Prescription Policy

First Stop Health doctors may, at their discretion, recommend a prescription to a member, when they believe it is in the best interest of the member (medically) to do so. Drugs that our doctors typically prescribe include common prescription drugs as antihistamines and antibiotics. Our doctors can also prescribe many maintenance medicines, usually on a temporary basis (e.g., thirty-days). This includes medications used to manage high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. This service is provided if a member is in transition to a new doctor or is traveling and has left a prescription medication behind.

Our doctors will only issue prescriptions if they are able to gather the appropriate information to accurately diagnose and treat a given condition. A prescription is not guaranteed. Doctors may refer members to their primary care physician, an urgent care center, or other appropriate care for requested medications if they feel a referral is important to ensure the proper standard of medical care. Members with chronic illnesses will be encouraged to visit their primary care physicians or other specialists for ongoing care.

First Stop Health doctors do not prescribe any medications that are listed on the DEA list of controlled substances, such as narcotics (e.g., oxycodone) or amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) and anti-anxiety drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs (e.g., Klonopin, Lorazepam, Valium, and Xanax,) nor do they prescribe lifestyle medications (e.g., Viagra) or diet pills (e.g., phentermine). While we do not typically provide prescriptions for anxiety, depression, or ongoing psychiatric illnesses (e.g., Abilify, and Prozac), doctors may provide anxiety medication on a short-term basis Additionally, our doctors are unable to provide prescriptions for Tramadol or for medical marijuana.

Medications prescribed are subject to state and federal regulations.

For Virtual Primary Care Services only:

Our doctors may prescribe many maintenance medicines, such as those used to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, First Stop Health doctors may prescribe a lifestyle medication (e.g., Viagra) and non-controlled behavioral health medications. Medications will be prescribed only if it is safe and appropriate as determined by the doctor in their discretion and professional judgment. There is no guarantee a lifestyle or non-controlled behavioral health prescription will be written.