Temporary Regulation for Controlled Substances prescribed via Telemedicine.
The Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended on May 11/2023 and a temporary regulation for telemedicine patients established during the COVID-19 pandemic has been put in place by the DEA.
What does this mean:
Any patient established in telemedicine services for controlled substance prescription management both during the PHE and up to November 11/2023, will now have until November 11/2024 to become compliant with federal legislation.
To ensure the continuity of your care, we strongly recommend that you still book an in-person appointment as soon as you can!
If you're receiving controlled substance treatment through telemedicine, it's important to know that regulations require an in-person evaluation with a healthcare provider in order to prescribe controlled substances virtually. Temporary exemptions were granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have now ended, and new temporary legislation has been put into play.
Scheduling an in-person appointment is crucial to ensure your compliance and maintain uninterrupted care. In this article, we'll explain how to book an appointment, what to expect during the appointment, and how it can benefit your treatment journey.
ℹ️ Controlled vs. Non-Controlled Medications
Non-controlled medications are generally prescribed for common conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, bacterial infections, or allergies.
Controlled medications, on the other hand, are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These medications are commonly prescribed for ADHD (Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin) or testosterone for gender-affirming care.
Why an in-person appointment is needed
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Act requires an in-person evaluation with a provider in order to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine. This is to ensure that patients receive proper evaluation and diagnosis, and to prevent misuse or abuse of controlled substances. During the in-person evaluation, your provider can assess your medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Scheduling an in-person evaluation
Here are the steps to follow:
Open the Circle Medical app and navigate to the "Book Now" tab.
Select the "In-person ADHD Appointment" option.
Choose your state of residence. If you need to travel across state lines, check in with us first.
Select a provider. The provider you see in-person will need to be your ongoing provider.
Select a convenient time. Appointments may not be available more than six weeks in advance.
Confirm the appointment. An appointment confirmation email will be sent to you.
What to expect during the appointment
Our goal is to make sure you get care that's right for you and your well-being. During your 15-minute in-person evaluation, your provider will review your medical history and current symptoms with you. You may also undergo a physical exam, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate measurements.
If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling an in-person evaluation or your ongoing treatment, our team is always available to help.
Common questions about in-person evaluations
Can I book an in-person appointment with a different provider than my primary care provider?
For in-person appointments, we recommend sticking with your primary care provider. If you choose a different provider, you'll need to continue care with that provider for all future video follow-ups. Keep in mind, some providers may not offer in-person appointments in your state or a state close to your location.
How much does an in-person ADHD or GAHT appointment cost?
If you have insurance, the cost for these brief appointments depends on your copay and deductible, but will likely be around the same as your prior video appointment costs. For most cash-pay patients, the cost is $120.
How often will I need to be seen in person for my appointments?
Once you have attended an in-person appointment, you may continue to receive your controlled prescription through telemedicine as long as it remains clinically appropriate and you see the same provider. Please note that federal and state regulations or our policies may change at any time. Our top priority is to ensure your safety and ensure the care you are receiving is clinically appropriate and compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. Your provider may exercise their clinical judgment and request an in-person evaluation at any time, just as they do currently.
Are there plans to open new clinic locations?
Yes! We're expanding our flagship clinics in Los Angeles and New York City, as well as opening new locations across the country - you can find us in Miami, Chicago, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Boston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, DC.
Check out our website locations page for detailed information on each new location: https://www.circlemedical.com/circle-locations
A different state than my residence has a closer Circle Medical practice location. Can I go there instead?
We strongly recommend you remain within your state of residence for these appointments. Many factors need to be addressed before you cross state lines for an appointment. Should you need to go to a different state to see a provider, please check with our support team via chat your provider during a telemedicine visit, to confirm this will not cause complications.
Can I combine my in-person appointment with other health-related concerns?
No, unfortunately, these in-person appointments can't be combined with other health-related concerns due to the limited appointment time of 15 minutes. This ensures our providers can give you the specialized care and attention you need - combining appointments may not allow enough time to fully address all your health concerns. We recommend scheduling a separate video appointment with your primary care provider to ensure all your concerns are addressed.
Why am I not seeing availability to book an in-person appointment with my provider?
While our app allows you to schedule up to 3 months in advance, it is reliant on your provider's availability. If you do not see any availability on the date/time that you're looking for, you can always use our chat feature to connect with a specialized team for further assistance/guidance!
Keep in mind, some providers may not offer in-person appointments in your state or a state close to your location.