Telehealth can allow a licensed clinician to review health information and make a prescribing decision without an in-person office visit. The exact process depends on the medication, the patient's needs, and the laws where the patient is located.
A typical online review
An online service may ask for identity, location, health history, current medications, allergies, and treatment goals. A clinician reviews that information and may ask follow-up questions or require an in-person visit or laboratory testing.
A prescription is never automatic
Completing an online questionnaire does not decide the outcome. The clinician decides whether a prescription is appropriate and may recommend a different level of care. For a step-by-step view of intake and follow-up, see what to expect from online medication-based alcohol care. To understand how the costs compare with other options, see the cost of online medication care and rehab.
Online services are not a substitute for emergency care. Severe withdrawal symptoms, a medical emergency, or a crisis require immediate help.
Common questions
Is a video call required? Not always. Some states and situations allow a clinician to review written information without a live visit, while others require a video visit or in-person evaluation. The clinician follows the rules where the patient is located.
Does answering the questionnaire mean I get medication? No. The questionnaire gives the clinician the information needed to make a decision. The clinician may prescribe, ask for more information, or recommend a different level of care.
Can I use online care in any state? Online prescribing is governed by the laws of the state where the patient is located, and services are limited to the states where they are licensed. See how Seriva works for the current process.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drug labeling information: FDA Drugs
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): niaaa.nih.gov
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): samhsa.gov