You wake up with a sore throat, a cough, or maybe a burning sensation when you pee. Your first thought might be, "I need antibiotics." But getting them isn't always as simple as a quick trip to the doctor—especially when your schedule is packed or you're not feeling up to sitting in a waiting room. That's where telehealth comes in. An online prescription for antibiotics can be a convenient option, but it's important to understand how it works and what it can—and can't—do.

How an Online Prescription for Antibiotics Works

At Medcare Telehealth, we connect you with board-certified nurse practitioners licensed in New York and Florida via live video visits. The process is straightforward: you join a secure video call from your phone, tablet, or computer, and you'll talk with a provider who can review your symptoms, ask questions, and determine if antibiotics are appropriate. If they are, the provider can send a prescription to your local pharmacy. If they're not—say, you have a viral infection—they'll explain why and suggest alternatives. Because we're not an emergency service, we focus on common, non-urgent conditions like sinus infections, urinary tract infections, and skin issues.

What We Can (and Can't) Treat

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viruses. So, we won't prescribe them for the common cold or flu. We can help with conditions like:

  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Mild skin infections like impetigo or infected eczema
  • Sinusitis that's likely bacterial and has lasted more than 10 days
  • Strep throat (when confirmed by a rapid test at home or a lab)
  • Ear infections in adults

But there are limits. We cannot prescribe controlled substances, and we won't treat conditions that need in-person exams, like severe pneumonia, deep abscesses, or infections with high fever and rapid breathing. If you need IV antibiotics or imaging, we'll direct you to urgent care or the ER.

Why an Online Prescription Might Not Be the Best First Step

Here's the honest part: not every infection needs antibiotics, and taking them when you don't need them can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Our providers are trained to follow evidence-based guidelines. They may ask you to get a strep test or a urine test at a nearby lab before prescribing, especially if symptoms are unclear. That's not a hassle—it's good medicine. So, if you're hoping for a quick script without any questions, this might not be the right service for you. But if you want a thoughtful, practical evaluation, we're here.

Medcare Telehealth Membership

Individual plan: $29/month (1 visit). Family plan: $49/month (4 visits). No insurance required. Live video visits with board-certified NPs, Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM ET. Most members connect in about 10 minutes.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you join a video visit, the NP will ask about your symptoms, medical history, allergies, and current medications. They'll also discuss any chronic conditions like kidney disease or pregnancy, which can affect antibiotic choices. You'll leave the visit with a clear plan: either a prescription (if appropriate), a recommendation for over-the-counter remedies, or a suggestion to see an in-person provider for further testing. If you get a prescription, you can pick it up at any pharmacy you choose.

Before You Start

Please have your medication list, allergy information, and any recent test results ready before your visit. Also, if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or a rash that spreads quickly, do not wait for a video visit—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Telehealth is for non-urgent issues only. If you're unsure, it's always safer to seek emergency care.

Ready to talk to a provider? Sign up for Medcare Telehealth today and get the care you need, when you need it.