Glossary

Telehealth Prescribing

The act of a licensed provider evaluating a patient and issuing a valid prescription through a telehealth visit rather than an in-person encounter.

Telehealth prescribing is the clinical and legal foundation of every cash-pay telehealth program. A licensed provider evaluates the patient - via synchronous video, asynchronous intake review, or audio - and issues a prescription when clinically appropriate. The prescription carries the same legal weight as one issued in person, provided state-specific prescribing requirements are met.

For operators, prescribing is where the clinical and compliance risk is concentrated. You must ensure providers are licensed in the patient's state, that the prescribing encounter meets state standards for establishing a prescriber-patient relationship, and that controlled substance rules are followed where applicable. Many peptide and GLP-1 compounds are not controlled substances, which simplifies compliance compared to programs involving scheduled drugs.

Karpa's platform manages provider routing, documents encounters for compliance purposes, and tracks state-specific requirements automatically. Operators do not need to build prescribing workflows - they configure their clinical protocols and Karpa handles execution.

Related Terms

50-State Prescribing AI Clinical Triage Patient Intake Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a telehealth prescriber need to see the patient on video? expand_more
It depends on the state and the medication. Some states require synchronous video for an initial prescribing encounter. Others permit asynchronous review of intake questionnaires. Karpa's provider workflows are configured to meet each state's requirements.
What medications can be prescribed via telehealth? expand_more
Most non-controlled medications can be prescribed via telehealth, including GLP-1 compounds, peptides, and most hormone therapies. Controlled substances have additional federal and state restrictions, including the Ryan Haight Act for Schedule II-V drugs. Karpa's programs focus on non-controlled compounded medications.
How does Karpa handle provider liability for telehealth prescribing? expand_more
Providers on the Karpa network carry their own malpractice coverage. Karpa's platform provides documentation and workflow tools that support defensible prescribing decisions. Operators should review the provider agreement for specifics on liability allocation.

Ready to launch your clinic?

Karpa provides everything you need to go live in 2 weeks or less.

Book a Free Demo