Can Telehealth Physicians Prescribe Medication?
Can telehealth physicians prescribe medication?
The simple answer to this question is, yes, telehealth physicians are able to prescribe medication to their patients virtually. However, it is important to note that not all health issues are able to be taken care of online, some medications may require an in-person appointment in order to get a prescription. With the rapid growth of telemedicine, which has only been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen virtual accessibility grow to care for many individuals living with a wide range of different conditions. Each state also has their own laws about what medications can be virtually prescribed to patients without an in-person appointment or a previously established patient-provider relationship.
Telehealth is becoming increasingly more popular and being offered by more physicians every day. The healthcare providers that provide virtual care see telemedicine as a low-risk option for many different routine treatments. Many physicians are comfortable prescribing routine medications for non-severe health concerns, including acne, acid reflux, allergies, and more, without needing to see a patient in-person. Even more so, physicians offering telehealth services are able to help patients who are looking for alternatives to in-person appointments continue receiving prescription medication and treatments for ongoing care, such as with birth control, blood pressure medication, and thyroid medications.
At RoweDocs, our team of board-certified physicians are here to make it simple for you to get access to the medical care and treatment you need in order to live a happy and healthy life. Whether you are in need of a new medication, a refill on a medication, or are unsure if a virtual appointment can get you medicine that you may need, rest assured that our team of quality healthcare providers are here for you. We work with patients to find solutions to their health problems so that they can get on track and stay there! From minor health problems to chronic illnesses that require lifelong attention from a physician, telemedicine can help you. Avoid the potential spread of illness in an in-office appointment and set up an appointment with RoweDocs today!
How do I schedule an appointment?
When you are ready to schedule your appointment with our team, fill out this form. Request your appointment with our team and check your email for a secure link that allows you to see your physician virtually. Our team accepts most major medical insurances.
Can virtual doctors prescribe controlled substances? Is it safe?
According to GenXYZ’s website:
CMS and the federal government have lifted many restrictions on the use of virtual care/telemedicine in order for physicians to deliver effective care through telehealth and improve patient satisfaction within the virtual environment. Many of these changes are centered around reimbursement and billings for telehealth services; as of March 1, physicians will be paid at the same rate for in-office visits and telehealth services by Medicare for all diagnoses. As well, physicians can reduce or waive Medicare patient cost-sharing for telehealth visits, virtual check-ins, e-visits, and remote monitoring services.
Not all of these changes are related to payment; new regulations have been developed by U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) surrounding online prescribing and Schedule II-IV controlled substances.
The Ryan Haight Act requires at least one in-person evaluation of a patient before an online doctor can prescribe a controlled substance. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, this requirement has been waived by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the duration of the time that COVID-19 is designated as a public health emergency.
DEA-registered practitioners may issue prescriptions for controlled substances to patients for whom they have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation, provided all of the following conditions are met:
-Telemedicine communication is performed using an audio-visual, real-time, two-way interactive communication system; and
-The prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of his/her professional practice; and
-The practitioner is acting in accordance with applicable Federal and State law.
-The last point means that if a state does not permit online prescribing of controlled substances without an in-person evaluation, a practitioner is not allowed to do so, even with the new DEA flexibility.
Telehealth You Can Trust
RoweDocs is one of the largest and most diverse women-owned multi-specialty telemedicine networks. We connect patients with doctors they can trust, who relate to their unique needs with same-day, no-wait telemedicine appointments for the comfort and convenience of our patients. Get quality healthcare from your phone, tablet, or computer with RoweDocs. Our team of physicians is dedicated to promoting wellness for all of our patients on their own terms. Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today!
RoweDocs
1917 Ashland St, Houston TX 77008
888-258-3734
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