Have you ever wondered how you can obtain a prescription without the hassle of scheduling an appointment, driving to your doctor’s office, checking in, filling out forms, and that eternal wait in the office? What if you could simply fill out an online questionnaire which is submitted to a medical professional who reviews your responses and then prescribes medication all via a digital platform. The great news is that you can on sites such as victoryselect.com. With online access to healthcare via telehealth technology, you can do everything from the comfort and convenience of your home. Treatment is available for a wide range of diagnoses through this electronic method. Through ever-expanding technological resources, there is an app for just about everything these days. Getting a prescription for your medical ailment is no exception. Telehealth allows people to find a healthcare provider, obtain medications, and schedule an appointment all from the comfort of their own home offering safety, convenience, and accessibility. With telehealth, you can get a prescription without physically traveling to a doctor. You can visit with a medical provider virtually and receive a diagnosis using a computer, laptop, iPad, or even your smartphone. If you require medication for your condition, and the provider deems it medically necessary, they can send medication to the pharmacy of your choice or with some sites, deliver the medication directly to your door.
What is the difference between Telemedicine and Telehealth?
The term telehealth can encompass a vast range of technologies and services that provide direct patient care and improve the overall delivery of healthcare. Where telehealth differs from telemedicine is that the latter is specifically referring to healthcare provided for remote clinical services. Telehealth covers everything from remote non-clinical services, such as administrative issues, provider training, and CME (continuing medical education) in addition to providing clinical services via a digital platform. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, “Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your health care. These may be technologies you use from home or that your doctor uses to improve or support health care services”. Telemedicine is a subcategory of telehealth referring specifically to the provision of health care services and/or education over a distance, utilizing telecommunications technology. Telemedicine is frequently used for follow-up visits, management of chronic conditions, medication management, specialist consultation, and a host of other clinical services that can be provided remotely via secure audio or video connections. Telemedicine involves the use of electronic communications and software to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit. In summary, all telemedicine is telehealth, however not all telehealth is telemedicine. They work in alliance as part of an expansive effort to provide remote access to healthcare, thereby making health management and maintenance easier for patients and healthcare providers. Telehealth is constantly evolving and improving the efficiency of the healthcare delivery network to better serve patients’ health needs.
Is it legal to obtain prescriptions online?
It is always recommended to thoroughly research any website you are attempting to obtain prescriptions from. Certain websites will claim to provide you with extremely discounted products only to find out that they are essentially pulling a bait and switch routine. They could claim to offer medications as low as a certain amount per pill to engage your interest however, that is typically not the recommended dose for treatment. Ultimately, you will end up paying more in the long run. Proceed with caution if you are unfamiliar with a company or website. Reputable websites such as victoryselect or lemonaid will insist on some type of interaction with a medical provider to obtain prescription medication. This can be accomplished by utilizing one of many telehealth avenues. There are options for video visits, online chats, online questionnaires, and more. These sites are HIPAA compliant ensuring your privacy and the safety of your personal information. For a prescription to be obtained legally online, the prescribing physician must be licensed in the state in which the patient resides. The rendering pharmacy that is supplying the medication must also be licensed in the same state.
How much does it cost to obtain a prescription online?
While the cost can vary from site to site, there are many websites that offer free online consultations. There are others that accept insurance while some operate solely on a fee for service level. The cost will fluctuate depending on what type of medication you are receiving, the total quantity, and any shipping or delivery charges associated with that website. Most sites accept all major credit cards as forms of payment. Again, do not be fooled by companies offering you medications at bargain-basement prices. Typically, they are offering a substandard product obtained from another country at a much lower dose than what is indicated to treat a specific condition. One example you frequently see this with is erectile dysfunction medications which they offer for as little as a dollar per pill. In the long run, you will end up paying more to obtain the correct dose as indicated by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Can I get a prescription without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes, though it depends on where you live. The rapid growth of telemedicine, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has improved accessibility to care for many people, but not all health issues can, or should for that matter, be addressed virtually. Individual states have their own laws about what can be e-prescribed without an in-person appointment or a previously established patient-provider relationship. Many healthcare providers view telemedicine as a low-risk option for the treatment of certain conditions. You should always consult a healthcare provider if you need a new prescription. Keep in mind, there are a plethora of different telehealth websites out there all offering different services and products. Most, if not all, can be accessed via your personal electronic devices such as iPads, iPhones, Android devices, Chromebooks, laptops, and desktop computers. As with any pricing comparisons done online, it is very important to find a website that meets all your personal financial and healthcare needs.