Skip to content

Can telehealth prescribe you medicine? What to know about online prescriptions

2 min read

With the rapid expansion of virtual care, millions of people now use telehealth for routine check-ups and follow-up care. Many patients wonder: can telehealth prescribe you medicine? The short answer is yes, but the specific rules depend on the type of medication and location.

Quick Summary

Yes, telehealth providers can prescribe medication, though limitations exist based on drug type, especially for controlled substances. Rules vary by state, necessitating a legitimate patient-provider relationship for online prescriptions.

Key Points

  • Prescribing is common: Telehealth providers can prescribe a wide range of medications for both new conditions and existing chronic issues.

  • Non-controlled medications are widely available: Common items like antibiotics, birth control, and refills for conditions such as high blood pressure are frequently prescribed via telehealth.

  • Controlled substances are restricted: Prescribing controlled substances (e.g., stimulants, opioids) is highly regulated and often involves more complex rules, which vary by state and platform policy.

  • An in-person visit might be required: For certain conditions or controlled substances, an in-person exam may still be necessary to receive a prescription, though many routine consultations can be done virtually.

  • State laws differ: Regulations regarding online prescribing and licensure vary significantly from state to state, so it's essential to use a provider licensed in your location.

  • Valid provider-patient relationship needed: All telehealth prescribing requires a legitimate provider-patient relationship, established through a proper consultation, not just an online questionnaire.

  • Flexibilities are temporary: Emergency federal flexibilities allowing broader controlled substance prescribing without an initial in-person visit are currently extended through December 2025.

In This Article

The Expanding World of Telehealth Prescribing

Telehealth, or telemedicine, allows patients to obtain new prescriptions or refills remotely. A licensed healthcare provider reviews medical history and symptoms virtually, and if appropriate, sends an electronic prescription to a pharmacy. This method offers convenience, saves time and money, and improves access to care, particularly in underserved areas. However, federal and state laws govern what medications can be prescribed via telehealth, with specific restrictions on controlled substances.

What Medications Can Telehealth Prescribe?

Telehealth providers routinely prescribe a broad spectrum of non-controlled medications for conditions that don't require a physical exam. A proper medical evaluation and review of clinical history by a licensed provider are still necessary.

Common non-controlled medications prescribed include:

  • Antibiotics: For minor infections like UTIs or sinus infections.
  • Chronic Condition Medications: Refills for managing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • Birth Control: Both new and refill prescriptions.
  • Dermatology: Treatments for skin conditions like acne.
  • Mental Health Medications: Antidepressants and non-controlled anti-anxiety drugs.
  • Lifestyle Medications: For issues like hair loss or acid reflux.

Telehealth and Controlled Substances: A Closer Look at Restrictions

Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth is heavily regulated due to the risk of abuse. The Ryan Haight Act historically required an in-person visit, but pandemic-related flexibilities, extended through December 31, 2025, temporarily allow prescribing Schedule II-V controlled substances via telehealth without a prior in-person visit under certain conditions. The DEA plans to issue new permanent rules. State laws and individual platform policies also impose varying restrictions, with many platforms not prescribing stimulants or benzodiazepines.

How to Get a Prescription Via Telehealth

Obtaining a telehealth prescription involves a few steps:

  1. Select a Platform: Choose a reputable provider licensed in your state and book an appointment.
  2. Virtual Consultation: Discuss your medical history and symptoms with a licensed provider.
  3. Receive E-Prescription: If deemed appropriate, the provider sends the prescription electronically to your pharmacy.
  4. Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments as needed, especially for chronic conditions.

Telehealth vs. In-Person Prescriptions: A Comparison

Aspect Telehealth Prescriptions In-Person Prescriptions
Convenience High. Lower.
Speed Often same-day. Can have delays.
Cost Typically lower. Potentially higher.
Conditions Treated Minor illnesses, refills, some mental health. Emergencies, complex issues, physical exams, some controlled substances.
Suitability for Controlled Substances Limited and regulated. Standard method.

Conclusion

Licensed telehealth providers can prescribe a variety of medications, offering a convenient option for many conditions and refills. However, controlled substances face strict federal and state regulations. While temporary federal flexibilities for controlled substance prescribing without an initial in-person visit are in effect through 2025, rules vary by state and platform. Patients should confirm current regulations and provider policies. For the latest details on controlled substance prescribing, consult the HHS Telehealth website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for minor, non-life-threatening illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sinus infections, telehealth providers can often prescribe antibiotics after a virtual consultation.

Yes. Telehealth is a very convenient way to get prescription refills for ongoing, chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol medication.

Prescribing controlled substances is heavily restricted. While federal flexibilities currently allow it under certain conditions, many telehealth platforms explicitly state they do not prescribe these types of medications.

Providers will verify your identity during the consultation. For controlled substances, this process involves additional security requirements, including potentially verifying information with a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).

Telehealth visits can often be cheaper than in-person appointments due to lower overhead costs and reduced travel expenses. Some telehealth providers also offer more transparent pricing.

If a telehealth provider cannot make a safe and accurate diagnosis virtually or suspects a serious condition, they will recommend or require an in-person visit with a local provider for further evaluation.

Yes. A telehealth provider must be licensed to practice in the state where the patient is physically located at the time of the consultation to issue a valid prescription.

No. A licensed therapist cannot prescribe medication. Prescriptions must come from a licensed psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or another medical doctor.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.