medication evaluation may also be quite helpful in addressing these symptoms.

Absolutely! Simply choose the lactation consultant you would like to see again and select the appointment time that fits with your schedule.

Neuroticism continues to sometimes be used in conceptualizations of personality traits, though like neurosis, it is not an official diagnosis. The five-factor model of personality, which is used in personality evaluations across a wide range of cultures, identifies neuroticism as one of the five primary personality traits that all individuals experience on a spectrum of severity and intensity. The other four traits are extraversion, agreeability, conscientiousness, and openness, and we all experience these traits in various intensities, with the average individual being somewhere in the 'middle' range. Neuroticism is a long-term general tendency toward negative emotions and chronic distress. Unlike neurosis, which was formerly used to describe a diagnosable set of psychiatric symptoms, neuroticism is a personality trait and not a medical condition. The two terms are often confused. A person with high levels of neuroticism may be more sensitive to environmental stress, prone to sadness and depression, have a tendency towards self-doubt, experience some instability in their emotions, and generally have the experience of feeling anxious more often than others. Over time, neuroticism can make a person more prone to anxiety, mood disorders, and other negative social and emotional outcomes as they have more difficulty navigating everyday stressors and frustrations than others may. Personality traits, as understood by mental health professionals, tend to be a more chronic, long-lasting, ongoing way of feeling and experiencing the world, but that does not mean that personality traits are out of our control or cannot be changed. With insight, willingness, and therapy, it is entirely possible to make small changes, practice coping skills, and learn new ways of managing emotions and interacting with the world that can add up significant improvement in mood and satisfaction with life. -------- All feelings, even negative or distressing emotions such as anxiety and sadness (formerly called neurosis in some cases), have a distinct and important purpose that ultimately contributes to our survival and functioning. Anxiety, which corresponds most closely with neurosis, is a form of fear. Fear and our body and mind's response to fear is a very important experience as it keeps us alert to threats and danger. Fear triggers an adrenaline response, as well as our "fight or flight" response, which helps us to escape danger and threat. Without it, we long ago would've been much more likely to be prey to predators and succumb to other dangers. Nowadays, anxiety helps us to prepare for important events or tasks, alerts us to potential concerns or dangerous situations. For example, it is beneficial to feel a bit nervous the first time you learn to drive a car or before an important test, as this makes us more likely to prepare appropriately and pay attention to our surroundings. So someone with a tendency towards neuroticism may have times when their sensitivity to threat is beneficial to them. But as with any normal emotional experience, there are times when the intensity of the feeling is disproportionate to the situation, and the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with our daily functioning. It is at this point that seeking professional help is important.

Because supplies of COVID-19 vaccines are currently limited, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the vaccines be distributed in phases: 

• Phase 1A:  
  • Healthcare personnel 
  • People living in long-term care facilities  

• Phase 1B:  
  • Frontline essential workers such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, and grocery store and public transit employees 
  • People ages 75 and older 

• Phase 1C: 
  • People ages 65-74 
  • People ages 16-64 who have medical conditions that increase their risk for serious complications from COVID-19 
  • Other essential workers  

As vaccine supplies increase, the CDC will make additional recommendations beyond these groups. 

It’s important to note that each state has set its own plan for prioritizing and distributing vaccines. Contact your state health department to find out how vaccines are being distributed in your state. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html 

An online therapy session is essentially the same as an office visit, but with the convenience and location of your choosing. You will be asked about your current emotional symptoms, potential factors contributing to these symptoms, your history, and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. Using this information, your therapist will develop a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan. This will be an ongoing conversation that adapts as your needs change over time.

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see therapists licensed to see you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a doctor whether you are home or on the go.

The doctors on Amwell are part of the Amwell Medical Group, which is a primary care practice with a national network of board-certified doctors who, on average, have 15 years of experience. Doctors are both single- and multi-state licensed and credentialed to work in your state of residence; 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each of our doctors goes through a rigorous selection process to become a part of the network.

Call your primary care provider’s office and obtain their office fax number. You will need to enter your doctor’s fax number on our platform to enable us to coordinate your care. When you call your primary care provider’s office, inform the office that you will be getting your psychiatric care online and that they will be getting a note from your psychiatric visit outlining your diagnosis and treatment plan which may contain specific requests for your primary care provider. Advocate for yourself by explaining that you would like for them to work together with your psychiatric provider, who will be available to discuss your care with them anytime.

The bacteria that cause strep throat — group A Streptococcus — can cause a red rash that’s often accompanied by sore throat and fever. This is called scarlet fever, or scarlatina. The rash starts as flat red blotches and later turns into tiny bumps that have a rough, sandpapery feel. While the rash may show up first on the neck, underarm, or groin area, it can spread to the rest of the body. It can also appear brighter red in areas such as the elbows and underarms. In addition, scarlet fever can cause your tongue to look red and bumpy.

Scarlet fever is usually a mild infection and is treated with antibiotics. The rash typically fades in about a week, but the skin can peel for several weeks afterward.

Children under the age of 18 may be added to your Amwell account.

Chemical conjunctivitis is not contagious and occurs as a reaction to chemical-based irritants. This condition could be caused by smoke from vehicles, noxious chemicals, chlorine in swimming pools, etc. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and decreased vision, along with severe pain in the eye.

Yes. We feel it is of utmost importance to maintain patient privacy and keep information secure. Amwell is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that allows you to safely and confidentially consult with a psychiatrist online.

As of January 30, 2021, the U.S. had distributed nearly 48 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 21 million people had received their first dose. For updated information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker at https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations. 

SOURCE: 

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations 

You can still receive psychiatric care with us even if you don’t have a family doctor. However, without this collaboration, we won’t be able to prescribe you any controlled medications should you need them.

If you do have a primary care provider but find that they do not support a collaborative approach, your best option may be to find one that does. You deserve a provider that cares about your overall health and wellness, wants to see that you get the help you need, and is interested in being an active part of a safe and thoughtful process that has proven to achieve the best outcomes.

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see psychiatrists licensed to see you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a physician whether you are home or on the go.

Unfortunately, no. Doctors on Amwell are there to support your care between office visits, such as when you are traveling or when you have a non‑emergency or low‑acuity health condition.

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail support@amwell.com or call 1.855.818.DOCS. We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.

No. None of our therapists prescribe medication. In practice, therapists are there to listen, understand your situation, identify more effective coping strategies, and help you through difficult stages of life. However, physicians and psychiatrists on our system can prescribe most psychiatric medications for patients seen on our system. Our therapists work in collaboration with our physicians to provide multi-disciplinary care, resulting in efficient and effective treatment.

While medication can be a useful tool for some in the treatment of anxiety and depression, there are many other therapeutic interventions that can also be effective when addressing neurosis. These include therapy with a mental health professional, mindfulness, meditation and relaxation, exercise, a healthy diet and sleep, and minimal use of alcohol or other substances.

You can see one of our international board-certified lactation consultants in all 50 states.

An online therapy session is essentially the same as an office visit, but with the convenience and location of your choosing. You will be asked about your current emotional symptoms, potential factors contributing to these symptoms, your history, and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. Using this information, your therapist will develop a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan. This will be an ongoing conversation that adapts as your needs change over time.

Strep throat is caused by bacteria, called group A Streptococcus, that live in your nose and throat. It spreads when people who are infected cough or sneeze, releasing tiny droplets that carry the bacteria. You can catch strep throat if you breathe in those droplets or touch something that has droplets on it and then touch your nose or mouth. You can also catch strep throat by using an eating utensil that an infected person has used, or by touching skin sores — called impetigo — that are caused by group A strep.

Yes, by dialing 1-844-SEE-DOCS you can connect with agents who can assist you with whatever it is you’re looking for, including enrollment, connecting with a doctor, or answering any technical support questions.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Keep your mental energy stable by avoiding greasy, sugary, high-fat, and processed foods.
• Keep stress in check by going on regular walks or taking an online exercise class.
• Write down your stress and anxiety triggers. Keeping a journal can help you identify problems to address on your own or discuss with a therapist.

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

The choice is yours. You will be asked if you want a copy of your session notes and after‑visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after‑visit summary, Amwell will fax or electronically transmit it for you. You can also print the notes and save them for your own files or share them with other healthcare professionals. You may also decide not to share this information.

After you’ve come in contact with group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that cause strep throat, it usually takes two to five days before you feel ill. You may not even know you were exposed to the illness. That’s because people who are infected with group A strep may not have symptoms. You are most contagious when you have a fever over 100.4 but can be contagious to others for 48-hours before the symptoms begin.

 If you have strep throat, you can spread it to others until you have been taking antibiotic treatment for one to three days. Children with strep throat shouldn’t return to school or day care until they no longer have a fever and have been taking antibiotic treatment for 24 hours.

There is no additional cost to get all of the many benefits of our collaborative care psychiatry.

No, you can’t get infected with COVID-19 from a vaccine. The vaccines currently available in the U.S. don’t contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. If you develop flu-like symptoms — such as fever, chills, headache, or fatigue — after getting vaccinated, these may be normal side effects that tell you that your body is responding to the vaccine and building up its defenses. You could also become sick if you were infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after getting the vaccine, because it typically takes your body a few weeks after vaccination to develop immunity. 

SOURCES:  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html 

Controlled substances cannot be prescribed via telehealth on Amwell.  If you require a controlled substance (i.e., benzodiazepines), the Amwell psychiatrist may be able to coordinate with your primary care physician to have him or her prescribe those medications based on the psychiatrist’s recommendations. Otherwise, all other psychiatric medications can be prescribed by your online psychiatrist.

Entering counseling is a big step in caring for yourself, and your relationship with your therapist is an important part of your success in treatment. Do not hesitate to interview more than one therapist in order to find one with the experience, qualifications, and professional skills that allows you to become the best you can be. A good therapist will respect your decision.

Yes. Strep throat is most common among children ages 5 to 15. It’s rare in children under the age of 3.

While strep throat is not very common in adults, some adults can be at higher risk of catching the illness. This includes parents of school-age children and adults who have a lot of contact with children and those under high stress.

A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear. These attacks come on fast and peak within minutes. Attacks can occur unexpectedly or can be brought on by a trigger, such as a feared object or situation. While it has become somewhat common to talk about “panic attacks,” a true panic episode requires multiple distinct symptoms and lasts for a short period of time. While true panic episodes are relatively rare, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or having difficulty recovering from anxiety is a much more common experience.

Currently, children and adolescents under age 16 cannot get COVID-19 vaccines. Teenagers 16 and older can only receive the Pfizer-BioNTech version of the vaccine. The Moderna vaccine has been authorized for use in adults ages 18 and older.  

SOURCE:  

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html 

Yes. We have therapists in each state who are trained and experienced in treating children ages 10‑17 with parental or guardian consent. As with the medical practice, the parent needs to add a sub‑account to their own account first in order to make an appointment for a child.

Yes. Just make sure to select the state you’re in under ‘My Location’ and you’ll only see doctors licensed to treat you in that state. When using the app, you can choose to update your current state based on mobile geolocation, making it faster to find a doctor whether you are home or on the go. Doctor visits via telehealth are permitted in every state nationwide.

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail support@amwell.com or call 877-410-5548. We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.

No. None of our therapists prescribe medication. In practice, therapists are there to listen, understand your situation, identify more effective coping strategies, and help you through difficult stages of life. However, physicians and psychiatrists on our system can prescribe most psychiatric medications for patients seen on our system. Our therapists work in collaboration with our physicians to provide multi-disciplinary care, resulting in efficient and effective treatment.

No. At this time we operate only within the United States.

You can choose to share the session notes with your primary care provider. You will be asked if you want a copy of your after-visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after-visit summary, Amwell will electronically transmit your after-visit summary. You can also print the notes and save them for your own file or share with other healthcare professionals yourself. You may also decide not to share this information. The choice is yours.

A fever is a common symptom of strep throat. However, it is possible to be infected with group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that cause strep throat, and not have a fever — or any symptoms at all. People known as “carriers” can have the bacteria in their nose or throat without getting ill.

You can also be infected with group A strep but not have a fever because you are within the two- to five-day incubation period for the illness.

If you have other symptoms — such as a sore throat; red, swollen tonsils; or swollen glands — but no fever, your doctor may still want to test you for strep throat.

You should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines if you have a history of allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate, or to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. If you had an allergic reaction after receiving your first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive the second shot.  

SOURCE:  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Contraindications 

The choice is yours. You will be asked if you want a copy of your session notes and after‑visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after‑visit summary, Amwell will fax or electronically transmit it for you. You can also print the notes and save them for your own files or share them with other healthcare professionals. You may also decide not to share this information.

Children under the age of 18 may be added to your Amwell account.

Seeking support from a medical professional is a big step in caring for yourself, and your relationship with your psychiatrist is an important part of your success in treatment. Do not hesitate to interview more than one psychiatrist in order to find one that is the best fit for you. A good psychiatrist will respect your decision.

It’s not yet known how long vaccines provide protection against COVID-19. That’s because both the disease and the vaccines to protect against it are new.  

SOURCES: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/answering-questions.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fhcp%2Fcovid-conversations%2Fanswering-questions.html 

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions 

Yes, you can get a prescription online. While there is support for this nationwide, there are several exceptions to be aware of. Learn more on our prescriptions page.

It’s not yet known how long the vaccine’s protection lasts or how effective it is at reducing the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, so you’ll still need to follow all the recommendations for protecting yourself and others. That includes covering your mouth and nose with a mask, staying six feet away from others, and washing your hands frequently. This guidance may change over time, as more people get vaccinated and as experts monitor how effective the vaccines are and how the virus is spreading.  

SOURCE: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html#Patient-counseling 

Entering counseling is a big step in caring for yourself, and your relationship with your therapist is an important part of your success in treatment. Do not hesitate to interview more than one therapist in order to find one with the experience, qualifications, and professional skills that allows you to become the best you can be. A good therapist will respect your decision.

Collaborative Care Psychiatry is when our psychiatrist cares for you in coordination and partnership with your primary care provider. Another term for this is Integrated Care.

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail support@amwell.com or call 877-410-5548. We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.

Experts don’t yet know whether people who are vaccinated can still spread the virus that causes COVID-19. To protect others, you’ll need to continue following COVID-19 prevention guidelines even after you’ve been vaccinated. That includes covering your mouth and nose with a mask, staying six feet away from others, and washing your hands frequently. This can also protect you, since it’s not yet known how long protection provided by the vaccine lasts. 

SOURCE: 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know 

Because doing so provides you with the highest quality care and most improves your overall health. Other important reasons to receive psychiatric care this way are safety, wellness, and efficiency.

Doctors on Amwell will discuss your health history and assess whether a refill is safe at this time or whether it would be necessary to see your primary care physician in person. The decision to provide a refill and the quantity is at the sole discretion of the doctor. Be sure to share any information you have about your health history and condition that may help facilitate your refill, such as recent lab tests or blood pressure readings.

In this model, there is more responsible oversight of controlled substance prescriptions, which is important due to their potential for addiction and the risks of combining controlled substances with other medications. Controlled substances being prescribed by more than one provider is a common occurrence, but can easily be avoided by us collaborating with your primary care provider. When appropriate, we will provide our recommendations to them and request that they prescribe you these types of medications in order to help avoid duplication of prescriptions, excessive use of the medications, and medication conflicts.

Many therapeutic techniques that are practiced in a brick-and-mortar setting can effectively be used in telehealth as well. As mental health clinicians, our primary tools are our voice and our language, and telehealth presents no barriers to their use.

Many therapists are practicing the same types of therapy online as they do in a brick-and-mortar setting. Telehealth technology can support individuals, couples, family, and group therapy. Therapists frequently use evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and others.

The federal government’s Operation Warp Speed distribution process calls for delivering the two currently available COVID-19 vaccines to several different types of locations, including hospitals, large outpatient clinics, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, doctors’ offices, and public health clinics. However, each state has set its own plan for prioritizing and distributing vaccines. Contact your state health department to find out how vaccines are being distributed in your state. 

SOURCE:  

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ows-vaccine-distribution-process.pdf 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html 

Doctors on Amwell are able to provide simple forms like sick slips or back to work/school documents as clinically appropriate. Be sure to request the documentation before ending your conversation. Please note that doctors on Amwell are not able to provide more substantial documents like FMLA forms, disability forms, or handicap/DMV documents as these documents require an in‑person evaluation.

When considering mental health services, there is no need to question or worry about whether your problems are “big” enough to warrant it. Everyone can benefit from mental health support at times throughout their lives, and it can be helpful to think of emotional wellness as just another aspect of your overall health that you should monitor and maintain. Just as you visit a dentist or doctor for regular check‑ups and non‑urgent needs, your mental health benefits from proactive and regular attention. Keep in mind that therapy does not have to be a long‑term commitment; some people benefit from one or two sessions while others may be best helped by a longer course of treatment.

No. Doctors on Amwell are not able to order lab tests. Due to the nature of telehealth, it is difficult to follow up, obtain the results, and interpret these tests. Our providers may suggest following up with your in‑person provider and obtaining a test, however they are unable to order a test on your behalf.

Studies repeatedly show that your overall health can be most improved by coordinating your mental and physical health care. Also, we realize that sometimes controlled substances are necessary to treat your condition, and we want you to receive the optimal treatment rather than offering you an alternative or second choice medication. As part of our collaborative approach, we may also recommend nutrition and/or talk therapy services to help you achieve optimal wellness.

You’ll still need to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines like wearing a mask, staying six feet away from others, and washing your hands frequently after you’ve been vaccinated. That’s because while it is highly effective at protecting you from becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus, it’s not yet known how long the vaccine’s protection lasts or how effective it is at reducing the spread of COVID-19. 

 SOURCE: 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html 

The first online counseling session is all about getting to know one another and becoming familiar with telehealth if you’ve never used it before. Most people get comfortable with the technology quickly and find that the screen tends to fade away within a few minutes into the conversation. Your therapist will ask you questions about what brought you to schedule a therapy appointment, as well as about other areas of your life and experiences. Their goal is to learn about you and your needs so they can best help you.

While it may be a new experience to have so much focus on yourself and your life, remember that you can go at a pace that is most comfortable for you. Your therapist will also want to be sure that they will be able to meet your needs. Just as in any other setting, therapists have various strengths, weaknesses, and areas of skill that may not be exactly what you need.

The first therapy session is also a chance for you to think about whether the therapist is a good match for you. One of the most important factors in successful therapy is a positive connection between the therapist and client, and it is important that you as a client feel comfortable and confident that your therapist will be able to help you. We encourage patients to work with a therapist they feel connected with, even if that isn’t the first person they try.

You’ll also start talking about goals, or what you hope to get out of therapy. While it can help to think ahead about these things prior to your first session, don’t worry if you aren’t sure what your goals are or even the exact reasons why you felt motivated to start therapy. These things can be hard to put into words, and therapists are trained to help people start from scratch and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and potential areas of improvement. The important thing is to take that first step!

Health care costs and inconveniences are rising due largely to redundancy of services caused by poor communication between providers. To manage your conditions responsibly, laboratory and diagnostic testing and specialist referrals are occasionally needed either for accurate diagnosis or ongoing monitoring. As with controlled substances, these recommendations will be made and carried out through your primary care provider, again avoiding duplication of tests and providing the best coordination of your care.

You may choose to share this information. You will be asked if you want a copy of your after-visit summary to be shared with your primary care provider. If you choose to share your after-visit summary, Amwell will fax or electronically transmit your after-visit summary to your PCP. You may also decide not to share this information. The choice is yours.

Doses of the vaccine that have been bought with U.S. taxpayer dollars are being made available to Americans at no cost. The provider who gives you the shot may charge an administration fee, which can be reimbursed by your insurance. If you don’t have health insurance, your vaccine provider can be reimbursed by a special COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund. 

SOURCE: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html 

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-patients/index.html 

All types of people with various symptoms, experiences, and struggles have benefitted from therapy. Broadly speaking, anyone who is willing and open-minded can benefit from therapy, and the only real requirement is that you have some degree of motivation to be there. It can be small, and it can ebb and flow, but without some willingness to participate in treatment it will be difficult for a therapist to be of help.

Online therapy in particular helps break down some of the most common barriers to accessing mental health care. The technology allows you to have a therapy appointment from nearly any location that is convenient and comfortable for you. There is no travel to an office, and telehealth provides access to a wider selection of clinicians for those with limited local mental health resources.

Going to an office setting and sitting in a waiting room can be uncomfortable for some, and telehealth affords the privacy and anonymity of treatment from your own home. Because telehealth also offers flexibility to therapists, there are generally more appointments available in the evenings, early mornings, weekends, holidays, and other times outside of traditional office hours. The video technology is simple to use from devices many people already own, and many find that the screen tends to fade away within a few minutes into the appointment.

Two. Both COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. require two shots in order for you to get the maximum protection. Depending on which vaccine you receive, you will need to get your second shot either three or four weeks after your first shot.  

SOURCE: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html 

The psychiatrist will perform the initial psychiatric evaluation and all follow up visits with you, make a diagnosis and revise it as necessary over time, and prescribe you the psychiatric medications needed to get you well. With your permission, after each visit he will send a copy of the visit note to your primary care provider so they know what medications have been prescribed for you. The only medications the psychiatrist will not prescribe to you directly are any controlled substances, but he can recommend in his note that your primary care provider prescribe those for you. Other things the psychiatrist may recommend to your primary care provider are to order any lab tests, diagnostic studies, or specialist referrals that the psychiatrist may feel are important in managing your condition.

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail support@amwell.com or call 1-855-818-3627. We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.

Certain medication that are potentially addictive are considered “controlled”, and can only be prescribed by a provider who has met you in person first, as per the federal regulation, The Ryan Haight Act of 2008. Examples of controlled medications are:

• Benzodiazepines - used for anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, tremors, and seizures - include medications such as Xanax, Ativan, Restoril, Valium, Klonopin, and Librium
• Hypnotics - used for insomnia - include medications such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, and Sonata
• Stimulants - used for ADD/ADHD, fatigue, depression, cognitive issues, and narcolepsy - include medications such as Dextroamphetamine, Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, Methylphendiate, Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Provigil, and Nuvigil
• Opioids, used for pain, and will not generally be recommended by psychiatrists

It can help to think about what prompted you to seek therapy and what you may want to get out of it before your first session. While identifying goals to work towards can be beneficial, it’s also okay if you aren’t sure of what you want to achieve in therapy. Therapists are trained and experienced in helping people feel comfortable, answering questions, and working with you to set a path.

Therapy is most effective when you continue the work between sessions. This may mean simply reflecting on what you and your therapist discuss, noticing changes in your thoughts or behavior, practicing new skills or suggesting activities, journaling, or completing “homework assignments” such as suggested reading, worksheets, thought or mood logs, etc. Remember, the more effort you put in to therapy, the more benefits you’ll see.

You can’t get COVID-19 from a vaccine. The vaccines currently available in the U.S. don’t contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. If you develop flu-like symptoms — such as fever, chills, headache, or fatigue — after getting vaccinated, these may be normal side effects that tell you that your body is responding to the vaccine and building up its defenses. You could also become sick if you were infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after getting the vaccine, because it typically takes your body a few weeks after vaccination to develop immunity. If your symptoms don’t get better after a few days, or if they become worrisome, contact your doctor. 

SOURCES:  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.html 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html 

All of Amwell's services are available without insurance. Your visit will be charged to your credit card. Urgent care visits are just $79. 

Yes, during your visit just ask the doctor to write you a doctor's note and you will get a secure message with the sick slip attached. This note is stored in your account under both secure messages and past visits. If you're having trouble printing the note from your mobile device, you can log in through the desktop version and print directly from there.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised most pregnant women against getting vaccinated against COVID-19. More specifically, the WHO recommends that women who are pregnant do not take the mRNA-1273 vaccine (made by Moderna), unless “the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks, such as in health workers at high risk of exposure and pregnant women with comorbidities placing them in a high-risk group for severe COVID-19.”

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with a doctor about whether to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines currently available have not been tested in pregnant women or in those who were breastfeeding.

SOURCE: 

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/interim-recommendations-for-use-of-the-moderna-mrna-1273-vaccine-against-covid-19 

Once your primary care provider has received the visit note from your psychiatrist recommending these medications be prescribed for you, you can call your primary care provider’s office and see if they will call those medications into your pharmacy for you to pick up. Your primary care provider may want you to schedule and come in for a visit with them first before they will prescribe these medications in some cases. In other cases, you may find that your primary care provider does not want to work collaboratively and does not agree to help you in this way. Should this be the case, one option is to consider finding a primary care provider who believes in collaborative care, wants to see that you get the help you need, and is willing to be part of this safe and thoughtful process.

The primary care provider’s role in collaborating with the psychiatrist is to receive and review the visit noted sent by your psychiatrist, and consider following the recommendations that have been made. These recommendations may include prescribing a controlled medication, ordering laboratory or diagnostic tests, and making a referral to a specialist for evaluation of other possible relevant conditions. The primary care doctor will see that copies of all such tests and evaluations are sent back to the psychiatrist for his record. Finally, if the primary care provider has any concerns over how the psychiatric medications may be affecting your physical health or other medical medications, he will communicate this to your psychiatrist for his consideration.

To keep health information private, each adult must create their own account. Children under 18 may be added to their parents account.

If you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please do not use telehealth. Instead, you should immediately seek emergency care by calling 911.

Besides regularly sharing notes and test results back and forth, there will be a secure voicemail line for your psychiatrist that your primary care provider will have access to allowing them to either speak on the phone or leave each other messages. It is very important that you do not use this voicemail to communicate with your psychiatrist, as it is for primary care providers only and using it may prevent other doctors from being able to communicate with our psychiatrists. Please be aware that your psychiatrist will not respond to messages left on this line by patients.

Call your primary care provider’s office and obtain their office fax number. You will need to enter your doctor’s fax number on our platform to enable us to coordinate your care. When you call your primary care provider’s office, inform the office that you will be getting your psychiatric care online and that they will be getting a note from your psychiatric visit outlining your diagnosis and treatment plan which may contain specific requests for your primary care provider. Advocate for yourself by explaining that you would like for them to work together with your psychiatric provider, who will be available to discuss your care with them anytime.

Don’t see your question? Don’t worry. Just e‑mail support@amwell.com or call 855-818-3627. We have highly-trained health service specialists ready to take your call, 24/7.