Sometimes taking a trip to the doctor to get a prescription for a minor illness or condition can be challenging and inconvenient. When you’re sick or it is cold and flu season, the last place you want to be in a doctor’s office surrounded by people who may be contagious. You might be wondering how to get a prescription without visiting a doctor. While you do have to still consult with a doctor to get a prescription written, that doesn’t mean you have to make a trip to the doctor’s office to see them in person.
Getting a Prescription Through Telemedicine
Telemedicine services have been growing in popularity over the years, and even more so due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is an emerging field that allows doctors to provide health services using technology. More specifically, telemedicine does allow doctors to write patients a prescription without an in-person visit.
How Do Telemedicine Services Work?
Telehealth and telemedicine services are provided online via video chat, which can be done on smartphones, computers, tablets, or any other applicable device. The convenience of this appeals to many people who have a difficult time getting to a doctor’s office. Most telemedicine consults are quick, sometimes lasting between 10-15 minutes, and can be conducted from the comfort of your home as long as you have an adequate internet connection. After speaking with the physician, they can make their diagnosis and determine what prescriptions are necessary and send them in to the pharmacy of your choice.
When Should I Use Telemedicine Services?
In the past, telehealth and telemedicine services were utilized mostly by patients in rural areas who may not have access to medical services as easily, but more people are taking advantage of the convenience of telehealth and telemedicine every day. For patients with minor or non-urgent medical needs, it can save time and the cost of travel. Telemedicine allows doctors to effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients from a distance.
Do All States Allow Telemedicine?
Keep in mind that laws for telehealth and telemedicine may vary by state. Every state has its own definition of the patient-doctor relationship. Medical boards and state legislatures often have requirements that must be met before any telehealth services can be performed, including receiving an e-prescription. Some states have strict rules that require you to establish a relationship with your doctor in person with at least one in-person visit before telehealth services can be conducted. Since there is the possibility that you could see an out-of-state doctor, you will also want to be sure that the doctor you are seeing is licensed in your state. You can check your state’s laws through the Center for Connected Health Policy website.
Can Any Medication Be Prescribed Without Visiting a Doctor?
Prescriptions for controlled substances are regulated by federal law under the Ryan Haight Act. Under this law, doctors are required to have an in-person visit with a patient before a controlled substance can be prescribed online. Specific circumstances may qualify you to be exempt from this rule, but this will vary per person, per telemedicine company, and your state laws could also come into play.
Get More Affordable Prescriptions With a Discount Drug Card
You can check at your local doctor’s office, healthcare facility or hospital to assess if they offer telemedicine services. Once you are able to get a prescription without visiting a doctor, you won’t want to pay high prices for the medication you need. With a discount drug card like Easy Drug Card, you can save up to 80% on your prescriptions. This easy to use discount drug card also has a user-friendly app that you can download onto your smartphone where you can find your pharmacy and compare drug prices on the go. You can use a printed card or simply show the app to the pharmacist to receive your prescription at a discounted price. Visit our website to learn more about how our discount drug cards work or click here to download your card now!
*If your medical situation is an emergency, you need to call 911.
