Regulations for in-person appointments are expected to change in the near future. To help keep your care on track, we encourage you to schedule an in-person appointment when you're able.
If you're receiving controlled substance treatment via telemedicine, it's important to know that regulations require an in-person evaluation with a healthcare provider to continue prescribing controlled substances virtually. Temporary exemptions granted during the COVID-19 pandemic are soon coming to an end.
Scheduling an in-person appointment is key to staying compliant and maintaining uninterrupted care. In this article, we'll explain how to book an appointment, what to expect during the visit, and how it can support your treatment journey.
ℹ️ Controlled vs. Non-Controlled Medications
Controlled medications are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Examples include Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin (often prescribed for ADHD), as well as testosterone (sometimes prescribed for gender-affirming care).
Non-controlled medications are generally not subject to the same strict regulations and are commonly prescribed for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bacterial infections, or allergies.
Why is an in-person appointment needed?
The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Act requires an in-person evaluation with a provider to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine. This ensures patients receive proper evaluation and diagnosis, while helping prevent misuse or abuse of these medications.
Scheduling an in-person evaluation
Follow these steps to book an appointment:
Start booking in the app or web portal.
Select the "In-person ADHD Appointment" option.
Choose your state of residence. If you need to travel across state lines, please message our team to confirm next steps.
Select a provider. The provider you see in person may need to be your ongoing provider.
Select a convenient time. Appointments may not be available more than six weeks in advance.
Confirm the appointment. You'll receive an email confirmation once your booking is complete.
What to expect during the appointment
During your 15-minute in-person evaluation, your provider will review your medical history and current symptoms. A brief physical exam may also be part of your visit, including checking blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
Common questions about in-person evaluations
Can I book an in-person appointment with a different provider than my primary care provider?
We recommend scheduling your in-person appointment with your primary care provider whenever possible. If you choose a different provider, you may need to continue follow-up visits with them instead.
Please note that some providers may not offer in-person appointments in your state or a nearby state.
If you are unsure about in-person requirements, you can always reach our Patient Care Advocate team through our HIPAA-compliant mobile app or web portal.
How much does an in-person ADHD or GAHT appointment cost?
If you have insurance, the cost for these appointments depends on your copay and deductible. For self-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 receiving your controlled prescription through telemedicine as long as it remains clinically appropriate and you are seeing the same provider, if required by your state.
Please note that federal and state regulations, or our own policies, may change.
Your provider may also request an in-person appointment based on their clinical judgement. Our top priority is to ensure that your care remains both clinically appropriate and compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.
Can I combine my in-person appointment with other health-related concerns?
Unfortunately, these in-person appointments can't be combined with other health-related concerns. This allows your provider to focus on the specific care needed for your visit. If you have additional health matters to discuss, we recommend scheduling a separate video appointment with your primary care provider.
Why am I not seeing availability to book an in-person appointment with my provider?
Our app only shows appointments up to six weeks in advance. You'll receive an email notification once your provider opens availability for in-person visits.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our Patient Care Advocates are available through our HIPAA-compliant mobile app or web portal. We're here to help!