How Do I Get a Prescription Online?
From egg rolls to eyeglasses, it seems that everything you can think of can now be delivered straight to your front door. Postmates has made food delivery a breeze, and millions are using Uber to safely travel from Point A to Point B, but there is still some confusion about what medical and pharmaceutical services are accessible online.
Few of us ever imagined a time when you could connect with a doctor or obstetrician through Skype and get your monthly prescriptions refilled in the blink of an eye, but the times are changing. While certain types of medical care will inevitably require face-to-face interaction with a healthcare provider, refilling prescriptions is fairly straightforward, so telemedicine enables you to do so without much hassle.
If you’re wondering how you can skip the waiting room and make use of these excellent new resources, you’re in luck.
Photo/Steve Buissinne
Telemedicine Resources
There are resources that enable you to refill prescriptions, including birth control, without ever needing to set foot in a doctor’s office. As most of us know, refilling prescriptions and picking them up can be a hassle, especially when your pharmacist and primary care physician need to communicate before a script can be filled.
You may have heard of the growing trend of telemedicine apps which allow patients living in rural locations—or are otherwise unable to get to a local hospital—to obtain medical care from a licensed physician from the comfort of their own home. Online doctors can help you refill prescriptions in minutes.
If you never dreamed of the day when you could get prescription online, you’ll be surprised to learn that the telehealth field is flourishing and filling a much-needed niche. It’s even becoming a respectable one, known for its socio-political impact. Online doctors and pharmacists are making strides in medical accessibility for disabled, housebound, and low-income patients across the United States, especially in isolated locations.
What Medications Can You Get?
It is important to keep in mind that online doctors who perform these services are licensed professionals, and as such, they will often require a face-to-face Skype interview before prescribing medication. In some cases, you can skip this step and simply fill out a brief questionnaire online, but err on the side of caution and be prepared to speak to a physician.
Most telemedicine apps employ a host of online doctors who are licensed to write 90-day prescriptions for any medication approved by the Drug Enforcement Administration. These include antibiotics, birth control, thyroid medication, and high blood pressure medication. The only drugs you are unlikely to be prescribed by a reliable online doctor are controlled substances, including painkillers, Xanax, and Adderall.
An Affordable and Convenient Alternative
One of the biggest advantages to telemedicine is its affordability, especially in comparison to traditional medical care. While there is a small fee to meet with a doctor on Skype and receive a written prescription, it is often much less than what you would be expected to pay if you took the traditional route. A few apps accept insurance, although this varies by state.
It’s also hard to deny the convenience of online refills. It takes roughly five minutes or less and you don’t need to pick up the phone, sit in a stuffy waiting room, or get placed on hold for an exorbitant amount of time.
In today’s fast-paced and chaotic world, convenience and comfort are paramount. With telemedicine, once a prescription is written, online doctors send electronic prescriptions over to your local pharmacy, where you can go and pick up your script at your leisure. Some apps even offer a delivery service, with the possibility for discreet packaging, which aims to give peace of mind to patients with sexually transmitted infections, reproductive disorders, and erectile dysfunction.
