# Can You Get a Prescription Without Seeing a Doctor in Nanaimo?

Before telemedicine, getting a prescription for a minor illness or condition meant visiting the doctor. With telemedicine, you still need to consult a doctor to get your prescription. The only difference is you don't need to travel to the walk-in clinic in Nanaimo.


# Obtaining a Prescription Through Telemedicine
Telehealth is an emerging area in healthcare where technology is used for providing health services. This subbranch of telehealth is telemedicine, and it deals with virtual healthcare consultations where a video chat is done over the phone or computer.

Telemedicine is popular because it is convenient, with the patient attending the consultation from the comfort of their homes.

There are Nanaimo [doctors accepting new patients who will issue a prescription](https://www.walkinvirtualclinics.com/british-columbia/family-doctor-nanaimo) after a virtual consultation, and you don't need to visit their clinic. The doctor diagnoses your symptoms online and sends the prescription to your local pharmacy so that you don't need to visit the clinic for your refills.

# Things to Keep in Mind When Using Telemedicine

While telemedicine offers multiple benefits for patients, here are some things you need to consider:

**Laws Governing Telehealth Vary by State**

You need to determine the [laws regarding telemedicine in your state](https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-coverage-for-telehealth-services.aspx) before looking for doctors in Nanaimo accepting new patients. This includes getting your prescriptions refilled and having at least one in-person visit to establish a patient-provider relationship. You can go online and check the laws for Nanaimo or consult your clinic.

**Not All Medications Can be Prescribed via Telemedicine**

There are federal laws that prohibit prescriptions for controlled substances. Doctors accepting new patients in Nanaimo would need to meet the patient in person, and certain criteria need to be fulfilled before controlled substances can be prescribed.

For these reasons, it's difficult for doctor's to prescribe controlled substances online. You need to check with your doctor, and only after consultation can you be given a controlled substance.


**Consider the State Where the Doctor Is Located**

Your doctor could be located in a different state. Find out if they have permission to practice in your state before going ahead with the consultation. You can check online with Telehealth Platforms and verify this information. Usually, these platforms will match you with a doctor who is allowed to practice in your state.

**How Much Does a Telemedicine Visit Cost?**

Not only is [telemedicine at the walk-in clinic in Nanaimo](https://www.walkinvirtualclinics.com/british-columbia/walk-in-clinic-nanaimo) more convenient compared to an in-person consultation, it's cheaper as well. The rates, in most cases, are as affordable or cheaper compared to offline consultations. There are certain platforms that qualify for insurance.

Telemedicine can be used for allergies, bacterial or sinus infections. You can also opt for it if you have a chronic condition.

If you need help finding doctors in Nanaimo accepting new patients, come to Walk-In Virtual Clinics. We have a team of experienced doctors, and we'll connect you to a primary care physician according to your needs. Book an appointment today. Just log on to our portal and register yourself through the easy step-by-step process.