Frequently Asked Questions

They’re prescription medications or other substances that the government has very strict rules around prescribing. That’s because they can easily lead to addiction and other issues. Opioids and benzodiazepines are common examples of controlled medications.

It depends. In some states, doctors can prescribe controlled substances only after an in-person visit. Because we’re virtual, we can’t prescribe these medications in those states. But we will work closely with you to make sure you get the right care.

In states where we can prescribe these medications, we first have to get very clear on the medical need for them. That could take several video visits. Once we do that, we’ll discuss treatment options, which may include safer alternatives.

Because these are powerful medications and we need to be sure that it’s the best, safest treatment for you. We can’t do that in a quick chat. Even if you’ve had visits with us for other reasons, we need to understand this particular issue in detail.

No, we still need to understand why you need the medication. While we do that, you may want to talk to your current doctor about getting a short-term refill.

During our visit with you, we’ll see if there might be other non-controlled treatments. If you feel there’s no other option that works for you, then you may need to choose a different PCP. We can help you find one in your area.