A Guide to Online Prescriptions

You may be thinking that online prescriptions are a myth, or maybe you think they’re unsafe because you don’t undergo a full physical examination. However, thanks to technological advancements and innovation in healthcare, you can utilize an online doctor service and get a real and legitimate online prescription from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

What Is an Online Doctor?

Millions and millions of people visit their doctor in person every year, but probably half of them could have instead received healthcare remotely from an online doctor. An online doctor, also known as a “virtual doctor,” is a real person who is board-certified and licensed to administer healthcare virtually. In fact, many online doctors have experience working in offices. The practice of using technology to enable virtual healthcare services is called “telemedicine,” and it has changed the way we think about healthcare.

Telemedicine was originally utilized to give people living in rural areas access to quality medical professionals as well as those who were homebound, such as the elderly. The telemedicine industry has seen a steady rise in popularity, especially after the coronavirus pandemic, when more people around the globe are trying to minimize their interactions with other people. Today, anybody can sign up with a telemedicine provider online or via their smartphone or tablet, and they can be instantly connected to healthcare specialists across the country and even benefit from online prescriptions.

So, Can Virtual Doctors Write an Online Prescription?

Yes, virtual doctors are able to prescribe medication if they think that it is appropriate for your medical condition! There is no way to get an online prescription without a consultation with a healthcare professional because it is legally required to meet with a doctor before beginning any new kind of prescription medication. That being said, there are various restrictions and local or state regulations that prohibit virtual doctors from including certain medications in online prescriptions. Although some restrictions were lifted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual doctors most likely cannot write an online prescription for DEA-controlled substances, including sleep aids such as Xanax or stimulants such as Adderall. To find out what kind of prescriptions you can get after a virtual consultation, you should look at your local laws and the website of the telemedicine provider. In order to get prescriptions for controlled substances, you will, in most cases, have to schedule an in-person consultation with your primary care provider.

However, virtual doctors offer treatment for a variety of conditions and concerns, including but not limited to rashes, warts, rosacea, acne, pink eye, ear problems, cough, fever, headaches, and respiratory problems. They are able to prescribe a variety of other prescription medications to treat these conditions and concerns, such as antibiotics, diabetes medication, birth control, and allergy medications. During a virtual consultation, if the doctor thinks you might need medication that can’t be prescribed online, they will tell you how to get the prescription you need.

How to Get an Online Prescription?

You must schedule a consultation with a virtual doctor in order to get an online prescription. In order to do so, you must sign up for or join a telehealth platform, either through their website or using their app on your phone or tablet. You may be overwhelmed by the number of options for telehealth providers, and there are several factors to consider, but, in the end, it is a matter of personal preference. Some things you may want to consider before choosing a specific telemedicine provider include their hours, their doctors’ certifications, their pricing model, whether they have membership discounts or family plans, and whether their platform is user-friendly. During the sign-up process with a telemedicine provider, you may be asked to fill out personal information, such as your phone number, email address, zip code, and any insurance information if you do have insurance.

After you have access to your account, you will find a schedule or list of the available times and doctors to choose from. Choose a consultation time and healthcare provider that work best for you. You may be prompted to answer questions about your symptoms, your medical history, and your current medications. When the time comes for your virtual consultation, follow the given instructions to access the secure video or phone calling tool, and you will be connected with a real doctor in real-time.

The doctor will review your health history and may ask you several questions during the consultation. It is important to be honest and clear so that the doctor can determine the right diagnosis, and it may be useful to have your personal medical instruments close by (such as a thermometer, a scale, or a blood pressure monitor) in case the doctor wants that information. The doctor will then determine a diagnosis and suggest an effective treatment for your condition, and if they think a prescription medication is necessary, they can send online prescriptions to your local pharmacy to be picked up. Some telemedicine providers may even have the option for you to have the prescription medication delivered right to your front door so that you never have to leave the comfort of your own home and yet can still receive the medical care you need.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Online Prescriptions?

There are a multitude of benefits to utilizing a telemedicine provider to receive prescriptions virtually. Telemedicine is an effective and enjoyable service; most patients will feel like the doctor is more focused on them than in-person doctors and that their questions and issues are resolved by the end of the virtual consultation. Virtual doctors provide experienced, friendly, and individualized medical care to their patients.

The biggest benefit of getting an online prescription from a virtual doctor is the convenience, because dealing with a doctor’s office or an urgent care facility can be stressful and painful. Although not every telemedicine provider is open 24/7, quite a few are, so it is a great option for when things go bump in the night or you wake up feeling sick on a holiday. Many telemedicine providers will also have immediate appointments available and short wait times, as opposed to a doctor’s office, where you have to schedule consultations months in advance, factor in time to travel to and from the office, and wait in a crowded room to see a rushed doctor. Virtual consultations make the entire process stress-free and painless, and it has never been easier or more affordable to receive high-quality medical attention. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an online prescription cost?

If your virtual doctor feels a prescription medicine is an appropriate treatment for your medical condition, they will write you a prescription. Unfortunately, because medical costs and insurance coverage vary so widely, it is hard to predict exactly how much your online prescriptions will cost.

Are virtual doctor consultations safe?

Absolutely, as long as you use a trusted and legitimate telemedicine provider. If you choose a good telemedicine provider, they will use a private and secure patient platform, and the video or voice calling technology will be HIPAA-compliant to ensure your information is safe and confidential.

Can I use telemedicine to treat a serious or emergency condition?

Telehealth services are not appropriate for life-threatening or emergency situations. They are also not appropriate for diagnosing and prescribing medication for more complex conditions, which require a comprehensive physical evaluation and potentially diagnostic testing. In these cases, consult with a doctor in person or call 911 if it is an emergency.

Do I need insurance to get online prescriptions?

No, you do not need insurance to sign up with most telehealth providers, and you don’t need an insurance provider to get an online prescription; however, the cost may be higher if you don’t have insurance coverage. Some telemedicine websites don’t accept any insurance, although most will accept a variety of insurance providers.

Get an Online Prescription Today

Are you ready to try out telemedicine for yourself? When you’re considering which telemedicine website to sign up for, consider having Telegra MD become your virtual healthcare provider. Telegra MD is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, because you never know when sickness or medical problems will strike. The Telegra MD doctors are board-certified, background-checked, and have over 15 years of experience. With specialists in mental health, dermatology, and pediatric care, you can feel confident that the Telegra MD network of expert staff has your and your loved ones’ health covered at all times.

Telegra MD offers services and treatment for over 50 common or minor illnesses and conditions, from allergies to relationship issues to acne. The friendly and compassionate doctors will make sure you feel happier and healthier. The Telegra MD platform is secure and private, which means it is an easy and fast way to receive the online prescriptions that you need.

Don’t put your own health on the back burner because you’re too busy or can’t leave your house. Create an account at Telegra MD and schedule a virtual consultation with a telehealth doctor at a time that fits into your schedule.