Securing a letter of medical necessity (LMN) is essential for accessing insurance coverage, FSA/HSA reimbursements, or obtaining prior authorization for medical treatments, durable medical equipment, or medications. Fortunately, telehealth advancements have made it possible to get a letter of medical necessity entirely online, quickly, conveniently, and in compliance with U.S. healthcare standards.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment on Klarity Health to see whether you can get your LMN.
Who needs a letter of medical necessity?
An LMN is an official document from a licensed provider—like an MD, DO, NP, PA, therapist, or psychologist—that certifies a treatment, medication, or device is medically necessary for your health condition. You might need one if:
- You plan to submit claims to your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) for items like CPAP machines, specialty braces, or therapeutic supplements that aren’t automatically eligible.
- Your health insurer requires prior authorization for certain treatments, such as medications subject to formulary restrictions or high-cost equipment.
- You are appealing a claim denial, requiring documented medical justification to support your treatment plan.
- You want to use FSA/HSA funds for over-the-counter dietary supplements, which typically require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) and supporting documentation.
When is a letter of medical necessity required?
Common reasons you may be required to submit a letter of medical necessity include:
- Insurance formulary restrictions: Non-formulary medications or off-label treatments often need an LMN.
- Prior authorization approval: Payers, such as your insurance company, employer, or a government program, require documentation of necessity before reimbursement.
- FSA/HSA reimbursement: Specific healthcare products may need an LMN to qualify as eligible expenses.
- Appealing denied claims: A well-documented LMN containing clinical rationale can turn the tide in reconsiderations.
Off-label uses may require documentation, but insurers typically look for FDA-approved label coverage or high-quality clinical evidence for off-label use.
Can you get a letter of medical necessity online?
Telehealth platforms and digital medical services allow you to receive an LMN completely online. All that’s required is a virtual consultation during which a provider can review your condition. Then, they can issue a firm, evidence-based medical letter, e-signed and delivered via PDF. Providers issuing LMNs via telehealth must be licensed in the patient’s state and comply with state telemedicine laws.
How to get a letter of medical necessity online
To get a letter of medical necessity online:
Confirm your insurance company or payer requirements
- Research your insurer or HSA/FSA administrator to determine if they require an LMN.
- Some payers accept a template letter, while others have specific formatting or content requirements; check their website or member portal for details.
Gather clinical information
- Prepare your ICD-10 diagnosis codes, lab results, imaging studies, physician notes, and documented prior treatments or attempted alternatives.
Choose your online provider
- Review providers and platforms—like Klarity Health—that offer telehealth LMN services with licensed providers accepted by most Insurance companies .
- Whichever provider you choose, be sure they comply with the proper management of protected health information (PHI) and HIPAA compliance.
Book and attend a consultation
- Expect a 10–15 minute telehealth visit (via video or chat) where the clinician will evaluate your condition and determine whether an LMN is medically justified.
Review the draft LMN
- You’ll likely receive a draft letter to review before the final copy is sent. Verify that it includes the necessary elements, such as your name, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
Additionally, use this opportunity to request updates or clarify specifics.
Receive the final letter
- After your review and sign-off on the draft, the provider will finalize and sign the letter on official letterhead and deliver a PDF copy via email or within the platform.
Submit to your Insurance company or payer
- Save a copy of the LMN, claim forms, and receipts. Submit electronically or by mail, depending on payer instructions.
Follow up promptly
- Monitor your insurance or FSA portal. If the payer requests more documentation, reply quickly to avoid delays in reimbursement or approval.
Appeal if denied
- If a claim is denied, work with your provider to supplement your LMN with peer-reviewed clinical studies or guidelines and resubmit.
Online options for getting an LMN
There are many different digital LMN providers, including Klarity Health, that offer knowledgeable, quick, and convenient support in getting a letter of medical necessity.
Service | Delivery time | Cost | Provider type | Best for |
Klarity Health | Same-day | From $51 | MD/DO/NP/PA via video/text | HSA/FSA LMNs, insurance claims, prior authorizations |
Dr. B (text-based service) | ~24 hrs | $15 | NP/PA via chat | Gym/fitness, dietary/supplement LMNs |
Employer/plan template portal | Same-day | Free | Self + provider input | Employer-covered or standardized LMNs |
Regular provider (telehealth/in-person) | 1–7 days | Varies | MD/DO familiar with case | Complex/chronic conditions |
Truemed-style online service | 1–2 days | $15–50 | NP/PA via chat | Simple LMNs for common devices/supplements |
Clinic walk-ins | 2–14 days | Varies | MD/DO in-person | Patients already visiting clinics |
Why Klarity Health stands out
- Faster turnaround—often same-day or next business day LMN issuance for urgent needs
- Payer acceptance—clinician credentials and letter formatting meet FSA/HSA and insurance requirements
- Transparent pricing from $51, payable by HSA/FSA card
- Telehealth-based—no need for in-person visits unless clinically necessary
- Prior-authorization support via integrated telehealth workflows
What information should be included in an LMN?
Every LMN should include :
- Patient details: Name, date of birth, insurance ID/group number
- Provider information: Licensed provider name, credentials, NPI number, office contact, letterhead
- Clinical diagnosis: Precise ICD‑10 code, condition overview, symptom severity, date of onset
- Medical history: Prior treatments, lab/imaging results, response to therapy
- Treatment plan: Medication or device details—name, dosage, duration, frequency
- Medical justification: Explanation of necessity, failed alternatives, clinical guidelines, or FDA data cited
- Duration of validity: Commonly valid for 12 months unless the provider specifies otherwise
- Provider signature and date: E-signed or physically signed document with date included
Tips for getting a letter of medical necessity
Following these tips can help you avoid rejection:
- Be concise and specific by using direct medical language and avoiding unnecessary language
- Attach relevant clinical data, such as lab results or imaging, to strengthen the letter
- Reference clinical guidelines to reinforce necessity (like FDA-approved label or ACOG recommendations)
- Follow the Insurance company’s or payer’s formatting, using letterhead, and including all required sections
- Submit the letter early, before you purchase or begin treatment
- Retain records by saving PDF/print copies of everything submitted
- Appeal if denied by resubmitting with enhanced evidence
Getting an LMN online is simple and quick
Obtaining a smart, payer-ready letter of medical necessity online has never been easier. With clear requirements, clinical documentation, and telehealth platforms like Klarity Health, you can get medically compliant letters—complete with licensure, formatting, and rationale—often within 24–48 hours.
Book your LMN appointment with Klarity Health
Klarity Health offers a smooth, payer-accepted process to obtain your LMN quickly and easily:
- Fast online access—appointments within 24 hours and same-day email delivery
- Transparent pricing starting at $51, payable via HSA/FSA cards
- Board-certified providers (MD, DO, NP, PA) in all 50 states
- Fully formatted LMNs ready for upload to insurance, FSA, or HSA portals
- Ongoing support for prior authorization and letter renewals
Explore doctor’s notes online to see how providers help you to receive LMN.
FAQs about getting a letter of medical necessity online
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
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