Why am I being scheduled for a coverage appointment?

We’re here to help you manage your medications and symptoms effectively and promptly. If your primary clinician is out of the office, you may be scheduled for what’s called a “coverage appointment” to address urgent refill needs or other treatment concerns.

When do you need a coverage appointment?

If you need a refill while your primary clinician is out of the office and it has been 31-90 days since your last appointment, you will be scheduled for an appointment with a covering clinician. Exceptions may be made for the following circumstances if you have had an appointment in the last 90 days:

• You were unable to get a refill due to a prescribing error

• An insurance restriction requires a change in prescription (i.e., generic versus brand name or change in days of supply)

• Your medications were lost or stolen

There are no exceptions if it has been 90 days or more since your last appointment.

If you've seen your clinician in the last 30 days, just submit a refill request by phone, email, on mobile through the Healow app, or on desktop through the patient portal. More details can be found here.

A covering clinician can also provide support if treatment concerns like side effects or worsening symptoms arise while your primary clinician is unavailable.

What happens during a coverage appointment?

During a coverage appointment, a covering clinician can provide a bridge prescription to cover you until your next appointment. They can also provide clinical support with treatment concerns like side effects or worsening symptoms.

A covering clinician can only provide refills for the medication and dosage you have been taking. They cannot make changes to your treatment plan.

These appointments typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your individual needs and the complexity of your care plan.

How long does a short-term prescription last?

A short-term prescription from a covering clinician is typically no more than a 30-day supply. Any refills or long-term prescriptions will be determined based on your specific situation and at the clinician’s discretion.

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