Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) expands access to health care for everyone. Online doctor appointments make getting the care you need easier and more affordable. These online video visits also simplify getting medication prescriptions and prescription refills.

Instead of waiting in a doctor’s office just to get a prescription refill, online visits let you address your health care needs on your schedule and from the comfort of your home. This article is a guide to everything you need to know about getting online prescriptions.

What are the benefits of online prescriptions?

Online prescription services make filling new and existing prescriptions faster and easier. They can also save you money.

• Telehealth appointments cost less than in-person appointments
  
• No commute (no gas money) to go to the doctor’s office
  
• Choose a provider within your price range
  
  

• Again, no commute!
  
• No wait times
  
• Quick and efficient appointments (video visits are usually same-day)
  
• Remote monitoring (no need to go to a clinic for follow-up appointments)
  
• Easy access to specialists
  
  

• Attend your appointment at home
  
• Accessible for everyone, no matter your physical ability
  
• Accessible from everywhere
  
• No need to miss work or school
  
• No crowded waiting rooms with other sick patients
  
• Pick up medication at a pharmacy of your choice (usually on the same day)
  
  

Can providers refill existing prescriptions?

Yep. Telemedicine lets you get new prescriptions or refill an existing one.

Your online provider may require proof of a prior prescription depending on the medication. If you have an old prescription medication package (pill bottle, blister pack, etc…) take a picture of it for your provider. If you are a returning patient, the telehealth platform may already have your prescription information on file.

You should tell your provider about any medications or supplements you are currently taking during your appointment. You should also tell them if you have had reactions to medications you have taken in the past. In some cases, providers may be able to access national online pharmacy networks to see your prescriptions from other providers.

Note: Some providers may be able to prescribe or refill controlled substance medication. Not all telehealth platforms allow this. Talk to your provider if you need a prescription or a refill for a controlled substance. Not sure if your medication is a controlled substance? Check out the DEA’s controlled substance list.

What medication can I get an online prescription for?

Providers can prescribe a wide range of treatment options over telehealth services. Telehealth is a good option for people with ongoing health concerns (chronic care) or those with non-emergency health conditions.

Some conditions you can get online prescriptions for include:

• Acne
  
• Allergies
  
• Bacterial infections
  
• Birth control
  
• Chronic conditions (like diabetes)
  
• Erectile dysfunction
  
• Hair loss
  
• High blood pressure
  
• High cholesterol
  
• Mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety)
  
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  
• Viral infections
  
• Yeast infections
  
  

This is not a complete list of all health conditions that can be treated over telehealth.

In general, controlled substances and medications that can be abused are not offered via telehealth services. In addition, medication used for severe or life-threatening conditions is not offered via telehealth services.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency (heart problems, broken bones, suicidal thinking), call 9-1-1 for emergency care.

How do doctors prescribe medication online?

Before prescribing a new medication, your online provider will ask you about your symptoms or concerns. They will discuss your medical history with you and other drugs or supplements you are currently using.

Note that prescriptions are at the provider's discretion. An online doctor’s visit does not guarantee that you will be prescribed medication. It should also be noted that different states have different laws regarding what and when certain drugs can be prescribed online.

Ask your provider about your state’s telemedicine prescription policies.

Depending on your condition, you may need to see a provider in person to be prescribed medication. For example, if you need follow-up lab testing for a diagnosis, you must go to a lab in person before you can get treatment. If an in-person visit is required, your provider will discuss next steps with you.

Do I need insurance to get an online prescription?

No. Telehealth platforms do not require insurance for you to get a prescription. This is yet another way telehealth makes health care accessible to more people. Getting an online prescription is a great option for under- or uninsured patients. Online prescription visits are considerably more affordable than seeing a provider in person.

If you have insurance, check your plan to see if it covers online prescriptions and refills. Many insurance plans offer partial or total coverage of telehealth services, including prescriptions. Getting coverage for low-cost care online can further cut your out-of-pocket expenses.

How do I pay for online prescriptions?

How you pay for your care and prescriptions will depend on a few things:

1. The telehealth platform: Some platforms accept insurance, and some don’t. You will likely pay for your visit upfront if you don't have insurance. If you are insured and the platform works with insurance, they may provide an estimate for what your appointment will cost you.

2. How you get your medication: Some platforms offer home delivery for certain medications. If this is the case, you will either pay for your medication through the platform or a third party pharmacy. If the platform offers local pharmacy pickup, you will likely pay for your prescription at the pharmacy when you pick it up.

During your appointment, talk to your provider about how to pay for your medication.

You can use your HSA or FSA to pay for health care costs like online prescriptions if you have insurance. It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider to ensure coverage, but most plans will cover some or all of your online prescription costs.

Where can I get online prescriptions?

Popular options include:

When you should get in-person care

Telehealth has its limits, and there are instances when an in-person visit or emergency care is required. If you are experiencing signs of a medical emergency that requires rapid attention, contact emergency services by calling 9-1-1.

If you are seeking care for a non-emergency and your provider requires an in-person visit to diagnose or treat your condition, they will discuss next steps with you. Diagnoses and prescriptions are at the discretion of your provider, so they will determine whether or not you need to go to a clinic in person for treatment.

What if I have side effects from my medication?

If you have any questions or concerns about your prescription, follow up with your prescribing provider to discuss your treatment with them. Tell them if you begin to experience side effects that do not go away within a few days. Ask about any special precautions or considerations you should take before starting treatment.

Follow your provider’s orders regarding dosage and proper use. Do not increase or decrease your dosage without consulting them first. Take your medication as directed, as long as you are ordered.

Sesame offers convenient and affordable prescriptions for primary care, urgent care, men's and women's health, and chronic care concerns (just to name a few). All appointments on Sesame are HIPAA compliant, so your personal health information is totally confidential and secure. Providers on Sesame can offer medical advice, prescribe treatment options, and monitor your condition over online appointments, all for transparent cash prices.

Book an appointment on Sesame or another telehealth platform to get convenient treatment at an affordable price.

Sources:

• (2023). HIPAA Rules for telehealth technology. HHS.gov.
  
• Gharaibeh, L., Alameri, M. A., Al-Kabariti, A. Y., Alsa'd, A. A., Abed, A., Karameh, N., & Aldeeb, I. D. (2023). Practices, perceptions and trust of the public regarding online drug purchasing: a web-based survey from Jordan. BMJ open.
  
• Kenny BJ, Preuss CV. (2024). Pharmacy Prescription Requirements. NIH.
  
• Weigel, G., et al. (2020). Opportunities and Barriers for Telemedicine in the U.S. During the COVID-19 Emergency and Beyond. Kaiser Family Foundation.