The availability of online prescriptions can make obtaining medications very convenient. People can get online prescriptions and have them delivered directly to their homes or offices. The first step in buying online prescriptions is choosing a reputable online pharmacy. Consumers should start by selecting a pharmacy that is licensed by the country, state, or province in which it is located. It's also a good idea to research and make sure the pharmacy in question is in good standing, without a record of breaking laws.
Depending on the country in which the online pharmacy operates, there may be an entity that regulates, recommends, or inspects Internet pharmacies. In the United States, online pharmacies can be accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and their websites may bear the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal of approval. Other countries may have similar entities for pharmacy accreditation. By choosing to get online prescriptions from a pharmacy with accreditation, consumers may have a better chance of obtaining the quality of medications they need and protecting their health.
Before online pharmacies sell prescription medications, they typically require the consumer to create an online account and complete a medical profile. The online account information usually includes information like the user's name and address, and the consumer may create a unique username and password. The medical history or profile usually requires the consumer to answer questions about his health problems, allergies, age, and other health-related issues. While such questions may seem intrusive, they're intended to ensure that the consumer can get online prescriptions that are safe for him to consume.
To get online prescriptions, a consumer usually needs a prescription from a doctor. Many Internet pharmacies allow consumers to mail or fax in prescriptions. There are others, however, that will only take faxed prescriptions from doctors; pharmacies often even accept phoned-in prescriptions from doctors as well as those that have been transferred from other pharmacies. There are some pharmacies that provide remote consultations with doctors, who then go on to provide the prescriptions the patient needs. In some places, this process is a legal substitute for face-to-face meetings between patients and their doctors.
Once the online pharmacy has the prescription, the final step for the consumer is making payment. Most online pharmacies accept credit cards as payment, and some may accept online checks as well. Additionally, many online pharmacies accept health insurance. Few accept every health insurance plan, however, so it's wise to learn which plans are accepted before beginning an order.
