TeleDirectMD
Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD
$79 flat per visit
- Who you see
- The same board-certified MD, every visit
- Insurance
- Aetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare in select states
- Coverage
- 40+ states
- Membership
- None
Is TeleDirectMD a better telehealth option than HealthTap?
TeleDirectMD charges $79 flat per visit with no membership required and always connects you with the same board-certified MD (Parth Bhavsar, MD, NPI: 1104323203). HealthTap (variable, typically at or above TeleDirectMD’s flat $79) typically routes patients to a rotating pool of MDs, NPs, and PAs. Both platforms cover common urgent-care conditions (UTI (women only), sinus infection, strep, pink eye, ear infection), prescription refills, and basic E/M evaluations; HealthTap additionally offers some service lines TeleDirectMD does not (24/7 access, integrated mental-health, or pediatrics depending on the competitor). For evergreen acute and chronic-refill care, Penn Medicine, JAMA Network Open (2026) found telehealth visits cost roughly five times less than in-person primary care ($96 vs $509 mean). Insurance-covered visits with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare commercial plans are accepted in participating states.
Medically reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD · Updated May 19, 2026
Head-to-head · Prices checked October 2026
TeleDirectMD vs. HealthTap: 2026 Comparison
Flat $79 at TeleDirectMD vs. $129 cash-pay (or $44 with a $15/mo membership) at HealthTap. Sourced side-by-side.
HealthTap
$129 per visit
$129/visit (no membership); $59/visit (members at $15/mo)
- Who you see
- Board-certified U.S.-licensed physicians (per HealthTap)
- Insurance
- All major plans incl. Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare; Medicaid NOT accepted; HSA/FSA accepted
- Coverage
- All 50 states and D.C.
- Membership
- $15/mo (billed annually) or $55/quarter — unlocks $44 primary care and $59 urgent care visits; not required
The short answer
TeleDirectMD charges $79 flat per visit with no membership required and always connects you with the same board-certified MD (Dr. Parth Bhavsar). HealthTap charges $129 cash-pay per visit without a subscription, or $44 per primary-care visit / $59 per urgent-care visit with a membership ($15/month billed annually, per HealthTap Help Center). HealthTap covers all 50 states and D.C. and offers primary-care-led behavioral health; TeleDirectMD covers 40+ states and does not offer mental health. TeleDirectMD wins on predictable, no-membership pricing. HealthTap wins on 50-state reach, primary-care continuity, and basic behavioral health support.
$79 vs $129 cash-pay~39% lower cash priceNo subscription required
Reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD, Board-Certified Family Medicine. Updated October 13, 2026; HealthTap facts verified against official materials and cited sources on October 13, 2026.
Side by side
TeleDirectMD vs. HealthTap, point by point
Ten things that matter when you pick a telehealth service. Every HealthTap claim links to its source.
What you're comparingTeleDirectMDHealthTap
Mental health (cash-pay)Not offeredBasic behavioral health (depression, anxiety, stress) via primary care doctor — no dedicated therapist or psychiatristsource
Insurance acceptedAetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare (select states)All major plans incl. Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare; Medicaid NOT accepted; HSA/FSA acceptedsource
Hours / availabilitySame-day; evenings & weekends7 days/week urgent care; same-day or next-day primary care; 365-day on-demand accesssource
PrescriptionsSame-day; pharmacy of your choicePrescriptions sent to preferred pharmacy; no controlled substances (opioids, benzos, Adderall); no certain psychiatric drugs (Abilify, Lithium, Gabapentin)source
Advertised wait timeNot published; same-day appointmentsUrgent care: connect within minutes (7 days/week); primary care: same-day or within dayssource
Provider typeMD only — Dr. Parth Bhavsar (board-certified)Board-certified U.S.-licensed physicians (per HealthTap)source
Membership required?No$15/mo (billed annually) or $55/quarter — unlocks $44 primary care and $59 urgent care visits; not requiredsource
Which to choose
An honest call: each one wins somewhere
Choose TeleDirectMD if
- About 39% lower cash-pay price (no membership needed). TeleDirectMD is $79 flat with no subscription. HealthTap is $129/visit cash-pay without a membership — roughly 1.6× the TeleDirectMD price.
- No membership required, ever. HealthTap's lowest per-visit rate ($44) requires a $15/month membership ($180/year billed annually). TeleDirectMD charges $79 per visit with zero ongoing fees.
- Named MD on every single visit. Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD, board-certified Family Medicine, NPI 1104323203. HealthTap assigns you a primary-care physician, but urgent-care visits go to "the first available doctor" — provider continuity is not guaranteed for same-day needs per HealthTap.
- Predictable, transparent pricing. One price, no tiers, no annual commitment. At HealthTap, the cash-pay rate ($129) vs. the member rate ($44–$59) creates pricing complexity that patients must navigate before booking.
Choose HealthTap if
- All 50 states and D.C.. HealthTap is available in all 50 states and D.C. TeleDirectMD covers 40+ states. See states we serve to check yours.
- Primary-care-led behavioral health. HealthTap primary-care doctors address depression, anxiety, and stress per healthtap.com. TeleDirectMD does not offer any mental or behavioral health services.
- Ongoing primary-care relationship model. HealthTap is built for longitudinal care: choose a PCP, message between visits, get annual wellness exams per BusinessWire. TeleDirectMD focuses on acute/urgent care visits rather than full primary-care continuity.
- Medicare and Medicare Advantage accepted. HealthTap explicitly accepts Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare. TeleDirectMD's Medicare acceptance status should be confirmed at teledirectmd.com/insurance/.
- 365-day urgent-care on-demand access. HealthTap provides 365-day on-demand urgent care, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. TeleDirectMD is available same-day with evenings and weekends but is not 24/7 overnight.
Quick picks
- Need mental health or behavioral health services?Choose HealthTap — TeleDirectMD does not offer therapy, psychiatry, or behavioral health. HealthTap primary-care doctors address depression, anxiety, and stress per <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061654312-What-kind-of-care-does-HealthTap-provide-What-we-treat">HealthTap</a>.
- Paying cash for an acute visit (UTI (women only), sinus, strep, refill)?TeleDirectMD's $79 flat is the straightforward choice — no membership needed, no price tiers, just a visit. HealthTap costs $129 cash-pay for the same visit without a subscription.
- In a state TeleDirectMD doesn't cover?HealthTap covers all 50 states and D.C. If TeleDirectMD doesn't serve your state, HealthTap is the better fit. Check <a href="/states-we-serve/">TeleDirectMD's covered states</a>.
- Want an ongoing primary-care relationship or chronic condition management?HealthTap is built for longitudinal care — choose a PCP, message between visits, get wellness exams. TeleDirectMD's Dr. Bhavsar handles acute and refill visits but is not a full primary-care continuity platform.
The details
Price, providers, prescriptions and coverage
Pricing Deep-Dive: What Each Visit Actually Costs
TeleDirectMD: $79 flat, no membership. Every visit — regardless of condition — is $79 cash-pay across 40+ states. If you have Aetna, BCBS, or UHC in a qualifying state, you pay your copay instead. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. No subscription, no annual commitment, no hidden fees.
HealthTap: $129/visit cash-pay without membership; $44–$59/visit with membership. Per the HealthTap Help Center, the base cash price is $129 for any primary or urgent care visit. Becoming a member at $15/month (billed annually at $180/year, or $55/quarter) drops primary care visits to $44 and urgent care visits to $59. The membership fee is generally not covered by insurance — visit fees may be, depending on your plan.
Breaking even on HealthTap membership: The annual membership is $180. At $44 per primary-care visit, a member saves $35 per visit versus TeleDirectMD's $79, so membership costs less in total only at 6 or more visits a year; at the $59 urgent-care member rate, it takes 10 or more visits a year. For patients with one or two acute visits a year, TeleDirectMD's $79 per visit costs less in total.
Insurance: Both platforms accept major insurance plans. HealthTap accepts all major insurers including Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare but not Medicaid. TeleDirectMD is in-network with Aetna, BCBS, and UnitedHealthcare in select states. See TeleDirectMD insurance page for your plan. Both accept HSA and FSA cards per HealthTap.
Prescription cost: Both platforms send prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice. Use GoodRx, Cost Plus Drugs, or Amazon Pharmacy to comparison-shop generic prices. For TeleDirectMD prescription pricing, see online prescription cost.
Visit fees don't include medication at either service. Any prescription is filled and paid for at your pharmacy. See what a visit plus a generic prescription costs.
Provider Quality Deep-Dive
TeleDirectMD = Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD. Board-certified Family Medicine, trained at University of Mississippi Medical Center. NPI 1104323203, verifiable in the NPPES National Provider Identifier Registry. Every visit is with the same physician — no pool of rotating providers, no NPs, no PAs.
HealthTap = board-certified U.S.-licensed physicians. Per the Samsung/HealthTap press release (Oct 2025), HealthTap is described as "a medical group of experienced, compassionate, board-certified, U.S.-licensed physicians" — explicitly physicians, not NPs or PAs. For primary care, you choose and keep your own doctor; for urgent care, you connect with the first available physician in the network.
Why it matters: For acute, one-off visits (UTI (women only), sinus infection, strep, refill), the credential difference may be minimal. For patients who want continuity — the same physician across visits, over months — HealthTap's PCP model and TeleDirectMD's single-physician model both deliver it, but through different mechanisms. TeleDirectMD has one physician at scale; HealthTap has a multi-physician network where you select your primary doctor.
Prescription authority: Both platforms prescribe medications for appropriate conditions and both prohibit controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, Adderall). HealthTap additionally cannot prescribe certain psychiatric drugs — Abilify, Gabapentin, Lithium — or lifestyle medications like Chantix, per HealthTap's care scope page.
Prescription Handling: Refills, Pharmacy Choice, and Restrictions
TeleDirectMD: Same-day e-prescription to your pharmacy of choice. Most prescriptions are at the pharmacy within 30 minutes of the visit ending. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II–V), including opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and sleep medications. See what we treat.
HealthTap: Prescriptions sent to the pharmacy of your choice per HealthTap. No controlled substances (opioids, Adderall, Valium, Xanax, Norco, Oxycodone, Ativan). Also cannot prescribe certain psychiatric medications (Abilify, Gabapentin, Lithium) or lifestyle drugs (Chantix, Contrave, Qsymia). Both platforms work with CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and independent pharmacies.
For refills: Both services can handle refills of existing, appropriate maintenance medications within scope. Neither can issue new controlled-substance prescriptions. If you need refills for psychiatric medications or controlled substances, you will need your existing prescribing physician or a specialist. For other common refills (blood pressure, thyroid, antibiotics, birth control), both platforms are appropriate channels.
State coverage
TeleDirectMD is licensed in 40+ states. HealthTap: All 50 states and D.C..
Check whether TeleDirectMD serves your state. If it doesn't, HealthTap or another platform may be a better fit.
The doctor you see
One physician, not a rotating panel
Every TeleDirectMD visit is with Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician licensed in 40+ states. Not a physician assistant, not a chatbot.
- Board-certified, Family Medicine
- NPI 1104323203, verifiable in NPPES
- LegitScript-certified practice
- HIPAA-compliant video and records
I had a virtual health visit with Dr. Parth Bhavsar on New Year's Eve and had an extremely positive experience. Incredibly responsive his office was — they replied within minutes and were amazingly flexible and patient. He listened carefully to my concerns and was genuinely empathetic.
Wonderful experience! Got off a cruise with a sinus infection and knew I needed antibiotics. Super easy to book, quick appointment, inexpensive, and I got my prescription the same day as well. It was really convenient for me to go this route since I was out of my healthcare network.
It was good & I'm thankful for the service. I have a very busy life, so having easy access like this to Doctors & healthcare, from the comfort of home is amazing. Didn't feel rushed & Dr sent a needed prescription to the pharmacy right away.
How it works
A $79 visit in three steps
- 1
Book online
Pick a same-day or next-available time. Pay $79, use HSA/FSA, or apply in-network insurance where accepted.
- 2
Video visit
Join a secure video visit with Dr. Bhavsar from your phone or computer. No app download.
- 3
Treatment plan
Get a written summary and, when clinically appropriate, an e-prescription sent to your pharmacy.
Commonly treated at the $79 visit
UTI (adult women)Sinus infectionSore throatPink eyeBlood pressure refillsAsthma refillsAll 60+ conditions
Insurance accepted in select states
FAQ
TeleDirectMD vs. HealthTap: common questions
Is TeleDirectMD cheaper than HealthTap?
Yes, for cash-pay without a subscription. TeleDirectMD charges $79 flat per visit. HealthTap charges $129 per visit without a membership, or $44 (primary care) / $59 (urgent care) per visit with a $15/month membership billed annually — per the <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041886651-How-much-does-HealthTap-cost">HealthTap Help Center</a>. Even the member rate at HealthTap requires a $180/year annual commitment on top of visit fees.
Does HealthTap require a subscription?
No — but it strongly incentivizes one. Without a subscription, every HealthTap visit costs $129. With the $15/month membership (billed annually), visits drop to $44 (primary care) or $59 (urgent care) per the <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041886651-How-much-does-HealthTap-cost">HealthTap Help Center</a>. TeleDirectMD requires no subscription at any price level.
What states does HealthTap cover?
HealthTap is available in all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C. per a <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028482980/en/Samsung-Health-and-HealthTap-Expand-Access-to-Virtual-Primary-Care-to-Millions">BusinessWire press release (October 2025)</a>. TeleDirectMD is available in 40+ states. See <a href="/states-we-serve/">TeleDirectMD's full state list</a>.
Does HealthTap use real MDs or nurse practitioners?
HealthTap describes itself as "a medical group of experienced, compassionate, board-certified, U.S.-licensed physicians" per its <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028482980/en/Samsung-Health-and-HealthTap-Expand-Access-to-Virtual-Primary-Care-to-Millions">October 2025 press release</a>. TeleDirectMD is also MD-only: Dr. Parth Bhavsar, board-certified Family Medicine, is the sole provider, NPI 1104323203.
Does HealthTap offer mental health or therapy?
HealthTap offers basic behavioral health support — depression, anxiety, and stress — through its primary care doctors, per the <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061654312-What-kind-of-care-does-HealthTap-provide-What-we-treat">HealthTap care scope page</a>. It does not have dedicated therapists or psychiatrists. TeleDirectMD does not offer mental or behavioral health services of any kind.
Does HealthTap accept insurance?
Yes. HealthTap accepts all major insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare per the <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002619166-Can-I-use-my-insurance">HealthTap insurance FAQ</a>. It does not accept Medicaid. TeleDirectMD is in-network with Aetna, BCBS, and UnitedHealthcare in select states — see <a href="/insurance/">TeleDirectMD's insurance page</a>.
Does HealthTap accept HSA and FSA cards?
Yes. HealthTap explicitly accepts HSA and FSA cards per its <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002619166-Can-I-use-my-insurance">insurance FAQ</a>. TeleDirectMD also accepts HSA and FSA. Note that HealthTap's membership fee is generally not covered by insurance, but visit fees may be.
Can HealthTap prescribe controlled substances?
No. HealthTap explicitly cannot prescribe opioids (Norco, Oxycodone), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan), stimulants (Adderall), or certain psychiatric drugs (Abilify, Lithium, Gabapentin) per its <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061654312-What-kind-of-care-does-HealthTap-provide-What-we-treat">care scope page</a>. TeleDirectMD also does not prescribe controlled substances (Schedule II–V). For these medications, you need your existing specialist or a controlled-substance-authorized telehealth provider.
How fast can I see a doctor at HealthTap vs. TeleDirectMD?
HealthTap's urgent care connects you to the first available physician within minutes, 7 days a week including evenings and holidays per <a href="https://www.healthtap.com">HealthTap</a>. Primary-care appointments are same-day or within days. TeleDirectMD offers same-day visits with evenings and weekends — book at <a href="/book-online/">/book-online</a> — but is not available overnight or 24/7.
Can I use HealthTap for prescription refills?
Yes, HealthTap doctors can refill appropriate maintenance medications. Prescriptions are sent to your preferred pharmacy. However, HealthTap cannot refill controlled substances, certain psychiatric drugs, or lifestyle medications per its <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061654312-What-kind-of-care-does-HealthTap-provide-What-we-treat">care scope page</a>. TeleDirectMD can also handle appropriate medication refills as part of a regular $79 MD visit — see <a href="/what-we-treat/">what we treat</a>.
Which is better for a UTI (women only), sinus infection, or strep?
Both platforms treat these conditions. For cash-pay patients without a membership, TeleDirectMD's $79 is below HealthTap's $129; HealthTap members pay $44–$59 per visit plus the membership fee. For insured patients, the cost depends on your copay at each platform. TeleDirectMD visit details: <a href="/cost/uti-treatment-cost/">UTI (women only)</a>, <a href="/cost/sinus-infection-treatment-cost/">sinus infection</a>, <a href="/cost/sore-throat-treatment-cost/">strep throat</a>.
Does HealthTap work for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Yes. HealthTap explicitly covers chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and allergies per its <a href="https://support.healthtap.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061654312-What-kind-of-care-does-HealthTap-provide-What-we-treat">care scope page</a>. It has even partnered with LillyDirect for diabetes management per <a href="https://www.pharmiweb.com/press-release/2025-10-08/healthtap-expands-access-to-primary-care-driven-diabetes-treatment-through-lillydirect">PharmiWeb (Oct 2025)</a>. TeleDirectMD handles acute visits and appropriate medication refills but is not structured as a full chronic disease management program.
Is HealthTap accredited or certified?
We could not independently confirm HealthTap's accreditation status as of October 2026; you can check The Joint Commission's <a href="https://www.qualitycheck.org/">Quality Check</a> directory. TeleDirectMD is LegitScript certified and HIPAA-compliant.
Can I switch from HealthTap to TeleDirectMD?
Yes. TeleDirectMD and HealthTap are separate platforms — nothing transfers automatically. Bring your current medication list, any relevant lab results, and your insurance card to your first TeleDirectMD visit. Book at <a href="/book-online/">teledirectmd.com/book-online</a>. If you're leaving HealthTap for an acute visit, your HealthTap member subscription will continue until the billing period ends.
Does HealthTap's membership cover the whole family?
HealthTap allows you to set up profiles for children at no additional cost under a subscription per the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthtap-primary-care-doctors/id466079030">App Store listing</a>. TeleDirectMD does not have a family plan; each patient books and pays per visit at $79.
$79, a real MD, same-day.
Evenings and weekends in 40+ states. Book in about two minutes.
References
- HealthTap — How much does HealthTap cost? (Help Center)
- HealthTap — Can I use my insurance? (Help Center)
- HealthTap — Does HealthTap accept Medicare and/or Medicaid? (Help Center)
- HealthTap — What kind of care does HealthTap provide? (Help Center)
- BusinessWire — Samsung Health and HealthTap partnership (Oct 2025)
- PharmiWeb — HealthTap LillyDirect diabetes partnership (Oct 2025)
- Mira Health — Top Telemedicine Services Without Insurance (2025)
- HealthTap — How does HealthTap work without insurance? (Help Center)
Disclaimer and verification
This page is an informational comparison between TeleDirectMD and HealthTap. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HealthTap. HealthTap pricing, feature, and coverage claims come from HealthTap's public materials and third-party reviews listed above. Prices and features change; check current rates on the HealthTap website (https://www.healthtap.com) before booking.
Updated October 13, 2026. HealthTap facts verified against official materials and cited sources on October 13, 2026. TeleDirectMD provides telehealth for non-emergency conditions in adults 18+ physically located in one of our 40+ licensed states at the time of the visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances. In an emergency, call 911.
Prescribing limits: before you book
Can TeleDirectMD prescribe IV medications or IM shots?
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe intravenous (IV) medications or intramuscular (IM) medications, except EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector) refills when clinically appropriate. This includes IV fluids and infusions, and IM antibiotic or steroid shots. We cannot issue these prescriptions for administration at another clinic or by another provider.
How long can a TeleDirectMD prescription last, including refills?
Every TeleDirectMD prescription, including all refills, covers no more than a 90-day supply. To continue a medication beyond 90 days, you need a new visit. There are no exceptions.