Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Amwell – a telehealth company that offers doctor’s visit from the comfort of your own home. I will receive compensation for sharing my experience with the Divas With A Purpose community.
In our household, like many of yours, when Mom’s down it seems like everything comes to a screeching halt.
I try to be proactive when it comes to taking care of myself, but there’s one thing I am striving to do better with and that’s taking myself to the doctor when I am not feeling well.
I’ll be honest – I have to feel as though I am 20 seconds from knocking on death’s door before I scrounge up the energy to make a doctor’s appointment. I don’t like urgent care or emergency rooms, so I usually have to wait … and wait … and wait to get seen by a doctor if / when it gets to that point.
I could come up with tons of excuses why I’m this way, but at the end of the day it’s because I often have so many other responsibilities that finding the time to make and keep a doctor’s appointment seems impossible.
Let’s take this past weekend for example. My youngest daughter came home with a cold earlier in the week that developed into fever, hacking cough, sneezes and pure miserableness. Of course, she only wanted me. And by that I mean she wanted to be cradled like a newborn infant most of the time. You guessed it – I got sick. But I am an overachiever – I had to take it a step further and get headaches that had me complaining because my husband was blinking too loud.
I slept most of Saturday and woke up in the wee hours of Sunday morning. My mind reminded me that I had made a promise to do better with getting routine check-ups and seeing a doctor when I wasn’t well – sooner rather than later. So, I stopped procrastinating and decided to see a physician ASAP. As in right that moment. WHAT?
Thanks to Amwell! Amwell is the nation’s largest telehealth company, connecting us with board-certified, licensed doctors, dieticians and psychologists for immediate and live, online visits—day or night, on either mobile or desktop.
[Tweet “Doctor Care from the comfort of your home thanks to @Amwell! #MomsLoveAmwell #AD”]
Some general conditions their doctors encounter regularly are: minor illnesses and injuries, general health and wellness concerns, prescription refills, and chronic condition management. Amwell employs primary care, specialist physicians, licensed behavioral therapists and registered dietitians to meet our patients’ health and wellness needs.
The best part – Amwell doctors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are dedicated to keeping you healthy – all from the comfort of your home.
So, I’ll be honest the idea of a virtual doctor’s visit had me a little wary. Just how would all this work? You can access Amwell from your computer or an app on your smart phone or tablet.
You can view the available providers, their background, and credentials and choose the doctor you’re most comfortable seeing. Each doctor, also, provides an introduction that you can read, too.
Amwell was a step ahead of me. Once I entered some information about my symptoms and my vitals that I knew, I was able to watch a welcome video that addressed many of the questions I already had.
While the experience was new to me, their doctors are “old pros” and very patient with their patients (see what I did there!). 
The doctor I had was great! It was really like a regular doctor’s visit – only it was the middle of the night, I was in my PJ’s and using my iPad. She gave me some great advice on ways to keep healthy – especially working from home and focusing on being more active. And, she even chuckled a little at my hilarious-only-to-me jokes. Hey – it was 2 AM and I was sleep deprived.
In all seriousness, Amwell is a service that I could see myself using again – especially when a doctor’s visit seems necessary during non-office hours or if I get sick while traveling.
Typical issues that you’d use Amwell for include:
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Sinus infection
• Sore throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Pinkeye
• Flu
• Sprains and strains
• Cold
• Respiratory infection
• Headache
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight concerns
• Smoking cessation
Just choose the type of visit you are looking for and select a provider. Depending on the issue at hand, the doctor can diagnose, suggest follow up, and prescribe, when appropriate. Amwell takes your privacy very seriously. Your visit with the doctor is secure and HIPAA compliant. Amwell is accepted by many major insurers, with more added every day. If your insurance is accepted, once you enter your information you’ll see a lower cost reflected. Otherwise, physician visits are $49. Still a great option for those needing cost-effective healthcare.
Amwell doctor visits are now available in 46 states.
We want you and your family to be healthy and whole – inside and out. So, step away from your favorite search engine or medical website and visit Amwell for additional information. Your first visit is only $1 using the code BEWELL13.
[Tweet “#SelfCare is the Best Care! #NoExcuses See a physician in your PJs @Amwell! #MomsLoveAmwell #AD”]
Let’s Hear It Divas:
Is this a service that you’ve used before?
Something you’d consider using?
Katarina says
This is really amazing! Sometimes we forget how much we are dealing with, until it all piles up.
Rebecca Swenor says
This is a great app to have when you don’t feel like going to a office visit for sure. I have never used it but I know I will have to share this with my sister who doesn’t have time to visit the doctors when she needs too. Thanks for sharing the app.
April Mims says
This sounds like such a great plan to have! Many times when I’m sick I know exactly what I have so don’t really need to go in and see a doctor.
Yona Williams says
I’m one of those people that waits until the last minute to see a doctor. Something like this would be really nice when I have an ‘in-between’ issue to address. It’s cool that the service is available 24-7.
Shannon Gurnee says
It’s so hard when we’re sick as moms. This definitely sounds like a great resource! Thanks for sharing.
JanetGoingCrazy says
I’ve heard a lot about Amwell lately and it seems like a great service!
Chubskulit Rose says
Amwel is such a great option especially for individuals whop doesn’t like to drive or visit the doctor’s office.
Tami @ ThisMomsDelight says
I think this is a great program. There have been many times this would have been so much easier than trying to get around and to the doctor.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
I’ve used Amwell in the past on myself and more recently concerning Abby. I love that the doctors come to me instead of the other way around.
Jeanine says
I think this is such a brilliant idea. I think as a mom of 6 taking my kids to a germy doctors office for me when I need to be seen quickly is more harm than good, so I’d rather use a service like this.
livingoffloveandcoffee says
I would totally use a service like this. As a mom who works at home I need all the time I can get.
Michelle Garrett says
Exactly! The hours that we have seem to just fly by, right?
lisa says
I can’t remember the last time I went to the doctor. There is never time for mom to get sick! But Amwell is such a great idea for busy moms!
Melissa says
This is so great especially for all of the busy moms out there. I would like to be able to get things done from home and I am thrilled to try this service out. So great!
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
I think this service is great for some quick advice and guidance. The only thing I wonder is that with it being a Virtual service the doctors cannot check your blood pressure, or your throat, or listen to your cough, to see how bad things really are. For me, I would probably contact them in the middle of the night, like you did, but I would definitely follow-up the next day with a face to face doctor as well.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I would love to try Amwell. It would be great to use when i wake up with a UTI.
thedealmatchmaker says
I have to check out this service. I’ve been reading about them lately, sounds like a cool program, so easy to use and efficient
Ricci says
I’m still not sure how I feel about this! LOL! I work in healthcare and I really think that while this is convenient it doesn’t replace good face to face contact with a doctor.
OurFamilyWorld says
I’ve never used Amwell, but it sounds like a great service. Perfect for people like me who do not like waiting at a doctor’s clinic.
tonyacoleman says
I like the old fashioned way, I don’t like going to the doctor but I do like getting diagnosed right. But hey everyone is different!
Michelle Garrett says
Hi Tonya! Thanks for commenting. It is different from the traditional visit and I was apprehensive, as well. It was great to know that the physician would recommend I see someone else, in person, if necessary AND I got a follow-up call from her a few days later. My regular doctor never does that.
Maurene says
I love the Amwell Company. They always come up with the right products for their customers.
tiarasandtantrums says
I am just like you! I was so sick right before Thanksgiving and the only reason I went to the Dr was because we were having overnight guests and I didn’t want to get their baby sick. She told me I had borer line pneumonia – I am still sick – I should have just gone right off and I would be better already!
Michelle Garrett says
Oh no! Yes, we need to get better with procrastination. Feel better soon!
Liz Mays says
This really is perfect for when you don’t feel well enough to go to the office. It’s crazy how convenient this is.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
This sounds like a great service. I would definitely use it if I couldn’t get out of the house to see my actual doctor for some reason.
Jennifer says
I’ve used Amwell, and I love it. It’s a much better alternative that hauling myself into a doctor’s office.
Jeanette says
I have not used it as of yet, but I will the next time one of us are sick for sure. I think it is a great idea for the more simple stuff that way you get what you need and you don’t have to leave the house.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love Amwell. I gave it a try, and I’ll be using it from now on.
nicole feliciano (@Momtrends) says
Amwell seems to be providing a great network of doctors and a great service to moms especially who are sometimes too busy to go to the doctor. Thanks for the information!
Michelle Garrett says
Nicole, you’re welcome! I definitely agree. You’re welcome and thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Jacquie Godsell says
Not sure on being diagnosed without being seen ….I’m old fashioned that way
Michelle D. Garrett says
Hi Jacquie – I can definitely understand the concern. It was one of my major ones, too. Depending on what you’re being seen for, you can submit photos for the doctor to review. Everything is, also, done via video camera so the doctor can see you. If they are unable to diagnose you fully via the app, they would definitely recommend you to a local physician.
molli vandehey says
ive seen this pop up recently and im not surehow i feel. its pretty brilliant but can be a little scary if less qualified people start taking over the industry
Michelle D. Garrett says
Hi Molli, The network was actually started by doctors based on needs they saw from their patients. All of the participants are board certified to practice medicine. When you go to choose which physician you’d like to see, you’re able to see their information – school attended, number of years in practice, etc.