When to Use Telehealth vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room — How to Know Which is Right for You
August 11, 2025
Why Choosing the Right Care Matters
If you wake up with a sore throat, your child has a fever, or you twist your ankle, it can be hard to know:
Should I do a telehealth visit, go to urgent care, or head straight to the ER?
At MyTeleHealthPoint, we help patients across the U.S. get the right care, right away — without spending hours in a waiting room or paying surprise bills later.
Choosing the right level of care can:
- Save you time (no unnecessary ER trips)
- Save you money (telehealth is often 5–10x cheaper than ER)
- Get you better outcomes (faster treatment, less stress)
💡 Did You Know?
According to the CDC, most sinus infections, earaches, mild asthma flares, and UTIs can be handled fully online — saving you hours compared to in-person visits.
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Quick Answer: The 3 Levels of Care
- Telehealth: 24/7 virtual visits via phone, message, or video for non-life-threatening problems and non-emergency issues.
- Urgent Care: In-person care for non-life-threatening problems that need a physical exam or testing.
- Emergency Room (ER): 24/7 hospital-based care for life-threatening emergencies.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Telehealth vs. Urgent Care vs. ER
| Care Option | Best For | Average Cost (No Insurance) | Wait Time | Examples |
| Telehealth (MyTeleHealthPoint) | Mild–moderate illnesses, medication refills, follow-ups | $29 message / $49 video | Minutes | UTIs, sinus infections, skin rashes, pink eye, mild asthma |
| Urgent Care | Illness/injury needing physical exam or in-office testing | $80–$200 | 30–90 min | X-rays, stitches, wound care, mild dehydration |
| Emergency Room | Life-threatening emergencies | $1,000+ | 1–4+ hours | Chest pain, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, trouble breathing |
When to Use Telehealth
Telehealth is perfect for non-emergency issues that don’t need an in-person exam or imaging.
Common telehealth conditions:
- Coughs, colds, fever and flu
- Sore throat
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- STDs
- Skin rashes & allergic reactions (non-life-threatening)
- Pink eye
- Ear infections
- Mild Asthma flare-ups
- Mild COPD flare ups
- Gout flare ups
- Acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Women’s menstrual health concerns
- Men’s health, including ED & hair loss
- Weight loss
- Anxiety and Depression
Prescription refills & lab orders (when appropriate)
(See our full conditions list for more)
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No insurance? No problem. With MyTeleHealthPoint, you can get care fast — for less than the price of dinner out.
No appointment needed.
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When to Use Urgent Care
Choose urgent care when you:
- Need in-person testing (e.g. X-ray)
- Have an injury needing a physical exam
- Need stitches, splints, or wound cleaning
Examples:
- Broken bone (not sticking out)
- Moderate asthma flare
- Cuts needing stitches
- Ear infections needing an in-person look
Tip: If it can be treated online, telehealth will be faster and cheaper.
When to Use the Emergency Room
Go to the ER immediately if you have:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Signs of stroke (slurred speech, weakness on one side)
- Trouble breathing
- Severe bleeding
- High fever with confusion
- Head injury with loss of consciousness
For a full list, see the Mayo Clinic Emergency Guidelines.
Cost Comparison: Why Telehealth Saves You the Most
| Provider | Cost Without Insurance | Visit Type | Notes |
| MyTeleHealthPoint | $29 message / $49 video | Urgent & Primary Care | Transparent pricing guarantee |
| Teladoc | $75+ | Urgent Care | Price varies |
| Amwell | $79+ | Urgent Care | May be higher on weekends |
| Doctor on Demand | $79+ | Urgent Care | Extra fee for prescriptions |
| PlushCare | $99+ | Urgent Care | Membership required for lower price |
| MDLIVE | $82+ | Urgent Care | Price varies |
💡 Price Guarantee
At MyTeleHealthPoint, our prices are always upfront and public. No extra bills. No surprise charges. Ever.
Why Choose MyTeleHealthPoint
- Affordable care: $29 message or $49 video visit
- No waiting rooms: Get treated from your couch
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees
- Insurance optional: Use insurance or GoodRx for prescriptions
- 24/7 convenience: We’re here when you need us
💡 Your health can’t wait
Don’t waste hours in a waiting room.
Get quick, affordable, and expert care right now.
