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Filling a prescription is an essential part of managing your health. Whether you’re continuing long-term treatment or starting a new medication, it’s important to follow the correct process to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to refill a prescription
- Whether prescriptions can be filled online
- A comparison of top telehealth platforms
- What it typically costs to fill a prescription
- Tips for making the process smoother
- Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Need a prescription refill? Klarity Health connects you with a provider to schedule a virtual visit. If medically appropriate, you can have your prescription sent directly to your preferred pharmacy or delivered to your door.
Fill your prescription online
Licensed providers on Klarity Health can review your needs and prescribe medication if appropriate—all from home.
How do I refill my prescription?
To refill a prescription in the U.S., start by checking the label on your medication bottle to see if you have any refills left and whether the prescription is still valid. If refills are available, you can usually request them through your pharmacy’s app, website, phone system, or by visiting in person. Be ready to provide your name, prescription number, medication name and strength, and insurance details if needed.
Pharmacists can only dispense refills that were previously approved by the prescribing provider. In limited cases—such as emergencies or under specific state-level agreements—pharmacists may issue a temporary refill. However, federal law prohibits pharmacists from authorizing refills for most medications unless state laws allow it.
If your prescription has expired or you’ve used all available refills, you’ll need to obtain a new prescription from your provider or through a licensed telehealth platform.
Controlled substance refill rules
Controlled substances are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Refill policies vary by drug schedule:
| Controlled substance schedule | Refill policy | Additional notes |
| Schedule II | Refills are not allowed under federal law. A new prescription is required for each fill. | No federal expiration date, but many states require filling within 30 days to 6 months of issuance. |
| Schedule III & IV | May be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months of the original prescription date, whichever comes first. | Refills must be authorized by the provider. |
| Schedule V | Refill rules vary by state and provider authorization. | Some states may impose limits similar to Schedule III/IV medications. |
If your prescription has expired or you’ve used all authorized refills, you’ll need a new prescription from your provider or through a licensed telehealth platform.
Can I fill a prescription online?
Yes, many U.S. pharmacies and platforms allow you to fill a prescription online.
- Retail chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger offer online refill options through their websites or mobile apps. You can choose in-store pickup or home delivery in most locations.
- Mail-order pharmacies, often connected to your insurance provider, allow you to enroll in auto-refill and receive your medication by mail within a few days.
If your prescription is expired or requires a new evaluation, you can:
- Use a telehealth platform, such as Klarity Health, Teladoc, Amwell, or MDLIVE, to speak with a licensed provider who can electronically send a prescription to your pharmacy, if deemed medically appropriate.
- Visit an urgent care clinic or a pharmacy in states that allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medications.
Top telehealth platforms to fill a prescription
| Platform | Prescription services | Appointment speed | Self-pay cost | Insurance accepted |
| KlarityHealth | New prescriptions and refills for non-controlled medications and controlled substances in medically appropriate | Within 24 hours | Varies by provider; transparent pricing | Yes, major insurance and cash pay |
| Teladoc Health | Prescriptions for non-emergency conditions | Same-day or on-demand | About $89 (may be $0 with insurance) | Yes, via employer or health plans |
| Amwell | Most non-controlled prescriptions | Scheduled video visits | About $59 (or $44 with membership) | Yes |
| MDLIVE | Prescriptions after virtual visits | Typically same day | Similar to Teladoc | Yes, commonly with Cigna/Evernorth |
| HealthTap | Short-term prescriptions and refills for common conditions | 24/7 availability | About $44 per visit; membership is about $15 per month | Some insurance plans |
- Klarity Health offers flexible, low-cost prescription access with no subscription required. Most users can book appointments within 24 hours.*
- Teladoc Health provides real-time, 24/7 telehealth care with wide insurance acceptance.
- Amwell and MDLIVE support primary and urgent care needs with prescription support, often bundled with health plans.
- HealthTap is a budget-friendly option offering 24/7 virtual care for common medical issues.
How much do you pay to fill a prescription?
Prescription costs vary, depending on several factors:
- Insurance coverage: Generic drug copays can be as low as $0 to $10. Brand-name medications are typically more expensive.
- Formulary tier: Where a medication falls on your insurance formulary determines your out-of-pocket cost
- Without insurance: Generic prescriptions usually cost $10 to $30, while brand-name medications can cost significantly more. Savings programs like GoodRx may help reduce out-of-pocket prices.
- Mail-order delivery: Often includes standard shipping. Expedited shipping may cost extra.
- Early or emergency refills: If an insurer denies early refills, you may need to pay out of pocket. Some pharmacies, like Walgreens, offer same-day delivery for an additional fee, but it varies by location.
How can you manage to fill a prescription more smoothly?
To streamline your medication management:
- Track your refill dates: Use a chart or app to stay aware of when refills are due.
- Understand refill timing: Many insurers allow refills when you’ve used 75% to 85% of the medication. Controlled substances may have stricter refill rules. Federal law doesn’t set specific early refill windows. Policies vary by insurer and pharmacy.
- Use auto-refill services: Sign up for reminders or auto-refill with your pharmacy to avoid gaps.
- Consolidate your prescriptions: Filling all prescriptions at one pharmacy helps pharmacists track interactions and simplify refills.
- Plan ahead for travel: Ask about emergency or vacation overrides if you’re going out of town.
- Consider telehealth for renewals: Platforms like Klarity Health let you connect with licensed providers for convenient prescription access.
Need to fill a prescription online?
Looking for a convenient way to manage your prescriptions? Klarity Health offers online appointments with licensed providers who can evaluate your needs and send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy if medically appropriate.
No more long waits or multiple trips, just book a visit online, speak with a provider, and have your medication sent for pickup or delivery.Book an appointment on Klarity Health today to get started.
Need to fill a prescription without visiting a clinic?
Providers on Klarity Health can evaluate your condition and send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy if medically appropriate.
FAQs
*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. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. 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
