Telemedicine is an increasingly popular way to access health care, with over 27% of specialist doctors using virtual consultations for more than half of their appointments. However, many people are unsure whether virtual doctors can prescribe medication when deciding between an online or in-person appointment.
Whether you’re experiencing mental health problems or a physical illness, knowing how online prescriptions work can help you access the support you need. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting prescriptions online, including essential safety tips.
Understanding Online Prescription Services: Can a Virtual Doctor Prescribe Medication?
Whether virtual doctors can prescribe medication depends on several factors, and laws governing telehealth prescriptions vary significantly between states. Most states allow doctors to prescribe medications online if there’s an existing provider-patient relationship.
Each state has its own definition of an adequate patient-doctor relationship. In some jurisdictions, doctors can establish qualifying relationships with patients via telehealth, while other states require doctors to meet patients in person. Generally, simply completing an online questionnaire isn’t enough to meet online prescription requirements.
Furthermore, many states require patients to have a physical exam before getting prescriptions online. Some states require doctors to examine patients in person, while others allow online examinations via a telehealth platform.
Types of Medications Available Online
You can often get an online prescription for noncontrolled substances if the prescription meets your state’s requirements. Most medications prescribed by doctors to treat acute or long-term conditions are noncontrolled, including many medicines used to treat mental health problems. Examples of noncontrolled medicines include antibiotics, medications used to treat high blood pressure and asthma inhalers.
However, specific laws govern online prescriptions for controlled medications. The government classifies a drug as controlled if it has the potential for misuse. Examples of controlled substances include:
- Opioids
- Amphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Anabolic steroids
Your medication’s drug schedule impacts whether you can get an online prescription. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin and LSD, have the highest abuse risk and don’t have a recognized medical use, so doctors never prescribe them. Schedule V drugs have the lowest abuse potential. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) provides a list of controlled drug schedules, but federal and state drug ratings may vary.
Under federal law, doctors can prescribe controlled drugs via telemedicine if they first establish an in-person relationship with the patient or receive a referral from a doctor with an in-person relationship. However, telehealth professionals can only prescribe Schedule III, IV and V drugs or buprenorphine to treat opioid misuse for a maximum of 30 days without meeting the patient in person. After 30 days, the patient must consult a provider face to face before receiving a refill.
You can’t get an online prescription for narcotics or Schedule II drugs without an in-person consultation, and some states restrict online controlled drug prescriptions more strictly than federal law. For instance, Arkansas requires patients to have visited their doctor in person at least once within the previous 12 months before receiving a controlled medication prescription.
How Online Prescription Services Work
How to get an online prescription varies between providers. Generally, you’ll need to book an online appointment with a telehealth provider licensed in your state.
You’ll then see a medical professional online via an audio call or audio-video link. Although medical doctors are the most common providers, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can prescribe medication online in some circumstances. Your provider will likely ask questions about your symptoms, general health and history to make a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.
If your provider issues a prescription, they’ll send it to your chosen pharmacy electronically to be filled for collection. Depending on your provider, the clinic may also agree to send the prescription to an online pharmacy for home delivery.
Pros and Cons of Online Prescriptions
Getting a prescription online can be quicker and more convenient than seeing a provider in person, especially if you live in a remote area or have mobility difficulties. For people with reduced immunity, attending telemedicine appointments may reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases compared to visiting a clinic.
Accessing telemedicine is often more affordable than visiting your doctor’s office. Therefore, it could be a good option if you need medical care but don’t have adequate health insurance.
However, there are also potential disadvantages to telemedicine. Some conditions require in-person examinations or tests to diagnose, so you can’t get an online prescription in every situation. Some insurers restrict telemedicine coverage, so it’s essential to check with your insurance company before booking an appointment.
Legal and Safety Considerations When Getting a Prescription Online
While many online providers are legitimate and provide high-quality care, beware of rogue companies. Research shows that 95% of sites claiming to be online pharmacies operate illegally, and many provide medications without a prescription or issue prescriptions without appropriate consultation or examination.
While simply filling out a form to get a prescription may appear convenient, illegal sites may dispense counterfeit, non-approved or expired medications. Therefore, drugs purchased from unlicensed online pharmacies could be unsuitable for your needs, cause health problems or even be fatal.
Purchasing controlled substances without a valid prescription is illegal and could result in investigation or prosecution. Some unscrupulous providers also misuse personal data, placing customers at risk of fraud and identity theft.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Stay alert for the following signs of an illegal telehealth provider or online pharmacy:
- Offering significantly lower prices than legitimate competitors
- Failing to display federal and state licenses
- Dispensing drugs without a valid prescription
- Missing clear data protection policies
- Providing prescriptions following an online questionnaire without a telephone or video consultation
- Sending medicines in broken, unfamiliar or foreign-language packaging
- Failing to provide a way for patients to speak with a licensed doctor or pharmacist
You can get an online prescription safely by choosing a site based in the United States with a state board license. A legitimate pharmacy will always ask for a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber and provide a way to discuss your medication with a qualified pharmacist.
Get Expert Help Today
As a pioneer in teletherapy and telemedicine, Sun Health Center is able to provide compassionate, evidence-led support in the comfort of your own home, including prescription medications if clinically appropriate. Contact us today to explore your treatment options and learn more about our telehealth approach.
