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 Sesame?
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). Sesame (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; Sesame 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. Sesame Care: 2026 Comparison
Sesame is a price-transparent marketplace; TeleDirectMD is a flat-rate single-physician practice. Different models — here's how to choose.
Sesame
$29–$37 per visit
From about $29–$37 (provider-set; Sesame says visits start at $34)
- Who you see
- Mixed: doctors, NPs, specialists (provider-set)
- Insurance
- No (bills provided for self-submission)
- Coverage
- All 50
- Membership
- Optional: $10.99/mo (Sesame Plus)
The short answer
TeleDirectMD is $79 flat with a single named MD across 40+ states. Sesame is a marketplace where independent providers set their own rates — acute care can start as low as $29–$37 per Healthline but varies widely by location and provider; provider type is mixed (ChoosingTherapy). Sesame does not accept insurance. Both are HIPAA-compliant. TeleDirectMD wins on predictability, MD-only credentials, and insurance acceptance. Sesame wins on potential floor price and breadth of specialist types.
Reviewed by Parth Bhavsar, MD, Board-Certified Family Medicine. Updated October 13, 2026; Sesame facts verified against official materials and cited sources on October 13, 2026.
Side by side
TeleDirectMD vs. Sesame, point by point
Ten things that matter when you pick a telehealth service. Every Sesame claim links to its source.
What you're comparingTeleDirectMDSesame
Cash-pay urgent care visit$79 flatFrom about $29–$37 (provider-set; Sesame says visits start at $34)source
Mental health (cash-pay)Not offeredProvider-set: therapy from about $29 to $79; psych initial from about $80source
Insurance acceptedAetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare (select states)No (bills provided for self-submission)source
Provider typeMD only — Dr. Parth Bhavsar (board-certified)Mixed: doctors, NPs, specialists (provider-set)source
Which to choose
An honest call: each one wins somewhere
Choose TeleDirectMD if
- Predictable, flat pricing. $79 every time — vs. provider-set rates that vary by city and clinic at Sesame.
- Named MD only. TeleDirectMD = Dr. Bhavsar. Sesame uses a mix of doctors and nurse practitioners.
- Insurance accepted. TeleDirectMD is in-network with Aetna, BCBS, UHC. Sesame does not accept any insurance.
- No membership tier. No upcharge for "Sesame Plus" or similar.
Choose Sesame if
- Lower floor price. Acute care can start at $29–$37 in some markets — below $79.
- All 50 states. Sesame has providers in all 50 states; TeleDirectMD covers 40+ states.
- Specialist breadth. Dermatology, weight loss, endocrinology, and more on Sesame's marketplace. TeleDirectMD is adult primary/urgent care only.
- $5 / 30-day generic supply. Sesame offers a $5/30-day generic medication option.
Quick picks
- Need a specialist (derm, weight loss, etc.)?Sesame — TeleDirectMD is adult primary/urgent care only.
- Have Aetna, BCBS, or UHC and want to use it?TeleDirectMD — Sesame does not accept insurance.
- Have time to shop providers and want the lowest possible price?Sesame can undercut $79 in some markets — but rates vary widely.
- Want a single named MD and predictable pricing?TeleDirectMD's $79 flat with Dr. Bhavsar is the cleanest option.
The details
Price, providers, prescriptions and coverage
Pricing Deep-Dive: What Each Visit Actually Costs
Cash-pay urgent care: TeleDirectMD $79 flat. Sesame: starts at $29–$37 in some markets but varies sharply. Major metros tend to have higher prices; smaller markets sometimes have lower floors.
Mental health: Sesame therapy from about $29 (ChoosingTherapy reports $79 and up in some markets); psychiatry from about $80 initial. TeleDirectMD doesn't offer mental health.
Insurance: TeleDirectMD accepts Aetna, BCBS, UHC; Sesame accepts none. If you have insurance and want to use it, TeleDirectMD is the better fit.
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: MD only — Dr. Bhavsar.
Sesame: mix of doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists, with provider credentials displayed in the marketplace listings. Quality and continuity vary by provider.
Sesame's value is breadth (specialty types, low floor prices); TeleDirectMD's value is uniformity (same MD every time).
Prescription Handling
TeleDirectMD: e-prescription to your pharmacy of choice within ~30 min of the visit.
Sesame: prescriptions to your local pharmacy, plus an optional $5/30-day generic supply program — competitive with GoodRx for some medications.
State coverage
TeleDirectMD is licensed in 40+ states. Sesame: All 50.
Check whether TeleDirectMD serves your state. If it doesn't, Sesame 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. Sesame: common questions
Is TeleDirectMD cheaper than Sesame?
Sometimes. Sesame's acute care can start at $29–$37 per Healthline below TeleDirectMD's $79. But Sesame rates vary by city and provider; TeleDirectMD is $79 flat in 40+ states.
Does Sesame use real doctors?
Sesame is a marketplace with a mix of doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists per ChoosingTherapy. Provider credentials are displayed per listing. TeleDirectMD is MD-only with Dr. Parth Bhavsar.
Does Sesame accept insurance?
No — Sesame does not accept insurance per ChoosingTherapy, though they provide bills for self-submission. TeleDirectMD accepts Aetna, BCBS, and UHC in select states.
Does Sesame cover all 50 states?
Yes per ChoosingTherapy, though provider density varies by market. TeleDirectMD is in 40+ states.
Can I switch from Sesame to TeleDirectMD?
Yes. TeleDirectMD is a separate platform; bring your medication list and any recent labs. Book at teledirectmd.com/book-online for the $79 flat rate.
Does Sesame have a membership?
Optional Sesame Plus is $10.99/month for additional discounts per ChoosingTherapy. TeleDirectMD has no membership tier.
Can I get a $5 generic via Sesame?
Yes — Sesame offers a $5 / 30-day generic supply option per Healthline. TeleDirectMD prescribes to your pharmacy of choice; use GoodRx for generic discounts.
Why would I pay more for TeleDirectMD?
For a single named physician with predictable pricing, MD-only credentials, and insurance acceptance. Sesame is good if you want the lowest floor price and don't mind variable providers.
$79, a real MD, same-day.
Evenings and weekends in 40+ states. Book in about two minutes.
References
- Sesame — Healthline review
- Sesame — ChoosingTherapy review
- Sesame Care homepage
- Hello Klarity — Sesame alternatives
Disclaimer and verification
This page is an informational comparison between TeleDirectMD and Sesame. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Sesame. Sesame pricing, feature, and coverage claims come from Sesame's public materials and third-party reviews listed above. Prices and features change; check current rates on the Sesame website (https://sesamecare.com) before booking.
Updated October 13, 2026. Sesame 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.