Table 1.

Comparison of freely available audio-video platforms that may be leveraged for synchronous patient-to-provider virtual visits during the COVID-19 period^a

	Facetime	Whatsapp	Skype	Google Hangouts	Doximity Dialer	Doxy.me	Zoom
Concealed phone number/user name					x	x	x
Can use between different devices		x	x	x	x	x	x
Patient does not need an account					x	x	x
Can add multiple parties to call	x	x	x	x	x		xb
Share screen available			x	x			x
Can record/ save video or photos			x				x
Automatic closed caption available			x
Virtual waiting room							x
HIPAA compliant

^aRegulations surrounding the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) may prevent use of some of these platforms as the perceived need wanes.

^bLimited to 40 minutes per meeting.