Medication changes are a normal and expected part of quality care. Treatment plans should never be static. As conditions change and symptoms wax and wane, doses may need to be increased or decreased to keep patients both safe and on track. Telehealth providers make medication changes remotely by utilizing clinical judgment, technology, and robust follow up protocols that align with in person standards of care.
When provided by companies like Omnia Telehealth, remote medication changes are evidence based, clinically appropriate, well documented, and supported by follow up monitoring.
Remote Medication Changes Through Telehealth Services
Virtual care platforms allow providers to assess whether medication changes are warranted through the use of secure video visits, phone calls, or asynchronous messaging. While speaking with patients, providers gather information about their symptoms, side effects, adherence concerns, and overall treatment goals. Patients may be asked to transmit recent home monitoring measurements (such as blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, weight scales, etc.) ahead of the visit to provide clinical context.
Clinicians may also order or review recent lab work before changing any medications. Online care allows doctors to make changes to medications without physically seeing a patient, but the process for determining when those changes should occur is very similar. Therapy should never be adjusted without objective data first.
Reasons Medications Might Be Changed Virtually
Any time a patient’s medications are no longer effectively managing their condition, dosage changes or medication substitutions may be needed. Conversely, if side effects develop or a patient’s condition improves significantly, medication dosages may need to be decreased.
For example, if patients report elevated blood pressure readings at home or in a clinic, clinicians may increase doses of antihypertensive medications. Conversely, if blood sugars are trending low on insulin therapy, doses may be decreased.
Remote medication management can also be used to stabilize medications after hospital discharge, during ongoing chronic disease follow ups, or when transitioning between medications or therapies. Behavioral health medications, hormone therapy, and maintenance medications can often be adjusted through virtual care with appropriate safety nets and follow up.
Technology Used by Telehealth Providers
Telehealth providers use several technology solutions to review information about a patient’s current medications, safely change prescriptions, and send updated medication instructions to patients. EHRs allow clinicians to quickly view medication lists, allergies, and drug-drug interaction checks.
Computerized e prescribing platforms connect directly with pharmacies, sending updated medication information within minutes of processing.
Remote monitoring devices are also used to track patients’ conditions at home and measure if treatment changes are having a positive impact. Devices like blood pressure cuffs, scales, pulse oximeters, connect thermometers, glucose meters, and weighted activity trackers can augment clinical decision making and reduce the need for in person visits. Providers can use secure texting or messaging through patient portals to touch base with patients after medication changes and address any questions quickly.
Safety protocols after changing medications
Patients should always leave telehealth visits with clear instructions on how to take their new dose, what side effects to expect, and when to seek further help. Follow up plans are customized based on risk. Some changes need to be followed up within days; others can remain on routine schedules.
Providers document all medication changes in the patients electronic medical record, and some telehealth platforms integrate directly with pharmacies to streamline communications.
Some medications come with strict regulatory requirements. For these therapies, clinicians follow prescribing guidelines and incorporate additional checks or workflows as required. In some cases this could include underlying in person evaluation prior to initiation.
Adapting to barriers in virtual medication management
There are unique barriers that come with adjusting medications remotely, such as ensuring patient adherence to new medications and accurate technology usage. Telehealth providers aim to mitigate these risks by using teach back techniques during visits and sending patients written visit summaries.
Because many states have varying restrictions on what medications can be prescribed remotely, providers also adapt to different prescribing regulations. Patients should be notified if their medication changes are not possible through telehealth and understand the next steps for in person care if needed.
Expanding access to medication changes
Telehealth continues to expand access to medication adjustments and foster more proactive medication management. Remote monitoring, connected pharmacies, and clinical decision support software will allow doctors to make safer changes more quickly.
Patients should experience minimal delays in getting the right medications, have access to clear instructions about their care, and consistent follow up communications. Medication changes made through telehealth have the potential to be equally as safe as those made in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do telehealth providers know when to adjust a medication?
A: Clinicians review symptoms, goals, side effects, home monitoring trends, and labs to decide if a medication change is needed.
Q2: Can telehealth providers change my prescription without seeing me in person?
A: Yes, many prescriptions can be adjusted safely through telehealth when enough information and patient monitoring is available.
Q3: What should I expect after my medication is adjusted online?
A: You’ll receive dosing instructions, information on expected side effects, and a follow up plan which may include virtual check ins or labs.
Q4: Are medication adjustments through telehealth safe?
A: Medication changes should be just as safe through telehealth as they are with in person visits. Telehealth providers follow prescribed guidelines and conduct medication changes through secure channels.
Q5: What should I do if I feel worse after getting my medication changed through telehealth?
A: Reach out to your provider through the secure messaging option or request a follow up visit. Seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms.