How an Online Doctor Visit Without a Video Call Works
Many people put off getting treated for a common infection because they cannot find time for an appointment, even a video one. An online doctor visit without video is a recognized way to get care, and it is how Starfish.com works. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services calls it asynchronous telehealth, or “store and forward”: information shared between you and your provider at different points in time.[1]
So if you were looking for a video appointment instead of an in-person visit, there is a third option. You answer a short questionnaire about your symptoms and health history whenever it suits you. A licensed clinician reviews it, and if treatment is right for you, we send the prescription to the pharmacy you choose, usually within 1 to 2 hours.
How It Compares With a Video Visit
| Live video visit | Asynchronous online visit | |
|---|---|---|
| How you connect | You and the clinician are online at the same time | You answer questions, and a clinician reviews them afterward |
| Booking | You book a time slot and wait for it | No appointment. You start whenever you are ready |
| What the clinician uses | What you say and show during the call | Your written answers about your symptoms and health history |
| If the clinician needs to talk | It happens on the call | A short phone call, where your state’s telehealth rules require one |
| What you get | A decision on treatment, and a prescription sent to your pharmacy if appropriate | A decision on treatment, and a prescription sent to your pharmacy if appropriate |
What the Clinician Reviews
Your questionnaire is reviewed by a licensed clinician, who evaluates your symptoms and medical history before deciding on treatment. Our clinical team includes board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and other licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in men’s and women’s health.
It is a one-time review, so you do not need to log in at a set time or wait in a virtual waiting room. Clear, complete answers help the clinician make the right decision, so describe your symptoms in your own words and list any medicines you already take.
For more information about who we are, see about Starfish.com.
Start Your Online Visit Now
Choose the condition you need help with and answer a short questionnaire. A licensed clinician takes it from there.
When a Clinician Will Call You
In some states, telehealth regulations require a brief phone consultation before a clinician can prescribe. If that applies to you, we arrange the call at no additional cost. Our clinicians often call earlier than the scheduled time, so a later slot is not a reason for concern.
What Happens After the Review
If a prescription is appropriate, we send it to the pharmacy you choose, usually within 1 to 2 hours. You can then pick up your medication the same day, once the pharmacy has filled it.
Because the prescription goes to a regular pharmacy, paying for it works the way you are used to. Our fee covers the clinician’s review and the prescription, and you can use an HSA or FSA card to pay us. You pay for the medication at the pharmacy, the same way you would with a prescription from your own doctor.
If a prescription is not the right next step for you, the clinician will give you clear information on what is appropriate instead.
Why a Questionnaire Works for Common Infections
Starfish.com was built to treat uncomplicated infections without an office visit. For many of these, such as a urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a yeast infection, a clear description of your symptoms and history gives the clinician what they need to decide on treatment.
The format also suits you. You can answer the questions late at night or on a lunch break, and you never have to find a quiet room for a call.
When an Online Visit Is Not the Right Fit
You are pregnant. Infections during pregnancy need extra care, so we do not treat anyone who is pregnant. Contact your obstetrician instead.
You are under 18 or over 80. We provide services to patients aged 18 to 80.
Your symptoms feel severe or are getting worse quickly. Go to urgent care or an emergency room. If you think it may be an emergency, call 911.
FAQ
Can I see a doctor online without a video call?
Yes. With an asynchronous visit, you answer a questionnaire and a licensed clinician reviews it, with no camera and no appointment. If your state’s telehealth rules require a conversation, a clinician calls you briefly by phone, at no additional cost.
Who reviews my questionnaire?
A licensed clinician. Our team includes board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and other licensed healthcare professionals.
How long does an online visit take?
Answering the questionnaire takes a few minutes. If a prescription is appropriate, it usually reaches your pharmacy within 1 to 2 hours.
Is my health information kept private?
Yes. We follow HIPAA privacy rules, and your health information is kept confidential and secure. For more information, see our privacy policy.
What if I have a question about my medication afterward?
You can contact us through your secure online account.
Get Treated Without an Appointment
Answer a few questions on your own schedule. If treatment is right for you, the prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Getting started with telehealth.” Telehealth.HHS.gov. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/getting-started
