Sesame is a telehealth and in-person healthcare platform that connects patients directly with licensed medical professionals for a variety of services. The platform operates as a marketplace where providers list their services, availability, and specific prices for consumers to choose from. This direct-to-patient approach bypasses the complexities of traditional health insurance, offering upfront cash prices for medical care. The central question for many new users is whether this innovative model constitutes a valid and trustworthy source of medical treatment.
The Direct-to-Consumer Healthcare Model
Sesame functions within the direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare model, which fundamentally restructures the financial relationship between the patient and the provider. The platform acts as a marketplace, removing the insurance company as the primary financial intermediary. Patients pay a flat, transparent fee directly to the provider for the service at the time of booking, eliminating opaque billing and surprise charges. This fee-for-service structure appeals to individuals with high-deductible insurance plans or those who lack insurance entirely. Providers can offer services at a lower upfront cost than traditional out-of-pocket expenses by avoiding administrative costs. The marketplace environment promotes price competition and cost transparency, empowering patients to compare prices for services before committing to an appointment.
Defining the Scope of Services
The platform offers a broad array of medical services, encompassing both virtual and in-person care across over 36 specialties. Common offerings include urgent care consultations for acute, non-emergency issues such as colds, urinary tract infections, and rashes. Patients can also access services for managing chronic conditions, prescription refills, mental health treatment like therapy and psychiatry, and specialty consultations. Patients can obtain prescriptions and refills for various conditions. However, providers are legally restricted from prescribing controlled substances, such as narcotics or certain medications for ADHD, through virtual visits. While the platform connects patients to services like lab work and imaging, it is not intended for medical emergencies. If a patient is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, they are directed to call emergency services or visit an emergency room.
Provider Oversight and Regulatory Compliance
Sesame maintains a rigorous vetting process for its affiliated medical professionals. Providers who list services on the platform must be fully licensed, board-certified, and submit their complete education and disciplinary history for verification. This credentialing process ensures that patients are receiving care from qualified practitioners who meet the established standards of their respective medical boards. In terms of patient data security, the platform adheres to federal regulations concerning protected health information, complying with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules. This compliance requires the implementation of safeguards to protect patient records and ensure confidentiality, and providers must also adhere to the state-specific medical board regulations governing telehealth.