Is it legal to "skype" with doctors and have them prescribe something?

[Vicisti.Galilaee]

I've been trying to figure out if there is such a thing as doctors whom one can "see" online and over a webcam. Can this legally be done, and if it can be done, can they provide prescriptions for medications? Finally, if both of these things are legal, are there any endocrinologists or psychiatrists who provide the prescriptions necessary for HRT?

[Chloe]

 

Longtime Atlanta gender therapist Virginia Erhardt is now living in Washington State and working with clients by telephone or Skype. (from here)

Having never met with her personally (tres' cher, website here) I suspect she's semi-retired and, as far as scripts, would have to ask.

From what someone says who has seen her "seems very old school" wouldn't recommend. The only one who does 'skype'? Unsure . . .

[Jessica Merriman]

I would be very concerned for a doctor that does not want to do a personal evaluation and lab work before any medical transition or procedure. As long as her license is still valid though legally she can fax scripts to a pharmacy. It is done all the time in rural telemedicine where small clinics and hospitals contract with doctors in larger cities for special care. However, even with this there is a trained provider actually in physical contact with the patient. I would not use the Skpe option at all. 

[Bombadil]

I've heard of it for therapists but agree with what Jessica said about doctors. I would be wary unless the online dr is working with a doctor you can see in person.

Having never met with her personally (tres' cher, website here) I suspect she's semi-retired and, as far as scripts, would have to ask.

From what someone says who has seen her "seems very old school" wouldn't recommend. The only one who does 'skype'? Unsure . . .

She can't do scripts she's a psychologist not a psychiatrist. My therapist does skype. I think there are others out there.

[Vicisti.Galilaee]

I would be very concerned for a doctor that does not want to do a personal evaluation and lab work before any medical transition or procedure. As long as her license is still valid though legally she can fax scripts to a pharmacy. It is done all the time in rural telemedicine where small clinics and hospitals contract with doctors in larger cities for special care. However, even with this there is a trained provider actually in physical contact with the patient. I would not use the Skpe option at all. 

But can they technically fax scripts even without an in-person intermediary of some sort? Lab work and that stuff won't be a problem, I can always fax a psychiatrist my lab results if that would be ok.

[Chloe]

But can they technically fax scripts even without an in-person intermediary of some sort?

You would need a local endo of course, which usually entails an examination (ie: in link posted above I've seen Dott, who specializes in FtM BTW, Swenson (also runs weekly support group) and know of Thacker who handles all the finer details. )

Would fax it to your pharmacy of choice I presume. Really not all that 'technically' at all!!