How to Get Antibiotics Online Through Telehealth
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- Telehealth visits, including through a primary care provider or services like Teladoc Health, can result in an antibiotic prescription when a bacterial infection is confirmed.
- Patients should finish the entire course and report serious side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members can access 24/7 virtual care and a nurse line for guidance on whether an antibiotic is appropriate.
If you are sick with an infection and don’t want to travel to a doctor’s office, telehealth services may help you get the health care you need.
But can you get an antibiotic via telehealth care? Let’s take a look at antibiotics and telehealth services available to you.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a group of medications used to fight certain bacterial infections and illnesses caused by bacteria. Common bacterial infections include:
- Strep throat
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pink eye
While effective when prescribed properly, antibiotics aren’t right for every illness. They don’t work for viruses such as a cold, the flu and COVID-19. Physicians are careful to prescribe antibiotics only when needed because overusing them can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means the drugs no longer work against the bacteria.
Antibiotics can cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea and rashes and allergic reactions. Most side effects are minor and will go away when you are through with the medication.
If you get an antibiotic, take the medication as directed by your health care provider, finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your symptoms lessen, and share any serious side effects or allergic reactions with your primary care provider (PCP).
Telehealth from your primary care provider
It’s best to start with your PCP if you have a minor illness or infection. Your PCP knows your medical history, current medications and allergies.
You can contact your PCP’s office to see if they offer telehealth visits, and you may be able to talk to your PCP on the phone or via video chat. Your PCP can prescribe medications, including antibiotics.
Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®
When your PCP isn’t available, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members also have access to Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®. This offers 24/7 visits with a board-certified doctor from anywhere in the United States for the same or lower cost than an in-person office visit.
You can contact Virtual Care by Teladoc Health from your smartphone, tablet or computer when your primary care provider isn’t available. There is no appointment needed, and the average wait time is 10 minutes.
During the call, you can share your symptoms wsith the doctor. Health care professionals can help provide remote advice and prescriptions for minor illnesses, including infections. The doctor can call prescriptions, including antibiotics, into your local pharmacy or to another nearby.
To use Virtual Care by Teladoc Health, download the Teladoc Health app and set up an account on your mobile device, or use your Blue Cross member account to access Virtual Care on mobile or desktop.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members also have access to a toll-free, 24-hour nurse line at 1-800-775-BLUE (2583). Health care professionals can discuss symptoms and whether an antibiotic might be the right treatment.
While not all bacterial illnesses are preventable, living a healthy lifestyle can help support your immune system. Focus on:
- Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limited ultra-processed foods and sugar.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Exercising at least 150 minutes a week.
- Getting at least seven hours of quality sleep a night.
Image: Getty Images
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