Your blood pressure medication is running out. You need a refill.
You don't need a full doctor visit. You just need the prescription sent to your pharmacy.
Here's how to get refills through telehealth.
What Prescriptions Can Be Refilled Through Telehealth
Telehealth can refill most ongoing medications. But there are limits.
Medications Telehealth CAN Refill
- Chronic condition medications: Blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, diabetes
- Maintenance medications: Asthma inhalers, allergy medications
- Birth control: Pills, patches, rings
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: If you're already on them and stable
- Acid reflux medications: PPIs, H2 blockers
- Skin medications: Topical creams for eczema, psoriasis, acne
If you're already taking the medication and it's working, telehealth can refill it.
Medications Telehealth CANNOT Refill
- Controlled substances: Most opioids, stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
- Exception: Some states allow telehealth for controlled substances if you have an existing relationship with the provider
- Medications requiring monitoring: Blood thinners (warfarin), some cancer drugs, medications that need regular lab work
- New medications: If you've never taken it before, you might need an in-person visit first
Check your state's telehealth laws. Rules vary.
How to Request a Prescription Refill
Option 1: Use Your Regular Doctor's Telehealth Portal
If your doctor offers telehealth, log into their patient portal and request a refill.
Most portals have a "Request Refill" button. You select the medication, they approve it, and it gets sent to your pharmacy.
No visit needed if it's a routine refill.
Option 2: Use a Standalone Telehealth Service
If your regular doctor doesn't do telehealth (or you don't have a regular doctor), use a telehealth service like Bivvy Health, Teladoc, or MDLIVE.
Steps:
1. Sign up for the service
2. Request a visit (usually available same-day)
3. Tell the doctor what medication you need refilled
4. They'll review your history and send the prescription to your pharmacy
Cost: $40-$80 per visit (cheaper with insurance or a subscription service like Bivvy).
Option 3: Pharmacy-Based Telehealth
Some pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) offer telehealth services directly.
You can request a refill visit through the pharmacy's app. A doctor reviews it, approves it, and sends it to that same pharmacy.
Convenient if you're already using that pharmacy.
What Information You Need
When you request a refill, have this ready:
1. Current Medication Details
- Medication name (generic and brand name)
- Dosage (10mg, 20mg, etc.)
- How often you take it (once daily, twice daily, etc.)
- How long you've been taking it
Example: "I take lisinopril 10mg once daily for blood pressure. I've been on it for 2 years."
2. Your Pharmacy Information
- Pharmacy name
- Pharmacy address or location
- Pharmacy phone number
The doctor will send the prescription electronically to your pharmacy. Make sure they have the right one.
3. Your Medical History
The doctor needs to know:
- Why you're taking the medication (high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, etc.)
- Any other medications you're taking
- Any allergies
- Any recent changes in your condition
If you're requesting a refill for blood pressure medication, they'll ask: "What's your current blood pressure at home?"
Have that info ready.
4. Last Time You Saw a Doctor
If you haven't seen a doctor in 6-12 months, they might require an in-person visit before refilling certain medications.
Why? Because some conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues) need periodic monitoring. You can't just refill forever without checking in.
If it's been less than 6 months, you're usually fine.
What to Expect During the Telehealth Visit
The Visit is Short
Refill visits are quick. 5-10 minutes.
The doctor will:
- Ask why you're taking the medication
- Ask if it's working (any side effects, any issues)
- Check your current vitals if relevant (blood pressure, blood sugar)
- Confirm dosage
- Send the prescription to your pharmacy
That's it. You're done.
They Might Ask You to Check Your Vitals
If you're refilling blood pressure medication, they'll ask: "What's your blood pressure at home?"
If you're refilling diabetes medication, they'll ask: "What's your recent A1C or blood sugar readings?"
Have those numbers ready. If you don't have them, they might ask you to check and call back.
They Might Order Lab Work
Some medications require periodic lab work:
- Thyroid medication: TSH test every 6-12 months
- Cholesterol medication: Lipid panel every year
- Diabetes medication: A1C every 3-6 months
If it's been a while since your last labs, the doctor might say: "I'll refill your medication for 3 months, but you need to get labs done and follow up."
Do it. Don't skip labs.
They'll Send the Prescription Electronically
Once approved, the prescription goes straight to your pharmacy. You'll get a text or call when it's ready (usually within 1-2 hours).
Pick it up same-day or next-day.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Issue 1: "We Need to See You In Person First"
Some doctors won't refill certain medications through telehealth if they've never met you in person.
Why? Because they need to establish a baseline. They need to know your medical history, examine you, and confirm the diagnosis.
Solution: Schedule an in-person visit first. After that, refills can be done through telehealth.
Issue 2: "Your Medication Requires Monitoring"
If you're on a medication that needs regular lab work (thyroid, cholesterol, blood thinners), the doctor won't refill it indefinitely without labs.
Solution: Get your labs done. Most telehealth services can order labs for you. You go to a local lab, get bloodwork, and the results go to the doctor. Then they refill your prescription.
Issue 3: "We Can't Prescribe Controlled Substances"
Federal law restricts telehealth prescriptions for controlled substances (opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines).
Some states allow it if you have an existing relationship with the provider. Some don't allow it at all.
Solution: You'll need an in-person visit for controlled substance refills (in most cases).
Issue 4: "Your Insurance Doesn't Cover Telehealth"
Some insurance plans don't cover telehealth visits. You'd have to pay out-of-pocket.
Solution: Check your insurance before the visit. If they don't cover it, use a low-cost service like Bivvy Health ($40-$50 per visit) instead of paying full price ($100-$150).
Issue 5: "The Pharmacy Says They Don't Have the Prescription"
Sometimes there's a delay between the doctor sending it and the pharmacy receiving it.
Solution: Wait 1-2 hours. If it's still not there, call the telehealth service and ask them to resend it.
How Much Does It Cost?
With Insurance
Most insurance covers telehealth visits. You'll pay your normal copay ($10-$50).
Check with your insurance to confirm.
Without Insurance
Telehealth visits cost $40-$150 depending on the service.
- Bivvy Health: $40-$50 per visit
- Teladoc, MDLIVE: $75-$100 per visit
- Urgent care telehealth: $80-$150 per visit
Way cheaper than an in-person visit ($150-$300 without insurance).
Medication Cost
The visit gets you the prescription. You still have to pay for the medication at the pharmacy.
- With insurance: $5-$50 copay (depending on your plan)
- Without insurance: $10-$100+ (use GoodRx to find discounts)
Tips for Getting Refills Smoothly
1. Request Refills Before You Run Out
Don't wait until you're on your last pill. Request a refill 7-10 days before you run out.
Why? Sometimes there are delays (insurance issues, pharmacy is out of stock, doctor needs more info). Give yourself buffer time.
2. Use the Same Pharmacy Every Time
Switching pharmacies causes delays. The doctor sends the prescription to Pharmacy A, but you want to pick it up at Pharmacy B. Now you have to call and transfer it.
Stick with one pharmacy.
3. Keep a List of Your Medications
Write down:
- Medication name
- Dosage
- How often you take it
- Pharmacy info
Keep it in your phone or wallet. Makes refill requests way faster.
4. Set Up Auto-Refills at Your Pharmacy
Most pharmacies offer auto-refill. They automatically refill your prescription every month and text you when it's ready.
You still need the doctor to approve refills every 3-6-12 months (depending on the medication). But it saves you from having to remember.
The Bottom Line
Getting a prescription refilled through telehealth is easy if:
- You're already on the medication
- It's working and you're stable
- You've seen a doctor in the last 6-12 months
- It's not a controlled substance
Have your medication details, pharmacy info, and recent vitals ready. The visit takes 5-10 minutes. Prescription goes to your pharmacy same-day.
Bivvy Health offers low-cost prescription refills through telehealth. $40-$50 per visit, no insurance needed. Worth checking out if you need a refill without the hassle of an in-person visit.