Jaron A.
I am writing to provide feedback…
I am writing to provide feedback regarding a recent telehealth encounter that I believe reflects a significant gap in clinical judgment and patient care. I sought a telehealth consultation after developing acute throat pain that began on Thursday and progressively worsened. The pain initially localized to the right side of my upper throat and quickly became diffuse and severe, making swallowing extremely difficult. By Saturday, I was experiencing significant pain requiring frequent doses of ibuprofen, along with a low-grade fever. I also reported a known exposure to a confirmed case of streptococcal pharyngitis. Despite clearly communicating these symptoms and risk factors, I was advised that adults have a near zero likelihood of contracting strep throat due to immunity, and that treatment was not urgent. I was told I would need confirmatory testing before any antibiotics could be prescribed. Following this encounter, my symptoms continued to worsen. I attempted to obtain care through my primary wellness center without success and ultimately sought treatment at an urgent care facility. A rapid strep test confirmed the diagnosis, and I was prescribed antibiotics. Within hours of starting treatment, my symptoms improved dramatically, and by later that same day, my throat pain was largely resolved. This outcome highlights a missed opportunity for earlier intervention that could have significantly reduced my pain and functional impairment. While I understand the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, the clinical picture I presented—acute onset, severe odynophagia, fever, and known exposure—should have warranted stronger consideration for empiric treatment or, at minimum, more nuanced guidance. Additionally, I later became aware of a similar case within my household, where another telehealth provider prescribed treatment promptly based on comparable symptoms and exposure history. This inconsistency raises concerns about variability in clinical decision-making across providers. My intent in sharing this feedback is not simply to express frustration, but to encourage improvement in telehealth assessment protocols. Patients rely on these services for timely care, especially when symptoms are severe and access to in-person evaluation is limited. Greater attention to clinical context, risk factors, and patient-reported severity could help prevent unnecessary suffering and delays in treatment. I hope this experience can be used as a training opportunity to improve diagnostic reasoning and patient-centered care in future encounters.
Response from MDLIVEJun 24, 2026
We are so sorry about the experience you had and would like to hear more about this. At your earliest convenience, please email us at [email protected]. or contact our customer service line at 800-400-6354 to speak with a Health Service Specialist for assistance. Thank you for being a valued member.




