Teladoc Health provides virtual care across multiple service lines, and its prescribing capabilities are determined by the specific program a patient is enrolled in. Generally, U.S. board-certified and state-licensed Teladoc providers can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for non-emergency conditions when medically appropriate. For a medication to be prescribed, a patient must complete a consultation with a provider who will assess their symptoms, review medical history, and establish a patient-provider relationship.
The Scope of Teladoc's Prescribing Capabilities
The ability to receive a prescription from Teladoc is determined by the service you use. Different types of care, such as General Medical and mental health, have distinct prescribing policies and limitations. Patients should be aware of these differences before seeking treatment.
Prescriptions through General Medical (24/7 Care)
The General Medical service is primarily for short-term, acute illnesses and is not designed for the management of chronic conditions. Providers in this service can prescribe:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections like strep throat or sinus infections, when medically necessary. Teladoc providers are trained to avoid unnecessary prescribing to combat antibiotic resistance.
- Antihistamines: For seasonal allergies and other allergic reactions.
- Antivirals: For viral infections like influenza.
- Refills of Maintenance Medications: For existing, chronic conditions like high blood pressure. These refills are limited to a short duration, such as a 30-day supply, and are typically restricted to twice per year. Providers in this service cannot start new treatment plans for chronic conditions.
Prescribing through Mental Health Services
Teladoc's mental health offerings include therapy and psychiatry, but only the psychiatric providers can prescribe medication. Therapists, counselors, and social workers cannot. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can help manage medication for a range of conditions. Prescriptions are available for:
- Antidepressants: Commonly prescribed options include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Paxil.
- Anxiolytics and Select Antipsychotics: Prescribed for specific anxiety disorders and other mental health diagnoses, excluding controlled benzodiazepines.
- Non-stimulant ADHD Medications: Prescribed as an alternative to controlled stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin.
Dermatology and Specialized Prescriptions
Teladoc offers specialized care, which may include prescribing medications under different policies:
- Dermatology: Teladoc dermatologists can prescribe antibiotics, antifungals, and various topical medications for conditions like acne, eczema, and rashes. They have specific restrictions, such as not prescribing isotretinoin (Accutane) or certain oral medications for eczema and psoriasis.
- Primary360 Primary Care: This service provides comprehensive, long-term care. Primary360 providers can initiate new treatment plans and prescribe long-term medication for chronic issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They can also prescribe GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes management for established members, if clinically appropriate and permitted by state regulations.
Medications Teladoc Providers Cannot Prescribe
A significant and consistent limitation across all Teladoc services is the prohibition of prescribing DEA-controlled substances. This restriction covers several classes of medications:
- Controlled Substances: Including stimulants for ADHD (Adderall, Ritalin), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium), and opioid pain medications.
- Lifestyle Drugs: Teladoc does not prescribe medications for erectile dysfunction (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) or hair loss.
- Pain Medications: Pain management is excluded from Teladoc's services, especially for controlled substances.
- Experimental Drugs and Restricted Therapies: Certain experimental drugs, specific doses of oral antifungals, and some injectable medications are not prescribed.
- Emergency Contraception: Not prescribed by General Medical providers.
Comparing Teladoc Prescription Policies by Service Type
| Service Type | Prescription Types | Chronic Condition Management | Refill Policy | Key Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Medical (24/7) | Antibiotics, antivirals, antihistamines for acute conditions | Refills only (limited, short-term) | 30-day supply, limited to twice per year for maintenance meds | Controlled substances, new chronic medication, lifestyle drugs, GLP-1s |
| Mental Health (Psychiatry) | Antidepressants, specific anxiolytics, non-stimulant ADHD medication | Yes, for mental health conditions | Can initiate new prescriptions and manage ongoing refills | Controlled substances (stimulants, benzodiazepines) |
| Primary Care (Primary360) | All types of appropriate medications, including GLP-1s for established patients | Yes, comprehensive management | Can initiate new meds and prescribe refills for up to a full year | Controlled substances (stimulants, benzodiazepines), pain medication |
| Dermatology | Topical medications, oral antibiotics, antifungals | No | Refills available as clinically appropriate | Isotretinoin (Accutane), oral/injectable eczema/psoriasis meds, long-term oral antifungals |
The Prescription Process: From Consultation to Pharmacy
Once a Teladoc provider determines that a prescription is medically necessary, the process is streamlined for the patient's convenience. During the consultation, you will be asked to provide the name and location of your preferred pharmacy. The provider will then submit the prescription electronically to that pharmacy via a secure system. You will receive a notification from Teladoc when the prescription has been sent, and you can contact your pharmacy directly to confirm when it will be ready for pickup. When you pick up the prescription, you will pay the pharmacy for the medication according to your insurance plan or as a cash-paying customer.
Conclusion
Teladoc offers a convenient and accessible way to receive prescriptions for a broad range of common medical issues, including acute illnesses, dermatological problems, and mental health conditions. Its tiered service structure—from 24/7 General Medical for acute care to specialized Primary360 for chronic conditions—means the type of medication you can receive depends on the specific service utilized. The most significant limitation to be aware of is the strict policy against prescribing DEA-controlled substances. By understanding these guidelines, patients can effectively use Teladoc's services for their prescription needs while seeking in-person care for any conditions that require a more restrictive treatment protocol, like controlled medications or long-term management outside of Primary360. For more information on responsible antibiotic use, visit the official CDC website on antibiotics.
