In the US Telehealth services are hit and miss at best from state to state following the pandemic.
We need universal recommendations and options for people who live in states with strict laws that limit Telehealth for those with well established, long-term, preexisting conditions.
My specific example is with adult ADHD medication prescriptions. But this is also the case with many mental health drugs.
I live in Georgia and was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 14. Im now 46 years old. Ive been on ADHD medication for 20+ years, but every 90 days I have to drive in to “see” my doctor, in person, in order to have my prescription “reviewed” and reissued.
No bloodwork, no actual reassessment, just “how’s it going?” or “any issues with your medicine?”.
And for this service, I get the honor of paying a $150 office visit fee. This isnt a big deal for those with insurance, like me, but that is not the case for everyone.
Case-in-point, my 25yo dayghter. She too was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age and was on meds until she could no longer stay on my healthcare policy. Since then, she’s been unable to afford the office visits that are required under GA statute. This is the case with many people struggling with mental health medication issues throughout the US.
Most of the current policies are outlined to curb the “pill mills” of the late 90’s and 2000’s, and this is a great idea, however these laws and policies are affecting those who have been diagnosed for years, and thats simply not fair.
• The US needs clear and concise telehealth policy that specifically addresses those with well established preexisting conditions that require “controlled substance” medications.
• We need to allow “long-term” patients, (who actually use their medicine), an affordable and practical way to get those prescriptions from their doctors.
• We need policies that promote low-cost telehealth visits, for those who qualify, and curtail the out of control costs of simple “check-ups” and “follow-ups” for these patients that are required in some states.