Regulations for in-person appointments resume on May 11th.
To ensure the continuity of your care, it is important to 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. Although temporary exemptions were granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are soon coming to an end.
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:
Start booking an appointment in the app or on our web portal.
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 a 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 the same as your prior video appointment costs. For 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.
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?
You will not see appointments further than six weeks out when booking through our app. You will be notified via email when your provider has opened availability for in-person appointments. We advise you to wait for the email notification before booking your appointment.