24/7 fast, secure access - even nights & holidays
Trusted telehealth from licensed professionals
HIPAA-compliant secure messaging
Access care from anywhere, anytime
24/7 fast, secure access - even nights & holidays
Trusted telehealth from licensed professionals
HIPAA-compliant secure messaging
Access care from anywhere, anytime
Start Your Visit Now
(855) 583-5363
Start Your Visit Now
(855) 583-5363

When to Use Telehealth vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room — How to Know Which is Right for You

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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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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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)

When to Use Telehealth vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room

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.

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Learn More About Conditions We Treat »

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