Prescriptions

Can members get prescriptions from a consulting physician?

This is determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the consulting doctor’s own medical judgment. The doctor decides if sufficient information has been obtained from the patient on which to evaluate, render a diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan, which may or may not include prescription medications. This entire process is documented appropriately, and in detail, and under no circumstances are any DEA-controlled (Class II, etc.) medications ever prescribed.

When medications are prescribed, the prescribing doctor typically calls in the prescription by telephone or e-prescribing tools to the member's preferred pharmacy.

Are there any limitations as to what medications physicians can prescribe?

Ask-the-Dr does not sell prescriptions or prescription drugs of any kind under any circumstances.  We are not a pharmacy and we do not profit in any way from prescribing or filling prescription medications.

Ask-the-Dr physicians do not prescribe DEA-controlled medications or other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse.  Additionally, non-therapeutic drugs such as Viagra and Cialis are not prescribed by our physicians.

What is Ask-the-Dr’s Prescription Policy?

Doctors providing medical consultations for our members may write prescriptions at their discretion for a wide range of medicines that treat common ailments.  These include, but are not limited to, drug classes such as antibiotics and antihistamines. Medical prescriptions for maintenance medicines may also be obtained in cases where a member is in transition to a new insurance plan or doctor.

There is no guarantee that a prescription will be issued on any medical consultation and prescriptions will only be issued if the physician is able to gather the appropriate information to accurately diagnose and treat a given condition.

Physicians will refer patients to their primary care physician or appropriate level of care when indicated.

In the event a physician does prescribe medication, he or she will usually limit the supply to no more than 30 days. Patients with chronic illnesses should visit their primary care physicians or other specialist for extended care.

Ask-the-Dr's physicians do not issue prescriptions for substances regulated by the DEA, those used for a non-therapeutic purpose, or those substances which may be harmful because of potential for abuse or addiction.

Prescriptions will only be issued when indicated and approved by a physician, and as permitted by law in your state.