PlushCare Review

What You Should Know About PlushCare

Best features

• Online care team
• 30-day free trial
• Same-day appointment scheduling

Drawbacks

• Paid membership service
• Doesn’t prescribe controlled substances

How Does PlushCare Work?

PlushCare connects you to telehealth providers for fast, easy, and affordable appointments related to urgent concerns, ongoing conditions and routine care. The service’s providers list in-depth bios that include their qualifications. You can call, email, or schedule appointments online at your convenience. This service is subscription-based, charging a monthly or yearly fee of $14.99 or $99, respectively, that gets you access. Therapy is billed as a separate service for an additional $129 for the first month and $259 per month thereafter. PlushCare does accept some insurance plans, but the subscription service is not billable, only individual appointments. Doctors rather than therapists write prescriptions, and this requires a separate appointment beyond an initial consultation. 

How do you use PlushCare?

To get started with PlushCare, you first create an account by entering your name, date of birth, phone number, email and other basic details and choosing a password. You can then schedule an appointment with a provider based on availability in your area and your needs. You can conduct a visit with your doctor or therapist using your desktop, tablet, telephone or smartphone.

How much does PlushCare cost? 

Does insurance cover PlushCare?

PlushCare charges a membership fee to insured and uninsured patients. However, it does work with many major insurance carriers, charging copays instead of the full appointment fees. Therapy is treated as an add-on service and isn’t covered by insurance. To learn whether you have coverage for PlushCare services, you can enter your insurance details on the platform or contact your insurance company. Credit and debit cards are both accepted payment options.

What does PlushCare treat?

PlushCare offers treatment for urgent medical issues, ongoing care, everyday care, and mental health services such as online therapy. Medical conditions such as colds and the flu, STIs, diabetes, asthma, and depression are treated. PlushCare offers talk therapy in a select number of states. If you’re seeking mental health services, it’s important to know that therapy isn’t part of PlushCare’s subscription services and is charged for accordingly. 

Can PlushCare write prescriptions?

PlushCare providers can write prescriptions for a variety of medications, including antibiotics, birth control, antihypertensive agents, and antipsychotics. However, controlled substances can’t be prescribed. You can pick up a 90-day supply of eligible medications at your local pharmacy. Doctors rather than therapists are responsible for prescription requests and refills.

When can you get a PlushCare appointment?

Same-day appointments are typically available, and appointment times vary. Bookings usually can be made within a matter of minutes. The prompts on the site are easy to follow and help guide you through the process. For more information or assistance scheduling your first appointment, you can call (800) 221-5140.

Can you pick a PlushCare doctor?

A list of several doctors in your area will appear when scheduling your appointment, and you can select a doctor based on preference and availability. Each provider’s profile shows you detailed information on their experience and credentials. With the exception of therapists, PlushCare providers are licensed to practice in all 50 states. The physicians are also board-certified and have an average of 15 years of experience.

How can you get PlushCare support?

There are a few options available to access support with PlushCare. The website features a Help section with information on a number of topics. For personalized assistance with a question or concern, you can call (888) 660-5348 or (800) 221-5140 to speak with a support team member or send an email about your issue to [email protected]. 

What Customers Say About PlushCare

Good reviews about PlushCare

“Perfect for flu season and not having to go wait in a waiting room full of sick people.”

“I thought I would have to wait a while for an appointment, but it was easy to reserve a time with a doctor on the same day.”

“The doctor was very nice and made us feel comfortable with this first virtual experience we had. Thank you again!”

Bad Reviews about PlushCare

“A way to see all available appointments by a specific doctor would be great.”

“Beware that once you have an appointment, it automatically starts a membership for you which means a recurring fee every month.” 

“It seems like they have a good idea and good people, but are still working on the kinks and need to gain scale.”

Bottom Line

PlushCare is a great option for patients looking for fast turnaround time to receive care. It also offers a convenient way to socially distance, cut your commute time, and handle your routine medical care needs. Whether you need help for something urgent, everyday care, or a therapy appointment, it has you covered. 

Another bonus is the website’s user-oriented approach to appointment scheduling with multiple options to choose from. PlushCare also offers follow-up avenues of communication when you have questions or concerns. By the same token, its 30-day free trial shows the company’s commitment to the patient experience. 

PlushCare does offer mental health services, albeit limited. Therapy isn’t currently an option in all states, and pricing is more expensive and slightly more nuanced for this type of care. Even so, doctors and therapists do collaborate to meet patients’ needs and provide multiple treatment options. PlushCare’s limitations are far outweighed by the convenience of same-day appointment availability and receiving health care services online from the comfort of your own home.