Hypertension advice and refills online

Managing Hypertension Online

If you have received in-person care and a diagnosis for hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) that needs chronic care management, you can see a provider online for ongoing care.

Healthcare industry studies have shown that telemedicine “represents a promising tool for improving blood pressure (BP) control of hypertensive patients, in particular, those at high risk.” In these studies, patients in telemedicine programs for hypertension management experienced more significant reductions in their blood pressures than those patients who managed hypertension by the usual means of in-person follow up.

While Amwell is able to diagnose certain conditions with observable symptoms, (e.g., acne, arthritis, concussions, knee pain, etc.), hypertension is a condition that requires specialized equipment and an in-person visit to your own physician to obtain a diagnosis. Once you have received a diagnosis of hypertension, however, Amwell can be a very effective partner for you in the management of your hypertensive condition.

(NOTE: Every provider treats patients and prescribes medications at their own discretion. Some providers may not be comfortable treating chronic care conditions online. Please mention that you are looking for ongoing chronic care management at the start of your visit to avoid confusion.)

With Amwell, you can set up your free account and schedule a visit with trusted providers in minutes. Before your visit, you should have your latest blood pressure readings available for the Amwell physician to review. Also, make sure to tell your telehealth provider about any other medical conditions, existing prescriptions, or over the counter medications you are taking. Some medications do not react well with others, so it’s important to be honest and open with your provider to avoid complications.

During your visit, your provider may review your blood pressure results (which you will need to track in between visits), discuss what may have caused spikes or dips in the results, and review the medications you are taking to manage your hypertension. Your provider may also make recommendations that could help you achieve better compliance with your treatment regimen, and discuss lifestyle issues – like diet, exercise, and sleep – that can help you improve your blood pressure and overall health.

If you require changes to your medications, your Amwell physician can provide advice on available options. Online prescriptions for medications to combat hypertension are available at the discretion of the Amwell physician and according to the laws of your state, and the availability of telehealth services in all 50 states means you could receive a prescription anywhere in the country. There are some restrictions; for example, if you are having a telephonic or phone only visit, stricter regulations will apply. In certain states, you may need to have a video visit to receive a new prescription, while in some  states only refills and bridge prescriptions are allowed.

Answers to many of your questions are included below. If you don’t see your question answered below, please reach out to our support team at support@americanwell.com or call 877-410-5548. We have highly trained health service specialists standing by to take your call, 24/7.