What can a telehealth doctor actually do in Florida? A patient's guide to virtual care
Telehealth has become so normal that most people have tried it at least once, but there's still a lot of confusion about what a virtual visit can actually accomplish.
Can a telehealth doctor really prescribe something, or just tell you to go see someone in person? Can they order labs? Write a note for work? In Florida, the answer to most of this is yes, more than people expect.
Here's what a telehealth internal medicine visit can actually do.
Diagnose and treat common acute illnesses
Colds, flu, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, pink eye, rashes, and other everyday illnesses can often be diagnosed and treated over a video visit based on your symptoms and history, no waiting room required. If something doesn't add up or needs a hands-on evaluation, a good telehealth provider will tell you that too, rather than guessing.
Prescribe medication online
Florida-licensed telehealth providers can send an online prescription directly to your local pharmacy when it's clinically appropriate based on your visit. This includes many common prescriptions for everyday conditions, evaluated case by case in line with state and federal telehealth rules.
Order labs and imaging
If your symptoms call for bloodwork (like a thyroid panel) or imaging, your telehealth provider can order it and have it done at a lab or imaging center near you. You don't need an in-person visit just to get a requisition.
Manage ongoing chronic conditions
Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are often easier to manage through telehealth, not harder. Regular check-ins, medication adjustments, and lab monitoring can all happen virtually, which makes it easier to stay consistent with care instead of letting months slip by between visits. Learn about ongoing internal medicine care at SofaCare.
Provide an online doctor's note
Need a doctor's note for work or school? A telehealth visit can provide the same documentation an in-person visit would, usually the same day. Getting a doctor's note online is simple: you're evaluated by a licensed provider, and the note reflects that real visit.
Refer you to specialists
If your symptoms point to something outside internal medicine, a telehealth visit can still be the starting point. Your provider can refer you to the right specialist, so you're not left trying to figure out where to go on your own.
Follow up after an ER or urgent care visit
If you've just come from the ER or urgent care, a telehealth follow-up can review what happened, go over next steps, and keep your care connected, without booking another in-person appointment just to check in.
How much does a telehealth visit cost without insurance?
It varies widely between services. At SofaCare, a same-day sick visit is a flat $49 self-pay price, no insurance needed and no surprise bills. Visits are with a Florida-licensed physician or physician assistant, Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm ET, for adults anywhere in Florida.
What telehealth isn't for
Virtual care is powerful, but it has limits. Emergencies need emergency care right away: call 911 or go to the nearest ER, not a video visit.
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe injuries
- Signs of a stroke
And some conditions genuinely need a hands-on physical exam before a provider can be confident in a diagnosis. Part of good telehealth is knowing the difference and being upfront about it.
See a provider today, from your couch
A telehealth internal medicine visit can handle a lot more than most people assume, often in less time and for less money than an in-person sick visit. If something's going on and you'd rather not wait in a room full of other sick people, book a $49 sick visit with SofaCare and get seen today.