Seeing your primary care physician in person is challenging with long wait times, busy schedules and day-to-day activities. Telehealth provides a convenient option when you need a prescription and can’t (or don’t want to) see a doctor in their office.
Telehealth is constantly evolving with providers finding new ways to improve prescription treatment access, convenience and affordability. Laws vary by country and state on what type of consultation is required and what medications are legal to prescribe online.
To help you navigate telehealth in the U.S., this article will cover how to get a prescription without seeing a doctor, who can prescribe prescriptions online and how to get started with a provider like RedBox Rx.
Can I get a prescription without seeing a doctor?
In many situations, you do not need to physically see a doctor to get a prescription. A prescription does have to come from a licensed medical provider, but that provider could be a medical doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
One way to get a prescription without seeing a doctor is with telehealth or virtual health providers. With telehealth providers, like RedBox Rx, you can fill out an online assessment or have a video call to discuss your condition. The requirements for an assessment versus a video call vary depending on the conditions for which you need treatment and state laws governing where you are at the time of treatment.
After a review of the assessment or virtual call, the licensed practitioner can decide to write a prescription for a pharmacy where you can pick it up physically or that can be mailed to you directly.
How can I get an emergency prescription if I’ve run out of refills?
Some telehealth providers offer short-term prescription refills when you can’t get in to see your primary care provider, need an emergency refill, lose your medication or due to life events like a new baby or serious injury.
At RedBox Rx, we can renew your regular, noncontrolled medications for up to a 90-day supply. Our licensed providers can renew multiple prescriptions in one request if needed. Some restrictions apply to medications available.
How can I get a prescription when I’m traveling in the U.S.?
Short-term prescription refills from RedBox Rx are a convenient option if you already have a previous prescription that needs to be refilled. Depending on your location, this can be done while traveling. Alternatively, you can get a short-term prescription refill before you travel, so you have enough medication for the trip.
If you already have a prescription from RedBox Rx, our Refill Now option will refill and ship your medications earlier. The snooze option will pause shipping of your medication if you do not want it to arrive while you are away. Both can be found in your RedBox Rx account under the Treatments tab.
If you need prescription treatment for a new condition, telehealth services like RedBox Rx can help with many noncontrolled medications. Most states in the U.S. allow for shipping of prescriptions across state lines when the provider has the proper license.1
How can I get a prescription when traveling internationally?
Outside of the U.S., the laws will vary by country or jurisdiction. RedBox Rx cannot currently ship outside of the U.S., however, short-term refills can be handled by RedBox Rx if sought out locally within the United States before leaving the country.
Who can write prescriptions?
In the U.S., you can get a prescription from medical professionals who are not medical doctors. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are legally permitted to prescribe medications. The scope of medications that PAs or NPs can prescribe varies by state. For example, in some states, only medical doctors are allowed to prescribe controlled substances.2
When it comes to mental health, psychiatrists are medical doctors that can prescribe medications. Therapists, counselors and psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medications.3 You do not need to be a psychiatrist to prescribe mental health medications, but you do have to be a medical doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Quality, affordable telehealth services with medications prescribed online.
RedBox Rx is focused on improving healthcare access at affordable prices. We offer convenient online doctor consultations with fast, discreet shipping on medications to your door.
Create an AccountWhat medications can be prescribed online?
Many medications your doctor prescribes in person can also be prescribed online. Rules vary by state, but the U.S. federal guidelines are as follows:4
Noncontrolled substances can be prescribed online. This includes routine medications like birth control, allergy, skin care and hair loss.
If you have already seen your prescriber in person, all prescriptions can be prescribed.
If you were referred to telehealth by a provider you have already seen in person, all prescriptions can be prescribed online.
RedBox Rx does not prescribe controlled scheduled drugs, though other online providers may offer these types of prescriptions, with restrictions.
What states allow doctors to prescribe medications online?
All 50 states currently allow telehealth visits and prescribing medications online in some capacity. The laws for medications, conditions and evaluations vary by state. To see what the laws are in your state regarding prescriptions, you can check out a state-by-state overview from the Center for Connected Health Policy.
Laws also vary by state on whether the online visit requires a video consultation or a written assessment only. Depending on state law, this is largely defined as when the physician-patient relationship begins. Some states and some medications (e.g., tretinoin for skin in Iowa) only require patients to fill out an assessment for review by a licensed provider. You can find out the laws in your state from the American Medical Association.
Can doctors write prescriptions across state lines?
Generally, no, doctors cannot write prescriptions across state lines, however, RedBox Rx is currently licensed to write and ship prescriptions to all 50 U.S. states. Telehealth care is determined by that state in which you are physically located while receiving the care.
What medications does RedBox Rx prescribe online?
RedBox Rx prescribes many noncontrolled medications for a variety of conditions within men’s health, women’s health, mental health, hair and skin, and primary care.
Common conditions we treat with prescription medication include:
Can I get an antibiotic prescription online?
Yes, you can get a prescription online for antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. Antibiotics are only available by prescription. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.
You can get a prescription for antibiotic treatment of a urinary tract infection or sinus infection online (if prescribed) through RedBox Rx.
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx provides convenient and affordable telehealth services for men’s health, women’s health, mental health, hair and skin, and primary care.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications.
Free or low-cost online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.
No membership fees. No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
Free shipping directly to you. Monthly and quarterly subscriptions available.
Create an account and start your treatment today with an easy, quick online assessment.
