CAN AN ONLINE DOCTOR PRESCRIBE MEDICINE?

Telehealth Options – Online Prescription Programs

When you see a doctor in person, you are sometimes prescribed medication to treat your condition. An online doctor also has the ability to write a prescription if you need one.

Here you will learn how an online prescription is similar to a written prescription, what online doctors can and cannot prescribe, how long it takes to process your online prescription, and what the Telehealth Options online prescription discount program entails.

There are some common concerns you may have when it comes to online prescriptions: Because your consultation occurs over the Internet, you might be worried that your doctor is unable to diagnose you and cannot prescribe the correct medication. Additionally, you may be concerned that because this interaction occurs online and not in person, the care you receive may be of lesser quality. Finally, You might think that getting an online prescription is illegal.

Learn more about telehealth & online doctors

In reality, online prescriptions are essentially the same as written prescriptions and completely legal. The main difference is that an online prescription can be electronically sent to your local pharmacy in the same way many brick and mortar doctors’ offices prescribe medications in this day and age. You no longer have to ensure that you have your written prescription with you when you arrive at the pharmacy.

The care you receive from your online doctor is the same as the care you would receive from an in-person doctor. All of our doctors are U.S. Board Certified with an average of 15 years of experience. Not only will your online doctor have access to the health information you provide when you sign up for Telehealth Options, but also your doctor will use a combination of audio and visual technology to accurately identify and diagnose the need for prescriptions. The main difference between an online consultation and an in-person consultation is that you can do your online consultation from the comfort of your home or wherever is most convenient for you.

Can Online Doctors Really Provide Prescriptions?

Yes, an online doctor can write you a prescription should your medical condition require one. Before you begin your online consultation, you will be asked to provide information about your medical history, any current prescription medications you are taking, and your local pharmacy. This information will help your online doctor to write a prescription that does not conflict with your current medication and that can be picked up at your desired pharmacy. You can always go back and update this information in the Telehealth Options app.

With Telehealth Options, you can use your health insurance when filling your prescription. You are also automatically enrolled in our prescription discount program when you sign up.

Can Telehealth Doctors Prescribe Antibiotics?

Yes, telehealth doctors can prescribe antibiotics . In some cases, the doctor may require you to receive a test to confirm the need for an antibiotic. But in the majority of cases, our doctors have the experience and knowledge to diagnose the need for antibiotics using our telehealth resources.

Can Telehealth Doctors Prescribe Painkillers?

Telehealth doctors can prescribe some painkillers , but not all. Some prescriptions may be classified as a narcotic or controlled drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); these prescriptions cannot be given. Non-narcotic painkillers and non-DEA controlled substances, however, can be prescribed.

How Do Online Doctors Ensure Safety With Prescriptions

Just like your primary care physician, an online doctor ensures safety with prescriptions by reviewing your medical history and any current prescription medications you are taking. This step allows your doctor to write a prescription that won’t conflict with any current medication.

Your doctor will also provide detailed instructions on how the drug should be taken. If you have any questions about your prescription, please reach out to your primary care doctor for more information.

What Prescription Will Virtual Doctors Write?

Based off your online consultation, your virtual doctor will determine if your medical condition requires a prescription. Your virtual doctor is limited to what they can prescribe to non-DEA controlled substances based on your diagnosis.

Some common prescriptions that virtual doctors can write include antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, and more.

It’s important to note that the individual doctor will determine if you need a prescription; we cannot guarantee that a prescription will be written.

What Prescription Will Virtual Doctors Not Write?

Virtual doctors cannot prescribe DEA-controlled substances. Examples of prescriptions virtual doctors cannot write include but are not limited to: Opioids, or Benzodiazepines, Adderall, medical marijuana, hair loss medications (e.g. Propecia), Erectile dysfunction medications (e.g. Viagra, Levitra, Cialis), Sleeping pills (e.g. Ambien, Sonata), Weight loss medications (e.g. Phentermin, Xenical, Belviq, Contrave), and Injectable medications (other than diabetes medications)

How Soon Can I Have My Prescription Filled?

Immediately. If your doctor determines during your online consultation that you need a prescription, it will be sent electronically to the local pharmacy you selected in the app before you began your consultation. Once you are done with your consultation, you can then go to your local pharmacy and pick up your prescription medications.