How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

When you have a busy schedule, it can feel disruptive to have to visit the doctor just to get a prescription refill. After all, both you and your doctor know you’ve been taking these meds for long enough now. Why do you need to book a doctor’s appointment just to get a new script?

There are several reasons why a doctor would need to see you again before they can provide you with a new prescription. The type of medication you’re taking and how long ago they saw you are both factors.

But let’s stick to the primary question.

Is It Possible to Refill a Prescription Without a Doctor?

Yes, in some circumstances, it is possible to refill a prescription without a doctor. Well, without seeing a doctor in person anyway. Using the Air Doctor app, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment to get a new script for your medication.

Air Doctor has medical partners across 61 countries, meaning you can get prescription refills in nearly any country, as long as the medication is “issued for a legitimate medical purpose.”

Once a doctor reviews your medical history and previous prescription, they can electronically send your new script to a pharmacy of your choice. However, this won’t always be possible, depending on the medication you require.

If you need to get a hold of your medical records for your appointment, read this guide.

There are a few common conditions that could potentially get a prescription refill for:

  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Birth Control
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid Disease

What Prescriptions Can’t Be Refilled Online?

Naturally, certain laws and regulations prevent certain medications from being refillable online. For instance, in the United States, “No prescription for a controlled substance” can be refilled online at this time. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Narcotics: Morphine, Oxycodone, Percocet, Vicodin
  • Sleeping Aids & Sedatives: Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Xanax
  • Stimulant Medications: Adderall, Ritalin, Provigil
  • Medical Marijuana

Prescription Refill FAQs

How many refills can I get per appointment?

This is dependent on the country. However, in the instance of the United States, the FDA states that eligible prescriptions can be filled by a pharmacist for up to five refills, but may not extend beyond six months from the date of issue on the original prescription, without first consulting with a doctor.

May I use my health insurance?

Yes, you can use your health insurance to get a prescription refill online. Air Doctor has partnered with various health insurance providers to ensure you pay the usual amount of your co-pay per appointment.

Can I get a refill online without health insurance?

Yes. Even if you don’t have health insurance, you can still refill your prescription online. Air Doctor aims to help patients access professional medical doctors, at an affordable rate.

Can I also get new prescriptions online?

Yes, telemedicine platforms like Air Doctor can diagnose many medical conditions with an easy online consultation and electronically send new prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.

Common conditions that we can diagnose and treat with an online appointment include:

  • Cold & Flu
  • Sinus Infections
  • Urinary tract Infections
  • Sore Throat or Strep
  • Upset Stomach
  • Rashes
  • Ear Infections
  • Pinkeye
  • Bronchitis

And there you have it, everything you need to know about refilling prescriptions without having to see a doctor in person. Remember, the Air Doctor app is available on both the Google Play and Apple App stores.

Get prescription refills on existing medications or new prescriptions online. Our board-certified primary care doctors are here to help with your online prescription needs. We accept most major insurance and it takes about 15 minutes! Speak with a doctor online today.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    No insurance required

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Same-day prescriptions available*

We accept most major insurances. Some of the plans include:

3 simple steps to request your online prescription today

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 1

    Book an appointment.

    Book a same-day appointment from anywhere in the U.S.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 2

    Talk to a doctor.

    Speak with a top doctor about your prescriptions on your smartphone or computer.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 3

    Pick up your prescriptions.

    We can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 1

    Book an appointment.

    Book a same-day appointment from anywhere in the U.S.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 2

    Talk to a doctor.

    Speak with a top doctor about your prescriptions on your smartphone or computer.

  • How to get prescribed medicine without going to the doctor

    Step 3

    Pick up your prescriptions.

    We can send prescriptions to your local pharmacy.

Online prescription pricing details

How pricing works

To quickly and easily get your prescription online, join our monthly membership program and save up to 80% on your prescriptions.

Paying with insurance

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your 24/7 Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

Paying without insurance

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your 24/7 Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.

Online prescription services

From online prescriptions to prescription refills, our online medical services have you covered.

  • New prescriptions

    Request a new prescription online. Our board-certified doctors can prescribe medications including antibiotics, birth control, antidepressants, hypertension medication, and more. We accept most major insurances, and online visits take about 15 minutes.

  • Prescription refills

    Get your online prescription refills by speaking with a virtual doctor. Our physicians can write an online prescription refill after a medical evaluation on our platform. Your medication refills will be electronically sent to your nearest pharmacy.

  • Prescription discount card

    Why pay full price for your prescriptions? Save at 50,000+ pharmacies with our prescription discount card. The card could help you save up to 80% on your prescriptions and medications the next time you visit the pharmacy.

    Learn more about our prescription discount card
  • *Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion after a medical consultation; we cannot prescribe controlled substances.

    Online prescription ratings and reviews

    We’ve prescribed and treated over 415,000 patients.

    • Amazing doctors!

      So happy I came across this app. I have a cold and I didn’t want to spend two hours at urgent care. I was able to get an appointment the same day. Doctor was very friendly and efficient and the best thing is I didn’t have to leave my home.

      N.B., Sept 2021

    • Plushcare Please Don't Change A Thing!

      I came to Plushcare for routine meds when COVID first hit, but have now chosen a primary care physician who is the kindest, most concerned and helpful doctor I have ever worked with.

      J.P., Apr 2022

    • Very convenient from the comfort of…

      Very convenient from the comfort of your home, and flexible appointment availability! The doctor actually made the right (and critical) diagnosis and sent me to my specialist, who confirmed her online diagnosis. Very, very satisfied.

      G.T., Apr 2022

    • Five star service from the comfort of my home

      I was debating whether going to an Emergency room or having a dispatch physician come to my home for an eye infection. I have a toddler and with everything going on with Covid I couldn’t take the chances of going to the ER. After some research I came across PlushCare — the doctor was extremely knowledgeable and he sent my prescription to the pharmacy even before we finished our call.

      T.R., Jan 2022

    • My fantastic experience with Plush Care!

      My experience with Plush Care was amazing. I was able to get an appointment within 30 min of first logging in & my physician was extremely helpful & knowledgeable. I have already shared my experience with family & friends. It was the most relaxed, convenient appointment I've ever had & will definitely be using this service again.

      L.D., Dec 2021

    Benefits of choosing an online prescription service

  • Ease and simplicity of prescription receipt

    Connecting with a top doctor to discuss your prescription is easier than ever. To get started, book an online appointment with one of our caring expert physicians. Then, attend your virtual visit through your phone or computer. Your doctor will listen to your questions, and help determine if you qualify for a prescription and what medication treatment options to consider. To receive your prescription, just choose a nearby pharmacy, where you will then be able to pick up your medication after the doctor sends the prescription. Overall, a virtual prescription appointment is a reliable and COVID-safe way to request and receive your medication.

  • Convenient online doctor visits

    Requesting a prescription online helps you save time. You can conveniently speak to a top primary care doctor from the comfort of home. With a virtual visit, you can skip traffic and avoid waiting rooms. Same-day appointments with our board-certified online doctors are often available, including on evenings, weekends, and major holidays. If you are feeling unwell, live in an area far from a doctor's office, or do not readily have access to transportation, an online doctor visit can be a convenient way to discuss a new prescription or prescription refill.

  • Save time on prescription refills

    Speaking with a doctor about a prescription online makes requesting a refill even easier. During your virtual visit, your doctor will review your medical history and any current prescription medications you are taking. Part of what your doctor determines during your visit will include the prescription refill dosage and treatment regimen. Prescription refill orders are electronically sent to a local pharmacy of your choice for pickup. We also make it easy to schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor for prescription refills and check-ins.

  • Speak with top online doctors

    Our board-certified physicians are here for you. PlushCare's licensed primary care doctors have graduated from the top 50 medical schools in the United States and have an average of 15 years of clinical experience helping patients. You can get your prescription questions answered, find out more about treatment options, and work with your doctor to develop the right care plan for you. Our supportive physicians are highly trained to work with patients online and provide world-class care in a virtual setting. We are proud of the quality of personalized care we offer to our patients, and we look forward to helping you.

    • Can I get a prescription without seeing a doctor?

      Legally, you need to have a consultation with a doctor before you can receive prescription medication. That said, you can get an online prescription without going into the doctor’s office by seeing a virtual doctor. Online doctors can write online prescriptions and prescription refills and will electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice, following your appointment.

    • Can I order a prescription online?

      While you cannot simply order a prescription online, you can meet with a doctor online to get medication prescribed online. In order to receive prescription medication, you must first consult with a medical doctor. This can be done online via phone or video chat. If the doctor finds you may benefit from an online prescription they will electronically send one to the pharmacy of your choice.

    • How can I get a prescription fast?

      You can get a prescription fast by skipping the doctor’s office and meeting with a doctor online. PlushCare offers same-day appointments with board certified doctors from the top 50 U.S. medical schools. The average consultation lasts just 15 minutes. We see patients with or without insurance and our doctors can write online prescriptions and prescription refills for all non controlled substances. They can also provide you with a doctor’s note if necessary.

    • Is it possible to get medication online without a prescription?

      In order to receive a prescription online, a patient is required to have a medical consultation with a licensed doctor. According to U.S. federal law, a pharmacy must have a prescription with a healthcare provider’s signature in order to sell you certain medications.

      Doctors at PlushCare can provide new prescriptions if necessary to treat a variety of medical concerns. Online doctors at PlushCare are also able to provide refills of previously prescribed medication as long as it is not classified as a controlled substance.

    • Can you get a prescription refill while traveling?

      To get a prescription refill while traveling in the United States, you can speak with an online doctor. If the doctor determines that the refill is medically necessary and appropriate, then the doctor can send electronic prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice, even if you are in a different state from your home. You can speak with an online doctor using a telemedicine platform such as PlushCare through your phone or computer. After your medical consultation, you may be eligible to have your prescription refill sent to a pharmacy near you in the location where you are staying.

    • Can I refill my prescription online?

      Yes, you can legally refill a prescription online after a virtual medical consultation with an online doctor. At PlushCare, our licensed doctors can prescribe online prescription refills for all non-controlled substances for up to 90 days.

    • How do I get a refill on my prescription?

      You can get a refill for your prescription by talking to a doctor. You can either go in to see your primary care physician, or book an online appointment with any PlushCare doctor to get your refill even faster. If your PlushCare doctor determines that your prescription refill is medically necessary, then your prescription will be sent electronically to a local pharmacy for pick up.

    • How can I refill my prescription if I have run out of refills?

      If the pharmacy has told you that you have run out of refills on your prescription, but you still need your medication, it is time to see a doctor. The doctor will make sure you should still be taking the medication and can write you a new prescription if you qualify and if needed. This can all be done online through a virtual medical consultation at PlushCare.

    • How can I refill my prescription without seeing a doctor?

      If you need a refill prescription, you may be able to speak with an online doctor to request a prescription refill. This could help you save time without having to travel to see a doctor in person. To speak with an online doctor at PlushCare about requesting a prescription refill, you would first make an online appointment. During your virtual consultation, the doctor will review your symptoms and medical history to determine if you need a refill prescription. If the doctor writes you a prescription, the prescription refill would then be sent to a pharmacy for you to pick up.

    How can I get a prescription without?

    Getting a prescription without a doctor or doctor's visit can be done through Telehealth prescribing, provider-patient relationship, and telemedicine prescribing. These methods have specific legal requirements to be met in each state, especially when prescribing controlled substances.

    How can I get antibiotics without seeing a doctor?

    Yes, there are antibiotics that you can get over the counter. These can be found at any local drug store or grocery store pharmacy. That said, only certain types of antibiotics, such as topical antibiotics, are available over the counter.

    Can you get prescription online?

    Yes! Your doctor can arrange to send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. Your online pharmacy prescription will be sent and kept securely and privately. Most pharmacies can have your prescription medications ready within an hour.

    Can you get a repeat prescription without seeing a doctor?

    Doctors on Demand's online prescription service is called QuickScript and allows you to obtain a repeat prescription without a live doctor's consultation. And there is no need to wait in a doctor's waiting room to see a doctor just for your regular prescription.