Amwell Review
✔️Fact checked
Published: March 26, 2021
When you're feeling under the weather, waiting to see your doctor can be a stressful and frustrating experience. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional in-person medical care, telehealth may be the answer for you. The service has grown in popularity over the years, thanks to its on-demand doctor visits, so if you're interested in trying it, you have plenty of options.
Amwell is one of the largest telehealth providers nationwide, with a network of board-certified doctors who treat everything from urgent medical issues to mental health concerns. Best of all, it's covered by insurance for more than 80 million people, so you could pay little to nothing for your virtual visit.
Our review: Amwell is an excellent solution when you need medical care now and can't make the trip to an in-person physician.
What You Should Know About Amwell
Best features
- Most insurance accepted
- 24/7 care
- Mental health care available
Drawbacks
- Not intended for regular primary care
- U.S. only
How Does Amwell Work?
Amwell is an app-based telehealth platform with appointments available on your phone, tablet, or desktop computer. An urgent care visit is just $79, and if you have insurance, your visit could be completely covered and cost you nothing. Amwell doctors can treat many issues with a quick video consultation, including headaches, fevers, cold symptoms, and upset stomachs. Prescriptions are provided for most types of medications, with the exception of controlled substances.
How do you use Amwell?
You can talk to a doctor through the free Amwell mobile app, available for Apple devices (iPhone/iPad) and Android. Consultations are also available on the Amwell website from any compatible desktop computer with a microphone and webcam. To connect with a doctor or speak with an Amwell agent by phone, call (844)-733-3627. Video consultations are Amwell’s preferred method so the doctor can provide you with the best possible diagnosis and treatment.
How much does Amwell cost?
| Appointment type | Price |
| Urgent care | $79 or less with insurance |
| Therapy | $99 for a master’s degree visit, $110 for a Ph.D. visit |
| Psychiatry | $269 initial assessment, $99 for follow-ups |
Does insurance cover Amwell?
Amwell is a covered benefit for many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The price you’ll pay depends on your specific plan, and in some cases, you may not have to pay anything for care. If you don’t have insurance or your plan won’t cover Amwell, you can still see an urgent care doctor for $79. Some insurance plans also cover the cost of virtual therapy and psychiatry — you’ll only be charged a copay if yours does.
What does Amwell treat?
Amwell is able to treat most of the same medical issues that doctors at an in-person urgent care clinic can. Some of the common reasons to see a doctor on Amwell include cold and flu symptoms, rashes, headaches, and many types of infections. Mental health assessments and talk therapy are available from Amwell’s licensed psychiatrists, counselors, and family therapists. Its specialist network includes pediatricians and gynecologists who can treat a variety of women’s health issues. Amwell is not intended for ongoing regular primary care. It cannot treat serious conditions or emergency medical issues. If you are in crisis, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.
Can Amwell write prescriptions?
Amwell can provide prescriptions for many types of medications, except for narcotics, erectile dysfunction medication, and other controlled substances. In most cases, you’ll need to have a video consultation with the doctor to get a prescription because doctors can’t provide prescriptions for voice-only visits in certain states. The doctor will send your prescription to the pharmacy you selected when booking the visit.
When can you get an Amwell appointment?
You’ll need to create an Amwell account to schedule your appointment. This takes only a few minutes, and you’ll be asked about your medical history, current medications, symptoms, and the reason you’re seeking care. Consultations are offered 24/7 for urgent care, and in most cases, you’ll be able to speak with a doctor right away or after a short wait. For therapy and psychiatry, you’ll need to set up an appointment at a later time, as these services aren’t available on demand. It could take a few hours or a little longer to be matched with a therapist for your first consultation.
Can you pick an Amwell doctor?
When you book your appointment, Amwell will show you a list of available doctors to choose from. Before making your selection, you can read each doctor’s profile, which includes their education, specialties, and patient reviews. You’re only able to choose from doctors who are licensed to practice in your state. Amwell physicians must have current board certification, at least one active state license, and a minimum of one-year post-residency experience.
How can you get Amwell support?
For all inquiries, email Amwell customer service at [email protected] or call (855) 635-1393. The company has a Frequently Asked Questions page on its website with answers to common questions about medical care, appointments, insurance, and general help with using the platform.
What Customers Say About Amwell
Good reviews about Amwell
“Pediatrician was absolutely amazing. He was thorough, patient, and explained everything to my son.”
“Easy to set up an appointment. The doctor was prompt and professional and my needs were addressed. Super easy. Highly recommend!”
“The doctor correctly diagnosed my problem and prescribed the correct medicine to cure the issue.”
Bad reviews about Amwell
“15 minutes after the appointment was to start it was canceled by the doctor without reason.”
“The doctor was nice, except I never got my sick slip he said he would send for missing work that day.”
“Doctor told me to go to my local urgent care and there was nothing he could do for me.”
Bottom Line
With on-demand consultations available 24 hours a day, Amwell lets you see a doctor instantly instead of waiting days for an in-person appointment. According to Amwell, doctors on the platform can solve most common medical complaints in ten minutes or less. This convenience is one of the best features the company offers, making it suitable for anyone with a busy life and little time to spare. You’ll also have access to mental health services, including talk therapy for depression, life transitions, relationship problems, or anything else that’s bothering you.
Thanks to its comprehensive list of services, you can get multiple types of care all in one place. One small drawback is that Amwell isn’t intended to replace visits with your usual primary care doctor. Even if you like the doctor you’re matched with, Amwell doesn’t support seeing them on a regular basis.