Can telehealth providers legally prescribe antibiotics in Florida?
Yes. In the state of Florida, telehealth providers can legally prescribe antibiotics and other non-controlled medications. This is allowed under Florida Statute Section 456.47, which permits licensed healthcare providers to prescribe medications during a telehealth consultation, as long as the standard of care is met.
Telemedicine is considered a valid and legal method for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients—including prescribing antibiotics—when a provider conducts a thorough history, symptom assessment, and clinical decision-making based on evidence-based practices.
Can Reveal Vitality doctors prescribe antibiotics through telemedicine?
Yes. The licensed healthcare professionals at Reveal Vitality in Sarasota—Dr. Christopher Davis, Dr. Angela Jordan, and Dr. Victoria Andarcia—are legally authorized and professionally qualified to prescribe antibiotics via telemedicine.
During virtual appointments, they perform comprehensive evaluations, which may include symptom discussion, review of lab results, and visual examinations through secure video platforms. When bacterial infections are suspected or confirmed, they are able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic to help patients begin treatment immediately.
What are the rules for prescribing medications through telehealth?
According to Florida law:
- Antibiotics and other non-controlled substances can be prescribed via telehealth after an appropriate medical evaluation.
- Controlled substances (Schedule II medications) can only be prescribed via telehealth in specific situations, such as for psychiatric treatment, hospice, hospital inpatients, or residents of nursing homes.
- Providers must document the visit, confirm medical necessity, and follow standard prescribing protocols.
Reveal Vitality’s physicians follow all state and federal guidelines to ensure patient safety and compliance.
What types of infections can be treated virtually with antibiotics?
Common conditions that Reveal Vitality providers may treat with antibiotics via telemedicine include:
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, folliculitis)
- Respiratory infections with bacterial features
- Ear infections
- Strep throat (often after rapid test confirmation or symptom review)
If symptoms suggest a more serious infection that requires in-person examination or testing, patients may be referred for urgent care or labs before antibiotics are prescribed.
What is the patient process like for receiving antibiotics through Reveal Vitality’s telemedicine?
- Schedule a telehealth visit with one of Reveal Vitality’s licensed providers.
- Discuss your symptoms and medical history during a video consultation.
- Receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, including an antibiotic prescription if deemed appropriate.
- Prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy for same-day pickup or delivery.
- Follow-up care is provided virtually to monitor recovery and prevent complications.
Why choose Reveal Vitality for telehealth care?
- Board-certified providers with expertise in internal medicine, cardiology, and functional medicine
- Safe and secure telehealth platform for HIPAA-compliant video visits
- Root-cause medical philosophy, focused on long-term wellness
- Prompt prescriptions when medically appropriate, including antibiotics and hormone therapies
- Personalized care plans supported by lab testing and functional diagnostics
Patients benefit from a balanced approach that avoids unnecessary antibiotics while ensuring timely treatment for confirmed bacterial infections.
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Reveal Vitality was birthed out of a passion to change how you approach your health. Instead of just treating symptoms in isolation as they arise, we develop a comprehensive wellness plan for our patients and then help them implement it. Our goal is to help our patients be healthier and live longer. We fuse state-of-the-art diagnostics, AI-driven fitness technology, and holistic health plans into one exceptional personalized experience.
References
- Florida Statute Section 456.47 – Telehealth: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/456.47
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2023). Telemedicine Flexibilities Extended. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antibiotic Use in Outpatient Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/index.html
- American Medical Association. Telehealth Implementation Playbook. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/ama-telehealth-implementation-playbook
- Florida Department of Health – Telehealth FAQs. https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/faqs
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Reveal Vitality & Longevity Institute, Sarasota FL 