To refill a prescription online, use a telehealth service for a virtual consultation. If approved, the healthcare professional will send the prescription to your pharmacy.

To get a prescription refilled online via telehealth, start by checking your medication label or your pharmacy’s online portal to confirm your refill eligibility.

If you have no refills left or need a new prescription, follow these steps:

  • Choose a telehealth service: Select a reputable telehealth platform that allows online consultations with licensed healthcare professionals.
  • Create an account: Sign up for an account if you don’t already have one, providing necessary personal and medical information.
  • Schedule a consultation: Book an appointment for a virtual visit at a time that works for you.
  • Consult the professional: During the consultation, discuss your medical history, current medications, and why you need a refill. Be prepared to answer any questions about your health.
  • Receive prescription: If the healthcare professional determines it’s appropriate, they will electronically send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
  • Pick up your medication: After receiving the prescription, you can pick it up at the pharmacy or have it delivered, depending on the pharmacy’s services.

For noncontrolled medications, you have several telemedicine options:

  • Telehealth platforms: Services like Amwell, Teladoc, or MDLIVE allow you to consult with licensed healthcare professionals online. They can assess your condition and prescribe noncontrolled medications if appropriate.
  • Primary care telehealth services: Many primary care practices offer telehealth appointments for existing patients. If you have a healthcare professional you’ve seen before, check if they provide virtual visits for prescription refills.
  • Pharmacy-based telehealth services: Some pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, offer telehealth services where you can consult with a healthcare professional. They may be able to help with medication management and refills.
  • Urgent care telehealth services: Many urgent care clinics offer telehealth consultations, allowing you to speak with a healthcare professional who can prescribe noncontrolled medications as needed.

The Ryan Haight Act requires that a healthcare professional conduct at least one in-person evaluation before prescribing controlled substances such as Adderall or Xanax.

This restriction means that most online telehealth services may be unable to prescribe these medications.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary public health emergency (PHE) policies allowed for more flexibility in prescribing controlled substances via telehealth. For example, telehealth prescriptions for stimulants increased from 1.4% in 2019 to 38.1% in 2022.

However, the temporary allowances introduced at the beginning of the pandemic don’t guarantee that the same level of access will continue today.

As of 2024, while some telehealth providers may still offer prescriptions for controlled substances, it typically requires at least one in-person consultation with a healthcare professional.

For controlled medications, telemedicine options are more limited due to regulatory restrictions, but several pathways are available:

  • Licensed telehealth platforms: Some telehealth services may offer consultations for controlled substances. However, a prior in-person visit with a healthcare professional may be required before they can prescribe these medications.
  • Specialized telemedicine providers: Platforms like Talkspace or PlushCare may offer psychiatric services, allowing you to receive prescriptions for controlled medications like anxiety or ADHD treatments after an initial consultation.
  • Medication management services: Some healthcare professionals specialize in medication management and may conduct virtual visits to assess the need for controlled medications. Follow-up appointments may still be necessary for ongoing prescriptions.
  • Primary care physicians: If you have an established relationship with a primary care physician, they may offer telehealth appointments to evaluate your needs for controlled medications.
  • Substance use disorder treatment programs: For medications like buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder, specific telemedicine programs can provide consultations and prescriptions, often with the requirement for in-person follow-ups.
  • State-specific regulations: Always check your state’s regulations, as laws regarding the prescribing of controlled substances can vary widely.

Telemedicine can offer a convenient way to manage your health. It may allow you to obtain medications without an in-person doctor’s visit.

With online services available for various types of prescriptions, you may be able to access the medications you need more easily.