Home » Sesame Care Reviews: Is Telehealth Brand Reliable Or Just A Hype?

Sesame Care Reviews: Is Telehealth Brand Reliable Or Just A Hype?

Sesame Care

Sesame Care helps you connect with licensed healthcare professionals. The platform allows you to book both virtual and in-person appointments for a range of medical needs, including general checkups, urgent care, mental health support, and specialist consultations.

A key feature of Sesame Care is its transparency in pricing, allowing you to see the cost of services before scheduling an appointment. This helps reduce uncertainty and makes it easier for you to plan and access the care you need.

The Sesame Care brand review will cover the platform's range of services. The review will also assess the quality of care provided by licensed professionals across various specialties.

About Sesame Care

Sesame Care is a telemedicine platform that provides direct access to 383 healthcare services, including dermatology, weight loss programs, and primary care. It offers flat-fee pricing.

You can book appointments for same-day visits with Sesame Care's doctors for as low as $34. Sesame also offers a subscription, Sesame Plus, which provides discounts on healthcare services for an annual fee.

Sesame Care also provides research-based medications, such as compounded semaglutide, to target weight loss goals.

Sesame Care Services

  1. Medications for Refill

    Sesame Care's Medications for Refill service allows you to access prescription refills. The process includes an online consultation with a doctor who evaluates your prescription needs and, if appropriate, approves a refill.

    For example, the doctors at Sesame Care may prescribe Metformin (Generic Glucophage), which could help manage type 2 diabetes. Metformin can work by lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate glucose metabolism. While generally well tolerated, Metformin may trigger side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.

    The healthcare providers at Sesame Care may authorize a prescription or refill for Finasteride (Generic Propecia) based on their discretion. Finasteride may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and addressing male pattern baldness.

    The doctors at Sesame Care may also prescribe Sildenafil (Generic Viagra, Revatio) to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil enhances blood flow by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation in targeted areas. Although Sildenafil is generally well tolerated, you might experience mild side effects, including headaches, light sensitivity, heartburn, or difficulty sleeping.

  2. Specialties

    Sesame Care provides you with access to 36 specialties, including weight loss care, dermatology, and counseling. These come with online consultations, diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and follow-up care tailored to your needs.

    It offers a Success by Sesame program. Through this program, the doctors at Sesame Care may prescribe you compounded semaglutide in pre-measured, pre-filled syringes. They might also prescribe brand-name GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda, which help regulate appetite and support fitness goals.

    Sesame Care connects you with licensed dermatologists who provide virtual consultations for various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rashes, and warts. During the consultation, your provider may ask about your medical history, skincare routine, and any medications you are taking.

    Depending on your condition, they recommend a full-body skin examination to assess concerns such as moles, lesions, or persistent rashes. Treatment options may include topical retinoids, antibiotics, steroid injections, or other prescribed therapies based on your needs.

    For counseling and therapy, Sesame Care offers virtual sessions with licensed professionals. They may provide support to manage mental health concerns like trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. These sessions create a confidential space where you can discuss personal struggles and develop coping strategies.

  3. Symptoms

    Sesame Care can connect you with licensed healthcare providers through video or in-person consultations. They could help provide guidance and treatment to tackle symptoms of various health concerns, including acne, depression, anxiety, etc.

    For acne, Sesame Care may offer online consultations to tackle symptoms such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, nodules, and cysts. A healthcare provider may assess your skin, identify potential triggers, and develop a treatment plan.

    Sesame also offers a Skincare Rx subscription plan that may give you access to video consultations, direct messaging with providers, and, if appropriate, prescriptions for acne medications.

    To tackle signs of depression, Sesame Care may provide online mental health consultations, which may allow you to discuss and manage symptoms like persistent sadness, fatigue, or appetite changes with a licensed provider.

    During the consultation, your mental health history and symptoms may also be evaluated. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctors at Sesame may recommend therapy, recurring video psychiatry sessions, or medications such as Mirtazapine, Citalopram, or Fluoxetine.

    Sesame Care may also provide support to tackle anxiety symptoms, including sweating, heart palpitations, chills, and more. The healthcare providers will help assess your condition and discuss management strategies. Based on your symptoms, they may recommend psychotherapy, anxiolytics, or beta-blockers to help manage your anxiety.

Sesame Care Benefits

  1. Easy Access to Healthcare Providers

    Sesame Care simplifies the process of finding and booking healthcare appointments, reducing wait times. You may browse a network of doctors and specialists on Sesame Care and secure consultations within minutes, with the option of same-day visits also available.

    The Sesame Care platform includes providers across 36 specialties, such as general practitioners, dermatologists, and mental health professionals. You also get the option to choose between in-person visits or virtual consultations based on your needs.

  2. Affordable Pricing and Transparent Costs

    Sesame Care provides upfront pricing, allowing you to see the exact cost of consultations, tests, or procedures before booking. It may eliminate unexpected charges and simplify payments by connecting you directly with healthcare providers. You may get access to same-day doctor visits at Sesame Care for as low as $34.

  3. Wide Range of Specialties and Services

    Sesame Care offers various medical services beyond primary care. You can access urgent care for common illnesses and minor injuries through the brand. It also provides access to services like therapy, psychiatric consultations, and chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

    Women's health services, such as gynecological consultations and fertility counseling, are also available. Sesame Care also provides prescription refills with generic medications, often with free delivery.

  4. Convenient Online Booking and Telehealth Options

    Sesame Care's online platform allows you to browse providers, review credentials and patient feedback, and book appointments at your convenience. The transparency may help ensure you remain well-informed when choosing healthcare providers.

    The telehealth services of Sesame Care also offer video consultations with licensed professionals, reducing the need for in-person visits. It also helps you maintain access to primary care, mental health support, and specialty services.

Sesame Care Limitations

  1. Limited Insurance Coverage

    Sesame Care operates on a direct-pay model and does not accept insurance for appointments, prescriptions, or procedures. You must pay out of pocket and can request a bill for potential reimbursement, though insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed. It could be a limitation if you prefer to use your insurance for healthcare expenses.

  2. No Emergency Care Services

    With the exception of dental visits and eye consultations, Sesame Care does not tend to medical emergencies. It claims to provide services for non-emergency medical needs, such as minor infections, routine checkups, and prescription refills.

    Sesame Care does not tend to provide access to emergency care services, such as in the case of heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or breathing difficulties. Relying on Sesame Care for emergencies could lead to dangerous delays in receiving life-saving medical attention.

  3. Restricted Availability for In-Person Visits

    In-person availability of doctors at Sesame Care may depend on your location and participating providers. Some areas may have limited or no options for physical consultations, making virtual care the only choice. If you require in-person exams, lab tests, or procedures, availability may vary.

    Specialties from Sesame Care, such as dermatology, gynecology, and endocrinology, may have fewer available providers, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. You may need to explore other options for specialized care.

  4. Medication and Prescription Limitations

    Sesame Care allows prescriptions for many common medications, but there are restrictions on some drugs, particularly controlled substances. Due to telehealth regulations, Sesame Care does not prescribe medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, and some stimulants for ADHD.

    Prescription availability might also depend on provider discretion and state laws, which may limit access to some medications.

  5. Follow-Up Care Challenges

    Each appointment at Sesame Care is handled separately by its healthcare providers. You may not see the same healthcare provider for follow-ups, which can make ongoing care for chronic conditions less consistent. Since Sesame Care does not maintain centralized patient records, you may also need to repeat your medical history with different doctors.

Pros

  • Offers both virtual and in-person consultations.
  • Provides 383 healthcare services to meet various needs.
  • Accessible in all 50 U.S. states.
  • Accepts HSA and FSA payments.
  • Offers same-day appointments and prescription refills.

Cons

  • Focuses on short-term rather than long-term care.
  • Cannot prescribe opioids or benzodiazepines.
  • Potential delays during peak appointment times.

How Did We Evaluate Sesame Care?

  1. Brand Reputation

    Sesame Care has built a strong reputation in the telehealth space, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot based on 2900+ reviews. Customers frequently praise its affordable pricing, easy appointment scheduling, and accessibility, particularly those without insurance coverage.

    The brand Sesame Care has an A rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) further reinforces its credibility. However, 80 complaints about Sesame on BBB suggest room for improvement in customer service and issue resolution.

    Some consumers who tried Sesame Care had complaints about technical issues, provider availability, and prescription management. It maintains a positive reputation, especially for its convenience and transparent pricing. However, Sesame Care must address customer support gaps and service inconsistencies to strengthen trust and long-term success.

  2. Customer Reviews

    Sesame Care has received mixed feedback on sites like Reddit, with some users finding it convenient while others face challenges with its prescription management and support.

    Many customers had a positive experience with Sesame Care after using its service multiple times due to long wait times for local doctors, who found it helpful and efficient for quick consultations. A few users report frustration, particularly with prescriptions.

    Some customers struggled to get their semaglutide prescription filled from Sesame Care despite multiple follow-ups. They expected more from Sesame Care's weight loss program but only received a failed prescription attempt with no further guidance.

    Some consumers at Sesame Care seeking depression medication refills felt forced into repeat consultations for short-term prescriptions. While Sesame Care may work for quick, one-time visits, it appears unreliable for ongoing treatment and prescription management.

  3. Value for Money

    For evaluating value for money, we compared the pricing of the services offered by Sesame Care to similar services provided by the Fridays and PlushCare brands. Sesame Care offers compounded semaglutide for $249/month, which also covers the cost of video consults, unlimited messaging, lab work, and free home delivery.

    In comparison, Fridays offers compounded semaglutide at the same price but includes unlimited provider visits, lab work, and structured coaching for diet, mental health, and movement. It also features the SESH™ Fitness Program with workouts, macro tracking, and weight tracking, plus 1:1 dietitian coaching and chat support.

    Sesame Care also operates on a pay-per-service model, with doctor visits starting at $34 only. Its Sesame Plus membership costs $99/year, offering additional discounts, including a free lab or blood test. By contrast, PlushCare offers services to its uninsured patients for $129 for a single visit. However, its insured patients typically pay only their copay (often under $25).

Sesame Care Alternative Brands

  1. Fridays

    Sesame Care and Fridays both provide healthcare services, but they differ in their scope. Through Sesame Care, you get access to various in-person and online medical services, including primary care, mental health support, dermatology, and chronic condition management.

    Fridays, in contrast, focus primarily on weight management goals through prescription-based compounded GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. However, Fridays generally lack the broad medical services that Sesame Care provides.

    Pricing and accessibility also differ. Sesame Care uses a direct-pay model, where service fees vary by provider and appointment type. On the other hand, Fridays mainly follow a monthly subscription model that includes medication access, insurance assistance, and coaching.

    Your choice between Fridays and Sesame Care may depend on whether you need general medical care or targeted weight management support.

  2. PlushCare

    Founded by James Wantuck and Dr. Ryan McQuaid, PlushCare is an online healthcare platform that provides you with access to virtual consultations with licensed doctors, therapists, and pediatricians. You may get access to PlushCare's healthcare services for urgent care, mental health, chronic disease management, and weight management.

    On the other hand, Sesame Care may provide you with access to a broader range of medical services, including primary care, telehealth appointments, therapies, X-ray appointments, and more. They also offer access to refill prescription services and diagnostic procedures like MRIs.

    Sesame Care primarily caters to uninsured patients or those seeking affordable out-of-pocket options. They accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments but do not bill insurance directly.

    In contrast, PlushCare accepts many major insurance plans, including Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare PPO, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Similar to Sesame Care, PlushCare also accepts HSA and FSA payments.

    PlushCare provides same-day appointments and operates 24/7, ensuring accessibility for urgent care needs at any time. Similarly, Sesame Care offers same-day appointments and allows you to book consultations at convenient times.

    However, with the exception of dental visits and eye consultations, Sesame Care does not tend to any other Urgent care appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need health insurance to use Sesame Care?
    No, Sesame Care operates on a direct-pay model, meaning you do not need insurance to book appointments. All services are paid out of pocket at clearly listed prices, eliminating surprise bills and hidden fees.
  • Can I get prescriptions through Sesame Care?
    Yes, Sesame Care gives access to connect with doctors who may prescribe medications after evaluating your health and if medically appropriate. Prescriptions may then be sent to your preferred pharmacy for pickup.
  • How quickly can I get an appointment on Sesame Care?
    You may typically find a healthcare provider on Sesame Care within 24 hours of request for most medical concerns. However, the availability of doctors and specialists may depend on location and demand.
  • Is Sesame Care available in all U.S. states?
    Yes, Sesame Care is available in all 50 U.S. states, but the range of services and provider availability may vary depending on location.

Conclusion

Sesame Care may provide a convenient means to access healthcare, offering virtual and in-person appointments across various specialties. You may book general checkups, therapy sessions, and specialist consultations.

Sesame Care may provide multiple services, including telehealth appointments, online doctor prescriptions/refills, counseling sessions, and more. You can also get a Sesame Plus membership that may provide free lab testing, a price per visit as low as $37, and access to a dedicated care team.

However, Sesame Care does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, or any insurance., requiring you to pay for the expenses of medications and services directly out of your pocket. In-person visit availability by a Sesame Care provider also depends on location, which may restrict access to physical exams and diagnostic procedures.

Sesame Care might be a practical choice if you seek affordable, short-term, and straightforward access to healthcare. However, its limitations in emergency care, insurance coverage, and chronic disease management may affect its suitability for your needs.

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).