Diagnosing & Treating Sore Throat Online

A sore throat is one of the most common conditions doctors on TelaCare treat. You and your online doctor can help determine the severity of your sore throat and what type of treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. You can take and upload a picture of your throat, helping our physicians get a precise, detailed look before the visit even begins. 

During a video consult on TelaCare your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions about your symptoms. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history. Along with these questions, the doctor may ask you to take your temperature, shine a light on the back of your throat, touch the lymph nodes in your neck and report what you feel.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, your treatment plan may include:

  • Antibiotics - if they are a part of your treatment plan, they can:
    • Relieve a sore throat
    • Make it less likely that it will spread to others
    • Help prevent complications
  • Until the antibiotics start to work, some home remedies include:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers
    • Rest
    • Gargling
    • Lozenges and hard candy
    • Fluids

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Got Questions? We've got answers.

See below for answers to some of our most common questions. You can also call us anytime 24 hours a day at 1-800-317-0280 to speak to a medical professional about your symptoms or conditions.



 Are there any home remedies for acid reflux?

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to improve acid reflux symptoms. The most effective remedy is avoiding food that may trigger acid reflux, including chocolate, tomato, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy foods. Other actions that help with acid reflux are eating smaller meals more frequently, quitting smoking, eating more than a few hours before lying down, and avoiding tight clothes.


 How long does the flu last?

The flu typically lasts about one to two weeks. Severe symptoms will usually set in after two or three days. Symptoms of weakness, dry cough and fatigue can linger for three to seven days.


 What are the signs of strep throat?

There are many symptoms of strep throat including, but not limited to:

  • Severe and sudden sore throat
  • Cough, sneezing or other cold symptoms
  • White or yellow spots or coating on the throat or tonsils
  • Fever over 101 °F (38.3 °C)
  • Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes in the neck

 How long does a sinus infection last?

Sinus infections can last many days. Viral sinus infections are usually the worst 3 to 6 days after they start, and then begin to get better by day 10. A viral sinus infection can develop into a bacterial infection, which typically lasts longer than 10 days. Once a bacterial sinus infection is diagnosed and treated, patients usually respond to antibiotics in 2-3 days and sinus infections resolve anywhere between 7-14 days after that.

There are three types of sinusitis and they are based on the length of your symptoms:   

  • Acute Sinusitis - symptoms lasting for less than 4 weeks
  • Subacute Sinusitis - symptoms lasting for 4-12 weeks
  • Chronic Sinusitis - symptoms lasting for more than 12 weeks

 Does TelaCare offer refunds?

No, All sales are final, and no refunds will be offered or accepted on services purchased from TelaCare. As we are a medical benefits company like any other benefit, once you accept our terms and conditions, you have purchased our services and accept this refund policy as a whole. Services can be canceled in the system at your discretion under account settings if your account is completed. Your satisfaction with your purchase is essential to us. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us at support@telacare.com


 Can I get a prescription online?

Yes, in general you can get a prescription online. There is support for this nationwide, however there are several exceptions. 


 I do not have a smartphone or computer, is there another way to talk with a doctor?

Yes, by dialing 1-800-317-0280 you can connect with agents who can assist you with whatever it is you’re looking for, including enrollment, connecting with a doctor, or answering any technical support questions.

 I cannot login to my account what do I do?

If you cannot access your account first, make sure you have REGISTERED YOUR ACCOUNT. If you still cannot sign in then use the FORGOT PASSWORD to get a new password. Please make sure to check your spam/junk folders as sometimes our emails maybe caught in them. If you still cannot get into your account please email support@telacare.com and our support staff will assist you.

 What if I do not have health insurance?

All of TelaCare's services are available without insurance. You have unlimited visits with your membership or employer group plan.

 How much does an online doctor visit on TelaCare cost?

The cost of a visit is included in your membership, compared to the average national cost of $139 for an office visit or $645 for an emergency room visit, and may be even less as some employers have group plans with TelaCare. Contact your Human Resources department to see if your visit is covered with TelaCare. This cost does not include the cost of any prescriptions, follow-up lab work or follow-up visits if deemed applicable.

 Can my kids see a doctor on TelaCare?

Children, under the age of 18, may be easily added to your TelaCare account. If your child is over the age of 18 then you can add them but they must complete their own profile and request consults on their own.

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