Tips From GoodRx Care Patient Support Advocates: What Happens After Your Telehealth Visit?

If you’ve never had a telehealth visit before, that first online consultation can be a big step. Preparing for your online consultation is important, but so is what you do afterwards. Here are some tips from GoodRx Care’s Patient Support Team on how to make the most of their follow-up services.

Filling a prescription from your HeyDoctor provider 

If your GoodRx Care provider writes you a prescription after your visit, they’ll ask you for your preferred pharmacy and send your prescription there. Keep in mind: You may want to check GoodRx first to see where you can get the lowest price for your medication at pharmacies in your area. And if you’re looking to skip the lines and have your medication delivered right to your door, GoodRxCare can also send your prescription to a mail-order pharmacy for fulfillment.

Just like with a standard doctor’s office visit, you will need to pay for your prescription after a telehealth visit. If you’re using insurance for any prescriptions from GoodRx Care, it’s important to note that some plans require a pre-authorization before they will cover your medication. GoodRx Care can submit a request to your insurance provider for any non-elective prescriptions, such as those for acne, smoking cessation, and birth control. However, an insurance provider’s approval process can take up to a week. To save time and plan accordingly, you can refer to your health plan’s formulary or contact your insurance provider beforehand to check for any additional requirements. 

Potential delays can also happen for various reasons, like medication shortages or clerical issues. If you have any questions about a delay, GoodRx Care patient advocates are available to help.

Getting a lab test after seeing your HeyDoctor provider

Depending on the reason for your telehealth visit, your provider might recommend that you get a lab test. GoodRx Care can order certain lab tests for you, including pregnancy, pre-diabetes, and tuberculosis tests. They will send the lab order to a lab in your area of your choosing, and they will also cover the cost of testing. Once your test results are ready, the medical team at Goodrx Care will review your test results with you, answer any questions you have, and help determine the next best steps in your care.

Following up with your HeyDoctor provider

Treat the days and weeks after your online consultation like you would a regular doctor’s visit. Take note of any changes to your symptoms or new side effects after starting any recommended treatment, and follow up if you have questions or concerns. 

Even after your initial visit with the doctor, GoodRx Care is available if you have questions or need further support. You can always call in or chat with a patient support advocate or provider on the app. Click here to learn more about GoodRx Care’s messaging features, available both online and through the app. 

If your online visit was for behavioral care, such as smoking cessation, GoodRx Care will automatically follow up with you to check on your progress. If you are interested in modifying your care plan, exploring other treatment options, or getting a prescription renewed, you can ask to schedule another visit so a provider can address your needs. And depending on the status of your condition and experience with any medications or lab tests you’ve gotten, GoodRx Care may suggest a follow-up visit.

Be sure to turn on your app notifications so you’ll know as soon as your provider sends a message and responds to your inquiries. Your provider will work with you to set the best course of action for you. In some cases, GoodRxCare may recommend you follow up with in-person medical care if your condition cannot be treated safely online. If you think you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 instead for immediate assistance.

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Managing a health condition can be intimidating, not to mention stressful on top of the current pandemic. Now that you know how to successfully navigate your first telehealth experience and that GoodRx Care is available for support before, during, and after your visit, rest assured that you’re set up for success. As you use GoodRxCare services, keep in mind that GoodRx Care patient support advocates and healthcare providers value any feedback you may have — your comments and suggestions are welcome. GoodRx Care strives to continually improve their services to best meet the needs of patients just like you.