Running low on a medication you take every day shouldn't mean a trip to the doctor's office. At MD Care, renewing a prescription your clinician already wrote is quick and costs $5. If you're new to us, a single video visit gets you started, and from then on your renewals are handled by the clinician who knows you.
We care for adults who are physically in Florida, by video, with Medicare accepted or a clear price without insurance.
What a refill or renewal is
People often use the two words interchangeably, but they're a little different:
- A refill is another fill of a prescription that still has refills left. Your pharmacy can usually handle that on its own.
- A renewal is a new prescription from a clinician when your refills have run out or the prescription has expired. That's what we do.
What MD Care can renew
Medications an MD Care clinician already prescribed. If you're an MD Care patient and your clinician prescribed the medication, you can request a renewal for $5. Your clinician reviews your chart, makes sure the medication is still right for you, and sends the prescription to your pharmacy.
Medications from another doctor, if you're new. If you're new to MD Care, or the medication came from another doctor, we start with a video visit. Your clinician reviews your history, the medication, how it's working and any labs that are due. If it's appropriate to continue, your clinician sends the prescription to your pharmacy, and future renewals can be the $5 kind.
Common long-term medications we renew include those for:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Asthma and seasonal allergies
When a renewal needs more than a quick review
A renewal is still a medical decision. Your clinician may ask for a video visit or a message visit ($20, when appropriate) before renewing if:
- It's been a while since your last visit
- Labs are due to make sure the medication is still safe, for example kidney function or blood sugar
- Your home readings or symptoms have changed
- You're having side effects
- You've started any new medications, including over-the-counter ones and supplements
If labs are needed, your clinician orders them at a Labcorp or Quest location near you.
Don't stop a medication because you ran out. Some medicines, including certain blood pressure medications, can cause problems if stopped suddenly. Request your renewal before you run out, and call your pharmacist if you're unsure what to do in the meantime.
What we don't prescribe by telehealth
MD Care does not prescribe controlled substances by telehealth. That includes opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines, stimulants for ADHD, and certain sleep medications. If you need one of these, your clinician can help you find in-person care.
We also may not renew a medication when it isn't safe to continue without an in-person exam or a test that can't be done at a lab. In that case we'll tell you why and help you take the next step.
How fast, and where it goes
- Request early. We suggest asking for your renewal when you have about a week of medication left. That leaves time for a review, and for a visit or labs if they're needed.
- Your choice of pharmacy. Prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy you choose. You can change pharmacies by telling us when you request the renewal.
- Picking it up. Once sent, your pharmacy fills it on its usual schedule. They'll let you know if a medication needs prior authorization from your plan.
Medicare and cost
| What you need | Without insurance |
|---|---|
| Renewal of a medication an MD Care clinician prescribed | $5 |
| Message visit, when appropriate | $20 |
| Video visit (new patients, or when a review is needed) | $50 |
MD Care accepts Medicare. If you're on Medicare, we confirm your coverage before your visit. There's no membership. The medication itself is paid at your pharmacy, through your Medicare Part D plan or out of pocket, and any labs are billed by Labcorp or Quest.
Can I get a prescription refill online in Florida?
Yes, if you're physically in Florida. If an MD Care clinician prescribed the medication, a renewal is $5. If you're new or the medication came from another doctor, start with a video visit.
Can you renew a prescription from my previous doctor?
Often, yes, after a video visit. Your clinician reviews your history and the medication first. Having your current medication bottles or a list of your medications handy helps.
Do you refill controlled substances?
No. MD Care doesn't prescribe controlled substances by telehealth, including opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD stimulants and certain sleep medications.
How quickly will my prescription be sent?
Your clinician reviews renewal requests as soon as they can. Request yours with about a week of medication left, so there's time for any visit or labs that might be needed.
Can I use any pharmacy?
Yes. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose, and you can switch when you request a renewal.
What about short-term prescriptions, like for an infection?
Those need a visit, not a renewal. Our urgent care visits cover common illnesses such as UTIs and sinus infections.
Keep your medications on track
New to MD Care? Start with a video visit. Already a patient? Request your $5 renewal.
References
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Telemedicine and controlled substance prescribing.
- Medicare.gov. Telehealth.
- Medicare.gov. Drug coverage (Part D).
This page is for general information and isn't medical advice. Whether a medication is renewed is a clinical decision your clinician makes after reviewing your health history. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.