This post was sponsored by Doctor On Demand as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central.

Start or schedule your Doctor on Demand visit – use code BOOMER10 to save $10 of your first visit!

Why Use Doctor on Demand

Doctor on Demand is staffed with board-certified physicians in your state who are available via a video visit. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to see a doctor – in fact, on my last visit I was in my pj’s and sitting on the couch – it doesn’t get any easier!  We all know that when you’re, sick the last thing you want do do is shower, get dressed, and drive to the Doctor’s office. Now you don’t have to!

Common ailments like Sinusitis and Urinary Tract Infections can be painful, and you want to get treatment started quickly, but when symptoms strike after hours, you may decide to suffer rather than go to an Urgent Care facility or Emergency Room. But you don’t have to. Doctor on Demand is an alternative to Urgent Care and the Emergency Room. They can also direct you to the right care if you do need to be seen in person, so you don’t waste time and money on an appointment only to be referred to another facility. Plus, when appropriate, they can prescribe medications to get you on your way to feeling better. They can also handle routine visits like allergies, colds, acne, skin issues, and prescription refills. They can even take a look at your environment via video to help identify factors that may be contributing to your allergies. You can also get online mental health care from one of the board-certified physicians and psychiatrists or doctorate-level psychologists. They can help you build your confidence and rebuild your self-esteem.

Physicians can treat most common non-emergency medical conditions over video.
Psychologists and psychiatrists can address non-emergency emotional or mental health issues.
Risk free. If we’re unable to treat you through video, we offer a money-back guarantee.

Though medical visits are $40 or less, Doctor on Demand is now covered by quite a few health plans so your visit may be partially or even fully covered. Plus the average wait time for an online video visit is just 3-minutes while the national average for a visit with a primary care physician is three weeks so you can get answers in minutes.

How to Use Doctor On Demand – Step-by-Step Instructions

So you’ve decided that an online Dr visit is right for your and your family. There are a few steps you need to complete before you can start your first visit. The first step is to register for Doctor on Demand online or via their app. I chose the online method so that’s the one I’ll cover here; I’m sure the mobile app is somewhat similar.

You’ll need to have a computer with a forward facing camera, plus a built-in microphone and speakers. My browser is Firefox, but it also works in Chrome. You should also take a moment to make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in and ready, and you’re in a quiet space that’s well lit so the Doctor can see and hear you clearly.

Register for the service via the app or online at Doctor On Demand.com (this tutorial is for the online version). Provide your name, email address, a password of your choosing, your date of birth, and agree to the Doctor on Demand’s Terms of Use and Informed Consent.

Doctor on Demand Online Appointment - Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Next, choose the type of visit you need – medical, mental health, pediatrics, or pregnancy and newborns.

Doctor on Demand Online Appointment - Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Your fee is shown, and it’s a chance to use that coupon for $10 off your first visit – Boomer10

Getting Started - Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Who is the patient? You, your child, or someone else?

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Doctor on Demand requires access to your location so they can match you with a licensed provider in your state.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Are you a MultiCare patient? They’re a partner now and I’m not a member,  so I chose “no” and moved on. If you are a MultiCare member, you’ll be sent to a list of health care providers to choose from.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

A list of health insurances that are covered is provided. I didn’t realize until I posted this that my insurance carrier is listed. Next time I’ll choose it and enter my Group ID and Member ID. Please note this list was correct on 5/12/16. Please visit the DOD (Doctor on Demand) website for an up-to-date list.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

You’ll be asked who referred you to the DOD website on the next page.

“Wait Time is 9 MIN – The estimated wait time is longer than normal.Would you like to schedule an appointment for later today instead?”

You’re provided your estimated wait time and an opportunity to schedule and appointment if the wait is not convenient. If you choose to wait, you’ll be asked the purpose of your visit. In addition to the list of symptoms below, you can write a short description of what’s going on and how long it’s been bothering you.

You’ll also need to provide the names of any medications your taking and how long you’ve been doing so as well as any known allergies you have. This is information the Doctor will have a chance to look over before coming online.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

On the next screen, you’ll verify your First and lat name, and provide your sex and phone number. A pop-up entitled Participation in Member Education Program will be presented.  Read it carefully before choosing to accept or decline.

You can select your preferred pharmacy or skip this option. Provide the information now adds it to your account, so it’s available if a prescription is prescribed as a result of this or a future visit.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Add your address to complete your health profile.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Firefox blocks the AddLivePlugin_v that is sent to the browser after clicking on “next.” Choose “Allow” to move forward and then “Allow” or “Allow and Remember” to get to the next screen.

Provide a credit card number to pay for your visit and confirm your identity. It’s also a chance to add your coupon code if you haven’t already – BABYBOOMER 10 for $10 off your first visit.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Now you’re ready to test your computer to see if it’s compatible –

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

You’ll need to download the Video Plugin used to connect you with their providers. You may receive an error message – my Anti-virus checker

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

Test your system to be sure you’ll be able to transmit and receive video and sound.

System Test - Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

You’ve completed registration, provided information on today’s visit, made sure your system is set-up to have two-way communication via video and now you’re ready to connect.

Doctor on Demand - See a Dr Now = Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

If a connection isn’t immediately available, you’ll get an estimated wait time and the option to schedule an appointment if you desire. My wait time was approximated as 14 minutes; however, I was “seen” in about three minutes.

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

You’ll see yourself on your screen to the right of the Doctor, and you’ll be chatting in real-time. The name of your Doctor is provided just above the video screen as is your connection status (mine was rated “poor”, but I found that except for some echoing of the audio, it was fine). I found the Doctor I was connected, Matthew Griffin, MD, to be very knowledgeable and he answered questions about my current health concern easily.

Doctor on Demand - Online Appointment

Doctor on Demand: Why and How to Complete an Online Visit #DoctorOnDemand @drondemand #ad #ic

A follow-up email was sent asking if I was happy with my visit and I was provided a personal code to earn free visits by sharing my experience with my friends and family.

My Concerns About Doctor on Demand

I tried to find out more information on Matthew Griffin, MD. I found no doctor by that name practicing in the state I live in. I did find two doctors in the US with that name – one practicing in Chicago and one in Detroit; I live in Washington State. What I found more alarming is there isn’t any information about him on the DoD site, and when I did find their page of providers, there were only three listed and none of them were the doctor I’d seen. This made my impression of my visit go from one that left me feeling great, to one that makes me wonder who I just shared my medical information with.

Doctor on Demand Virus Warning

Combine that with the virus warning I got when installing their video software, and I’m hesitant to recommend them; however, yes, to avoid a trip to the Dr.’s office for a cold or flu, I’ll use them again.