MDLIVE

You’ve heard of the ‘GARP’ (Growth at a Reasonable Price) fundamental stock selection strategy, perhaps? Well, MDLive is the personal health care version. In a day in age where there’s a shortage of doctors in many locations and patient wait times to physically see one’s primary care or other physician can take longer than desired, MDLive provides high availability, personalised medical care at a reasonable price over the phone, online (including live video), through the MDLive app, as well as the written-out, ‘E-treatment’ option without audio or video (although audio or video call can be added if desired). Wait times for the first available doctor are 5-10 minutes. If you’re looking for a specific doctor, wait times can be longer, as will appointments with mental health professionals. Doctors will evaluate your situation, make a diagnosis, and provide care instructions, including the ability to prescribe needed medications, if necessary. If you’re really sick, you’ll avoid the hassle of heading out to a doctor’s office and, importantly, you won’t spread what you’re infected with by venturing out of your house. Appointments are reasonably priced in context and FSA-eligible.

I tried to get an appointment at 8PM last night but didn’t understand the process and finally scored an appointment at 9:56PM last night. They said it would be a 3 hour wait. I got a call every 30 minutes asking if I wanted to cancel my appointment- until about midnight. I thought they would call but finally fell asleep. I woke up about 6AM and checked the app for my wait time. It said 15 minute wait. After 20 minutes I checked again to see my wait time. It became a 30 minute wait time ... so I called customer and got through. (Something I had not been able to do since making an appointment) and there was a nice man named James who apologized profusely about 9 hour wait. He then recommended I schedule a time appointment (why couldn’t I do that in the first place) for 12:30 - which would be quicker than a next available. Oh my word! So I decided to do it anyway since I was still having symptoms even though I was feeling better. I got a call back 10 minutes later saying there was a mistake and the doctor couldn’t do it over a text gone call. Had to be video chat so now they were rescheduling until 4:30PM - you know, right about the time pharmacies are closing because of Corona. I decided to take it anyway. Finally feel better and just canceled. I completely understand that there are back ups due to Corona but my wait time was completely ridiculous and they did not handle this in a professional way. They are not reputable in my opinion.

This is my third time using the MDLIVE for my therapy session. At first I found the technical aspect of learning how to navigate the website very challenging. I had difficulty understanding how the whole thing worked there were no instructions on how to get to the therapist and how to handle technical issues on my IPhone. I found that I needed to remember to refresh my screen every five minutes or the picture would freeze. Or to turn off my notifications or the picture would freeze up or go black. Then you would have to hit the exit app button on the phone. Also, turn off your smart watch or the audio will go to it. Actually it’s better to just turn off your Bluetooth altogether for a video chat. I love the two therapists that I have. They’re very professional and were quick to make me feel comfortable. They asked smart questions and were attentive when I answered them. They gave me exercises that were easy to do and challenging. I think that 45min is not enough time for the first two sessions. I had so much trauma in the past that once I got started it was hard to stop talking in the 45 minutes allowed. I think a wider assortment of specialists is needed. This should be expanded once the kinks are worked out. I love the fact that I’m safe at home when I’m talking about my trauma and that I don’t have to drive home with tears running down my face trying to drive while trying to get myself together. That’s the best part.