Can Telehealth Providers Prescribe Medication?

Telehealth is a convenient way to get the health care you need right from the comfort of your own home at a time that fits your busy schedule. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about telehealth, including how it works, what types of health conditions can be treated through telehealth, what types of medications can be prescribed through telehealth, and more.

Understanding How Does Telehealth Work

During COVID-19, lockdowns and social distancing protocols made getting traditional, in-person appointments with physicians difficult—if not impossible. Telehealth, or telemedicine, was introduced as a temporary measure to ensure people could receive the necessary medical care they need. Today, it’s becoming more widely recognized as an alternative to in-office visits, especially in rural areas, because it gives people in remote communities easy access to more specialized care without the need to travel. 

What is Telehealth? 

Telehealth uses digital technology like computers, tablets, and smartphones to allow patients to access health care services remotely and manage their care. You can access visits with telehealth providers practically anywhere, including your home or office. In rural areas, a nurse or other healthcare professional may provide telehealth from a medical office or mobile van. 

Which Physicians Are Allowed to Do Telehealth?

Telehealth services can be provided by a wide range of licensed healthcare professionals, depending on the scope of their practice and state regulations. Physicians and other healthcare providers allowed to do telehealth include:

• Medical Doctors (MDs)
• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Physician Assistants (PAs)
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
• Physical Therapists (PTs)
• Occupational Therapists (OTs)
• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Dentists (for consultations and limited cases)

Always check your state’s specific telehealth regulations to confirm which providers are allowed to offer services.

What Can Be Treated Through Telehealth?

Patients can use telehealth to treat a variety of different conditions, including:

• Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and social anxiety
• Pain, including headaches, backaches, earaches, stomachaches, joint pain, and more
• Minor skin conditions, like acne, rashes, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, cold sores, and dark spots
• Management of chronic conditions, including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, obesity, and arthritis
• Respiratory conditions like colds, coughs, flu, seasonal allergies, congestion, sinus infections, and COVID-19
• Non-threatening medical concerns, including burns, cuts, scrapes, nausea, and insomnia
• Urinary and yeast infections can also be treated through telemedicine, especially if you have recurring infections, but in most cases, you should visit an urgent care center or your primary care physician to receive a proper diagnosis.

Can Telehealth Prescribe Medications?

The short answer is yes. Telehealth providers can prescribe medications. However, not all health issues should be treated without an in-person visit with your primary care doctor or at an urgent care center. Some medicines that may be prescribed through telehealth include:

• Acid reflux medications
• Antibiotics, but only when absolutely necessary
• Antihistamines
• Antifungals
• Anti-inflammatories
• Antivirals
• Birth control
• Certain topical medications
• Steroids
• Pain relievers
• Some antidepressants

Telehealth providers can also provide refills for maintenance medications for chronic conditions, like:

• Depression and anxiety, but only after an in-person visit
• High blood pressure medications
• Statins for cholesterol
• Diabetes medications
• Seasonal allergy medications
• Thyroid medications

Through December 24, 2024, a DEA-registered practitioner may prescribe controlled substances. It’s unknown at the time of the writing of this article if that practice will be extended. Some of the controlled substances that may be prescribed by an online doctor include:

• Adderall
• Dexedrine
• Ritalin
• Xanax
• Valium
• Klonopin

Remember, every state has its own set of laws and regulations that apply to telemedicine. Telehealth providers must meet all requirements to practice in the state they are prescribing in and follow all state laws and rules, including Substance and Mental Health Service Administration (SMHSA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) guidelines.

What to Know Before Your Telehealth Visit

While telehealth is an easy and convenient way to get care, there are some things to know and prepare for before your online doctor visit, including:

1. Understand the cost and if your visit is covered by insurance.
2. Fill out any necessary forms your provider sends before your visit. 
3. Identify a quiet spot with no distractions where you are comfortable and can talk openly. 
4. Ensure your internet and the device you will use for your visit are working. 
5. Make a list of all the current medications and supplements you are taking. 
6. Prepare your questions and concerns so you don’t lose your train of thought or forget to ask questions during your appointment. 

Discover Telehealth & Online Doctors at AllCare

At AllCare, we understand the importance of accessible and convenient healthcare, which is why we offer primary, urgent, and telemedicine services. We offer convenient telehealth services from experienced healthcare professionals, even overnight. With a telemedicine appointment from AllCare, you can receive personalized primary and urgent care and expert guidance for your medical needs without leaving home. Note that our providers may only offer telemedicine services to patients located within the state they are licensed in. This ensures we are in compliance with state-specific healthcare regulations, and it allows us to provide the highest standard of care to our patients. Prioritize your health today, and schedule your telehealth appointment with AllCare.