Questions to Ask Before Joining Digital Primary Care

Before you sign up for a digital primary care program, ask about the scope of services, provider qualifications, costs, data privacy, and how the program handles urgent or after-hours issues. These programs offer convenient access to doctors via video or chat, but they are not a full replacement for in-person care, and the details vary widely between providers. This guide covers the essential questions to help you decide if a virtual-first primary care program fits your needs.

Formula

The calculator uses the standard formulas for average pace and speed:

• Average pace = Total time / Distance
• Average speed = Distance / Total time (in hours)

Where:

• Total time (t) is the time taken to cover the distance, in minutes.
• Distance (d) is the distance covered, in kilometers.
• Average pace is expressed in minutes per kilometer (min/km).
• Average speed is expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Worked Example

Suppose you run 10 km in 50 minutes. Using the default values from the calculator:

1. Calculate pace: 50 min / 10 km = 5.00 min/km.
2. Convert time to hours: 50 min / 60 = 0.8333 hours.
3. Calculate speed: 10 km / 0.8333 h = 12.00 km/h.

The calculator returns an average pace of 5.00 min/km and an average speed of 12.00 km/h.

What Is Digital Primary Care?

Digital primary care (also called virtual primary care or telehealth primary care) is a subscription-based service that gives you access to primary care providers—usually physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants—via a smartphone app or web portal. Instead of booking an in-person appointment, you message or video-call a provider for common issues like colds, rashes, allergies, or medication refills. Many programs also offer mental health counseling, lab orders, and prescription delivery.

These services are not designed to replace all in-person care. You still need a physical exam for certain problems (like a suspicious mole or abdominal pain), and most programs will tell you to go to an urgent care or ER for emergencies. The key is understanding what the program covers before you need it.

What Services Are Actually Included?

Not all digital primary care programs are the same. Some offer only acute care (sick visits), while others include chronic condition management, preventive care, and mental health. Ask for a detailed list of covered services and any exclusions. Common questions to ask:

• Can I get treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or is that extra?
• Are lab tests ordered through the program covered by the subscription, or do I pay separately?
• Is mental health counseling included, and how many sessions per year?
• Can I get referrals to specialists, or do I have to handle that myself?
• Are there age limits (e.g., adults only, or pediatric care available)?

For example, some programs include unlimited messaging with your care team, but video visits might be capped at a certain number per month. Others might offer unlimited video but charge extra for labs or specialist referrals. Get the specifics in writing.

Who Are the Providers?

You should know exactly who you’re seeing. Ask whether the providers are licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, and in which states they are licensed. Most programs use a mix, and you may not get to choose your provider. Also ask:

• Are the providers employees of the company or independent contractors?
• Do they have experience in primary care, or are they generalists?
• Can I request a specific provider if I like one?
• What happens if I need a provider outside of business hours?

Some programs employ board-certified physicians, while others rely on nurse practitioners or physician assistants. That’s not inherently bad, but you should know the level of training and whether you can escalate to a physician if needed. Also, check if the program’s providers can prescribe controlled substances—some states have restrictions on virtual prescribing of stimulants or opioids.

What Are the Costs and Insurance Details?

Costs vary widely. Some programs charge a flat monthly fee (e.g., $15–$50 per month), while others are included in your employer’s health plan. Some are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, but not all. Ask for a complete fee schedule:

• Is there a monthly or annual subscription fee?
• Are there co-pays per visit or per prescription?
• Are lab tests, imaging, or specialist referrals extra?
• Does the program accept my insurance, or is it self-pay only?
• If I cancel, are there any fees or penalties?

Also ask about prescription costs. Some programs partner with mail-order pharmacies and offer discounted generics, but you may still pay full price for brand-name drugs. If you have a high-deductible health plan, a subscription might save you money compared to an in-person visit, but only if you actually use it.

How Does Data Privacy and Security Work?

Your medical information is sensitive. Digital health companies must comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the U.S., but not all do—especially if they’re not a “covered entity.” Ask:

• Is the platform HIPAA-compliant?
• How is my health data stored and encrypted?
• Can my data be shared with third parties (e.g., employers, advertisers)?
• Can I download or delete my data if I leave?

Some programs sell anonymized data for research, but you should be told upfront. Read the privacy policy carefully, and if you’re using the service through your employer, ask whether your employer receives any individual health information. Most reputable programs will not share identifiable data, but you should confirm.

What Happens in an Emergency or After Hours?

Digital primary care is not for emergencies. But you should know what the program does when you have a concern at 2 a.m. or on a holiday. Ask:

• Is there 24/7 access to a provider, or only during business hours?
• If I send a message, how fast will I get a response?
• What if I need a same-day appointment for something like a UTI?
• Does the program have a protocol for urgent symptoms (e.g., chest pain)?

Many programs offer 24/7 nurse lines or on-call physicians, but not all. Some only have providers available Monday–Friday, 9–5, and you’ll be directed to urgent care if you need help outside those hours. That might be fine for non-urgent issues, but it’s a critical factor if you have a chronic condition or young children.

How Does It Compare to Traditional Primary Care?

Digital primary care is not a direct replacement for a traditional doctor’s office. It excels at convenience, lower cost for simple issues, and easy access to mental health. However, it lacks the ability to do physical exams, in-office labs, or same-day procedures. For chronic conditions like hypertension, a virtual provider can monitor your home blood pressure readings and adjust medications, but you’ll still need periodic in-person visits for lab work and physical exams.

Some programs offer a hybrid model: virtual visits plus in-person clinics or partnerships with local urgent care centers. If you value having a single doctor who knows your history, a traditional practice may be better. But if you travel frequently or have a busy schedule, digital primary care can be a good supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can digital primary care prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, but only when appropriate. Providers can prescribe antibiotics for conditions like sinus infections or UTIs, but they’ll ask questions to rule out more serious issues. They cannot do a throat swab or urine test, so they may ask you to go to a lab or urgent care if the diagnosis is unclear.

Will my insurance cover digital primary care?

It depends. Many employer-sponsored plans include virtual care as a benefit, and Medicare covers telehealth for certain services. However, standalone subscription programs may not be covered by insurance, and you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Check with your insurer and the program directly.

Can I use digital primary care for mental health issues?

Most programs offer mental health support, including therapy and medication management. Some have licensed therapists and psychiatrists on staff, while others partner with separate mental health platforms. Ask about session limits and whether psychiatric medication is included.

What if I need a specialist referral?

Digital primary care providers can refer you to specialists, but the referral may not be covered by your insurance. Some programs have in-house specialists (e.g., dermatology via photos), but others will just give you a list of local providers. Ask how referrals work and whether you’ll be responsible for scheduling and costs.

Can I cancel anytime?

Most programs allow monthly cancellation, but some require a minimum commitment or charge a termination fee. Read the terms carefully. Also, if you cancel, you may lose access to your medical records—ask how to export them before you leave.

Is digital primary care safe for chronic conditions?

It can be, but only if you have regular monitoring and in-person checkups. For example, diabetes management via virtual visits works well if you have a glucose monitor and share your readings. However, conditions like heart failure or severe asthma may require more hands-on care. Discuss your specific conditions with the program before enrolling.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2