Guides
Can telehealth prescribe antibiotics? How we assess and treat you
Can telehealth prescribe antibiotics? Yes, when the video exam points to a bacterial infection. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. When a test helps, such as a strep test or a urine culture, we give you a lab order for a lab near you. If it turns out to be a virus, she explains how to feel better at home.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Trouble breathing, chest pain or blue lips
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or hives all over after taking a medicine
- High fever with a stiff neck, confusion or being very drowsy
- Fever with chills and pain in the back or side (possible kidney infection)
- Bloody diarrhea, or severe, frequent diarrhea during or after antibiotics
Help lines
When can telehealth prescribe antibiotics?
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. The CDC gives strep throat, whooping cough and urinary tract infections as examples.
On video, Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a general practice physician licensed in Puerto Rico with several years of emergency-department experience, reviews your symptoms, history and medicines. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. Some common reasons people ask about antibiotics:
- Burning or frequent urination: see UTI.
- A sore throat with fever and no cough: see sore throat.
- Congestion and facial pain that won't let up: see sinus infection.
How a video visit works
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you. We see adults and children of all ages, in English or Spanish.
- Request a visit and pay by card. Choose the doctor visit. Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.
- Join by video. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer. You need to be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit; visitors are welcome.
- The doctor assesses you. If appropriate, she prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If a test is needed, you get a lab order for a lab near you.
What it costs
It is a doctor visit: US$79, the same for every age, with no membership. There is no extra charge for a prescription (see online prescriptions in Puerto Rico), and a doctor's note after your visit is included. You are charged when you request the visit, with a full refund if it can't take place. See pricing. The service is run by The Health Initiative, a nonprofit.
When we order a lab test
Sometimes a test helps show whether an infection is bacterial and which antibiotic fits. The CDC notes that several types of tests are used to diagnose strep throat. When the doctor thinks it will help, we give you a lab order for a strep test, a urinalysis or a urine culture at a lab near you, and she goes over the result with you.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed and tell the doctor if you are not getting better.
If it's a virus: feeling better without antibiotics
Antibiotics do not work on viruses. According to the CDC, they do not help colds and runny noses, most sore throats (except strep), flu or most chest colds (bronchitis). The CDC adds that many sinus and ear infections get better without antibiotics.
In those cases the doctor explains how to ease your symptoms at home and which signs should bring you back. For flu, antiviral medicine is an option in some cases; she will assess whether it fits you.
Why not take antibiotics without a prescription?
Common side effects include rash, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. Serious ones include C. difficile infection, which causes diarrhea that can severely damage the colon. Unneeded antibiotics also help bacteria become resistant, which makes future infections harder to treat.
The CDC says don't save antibiotics for later and don't take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Ask your pharmacy how to dispose of leftovers.
What to have ready for the visit
This helps the doctor decide quickly and safely:
- Your symptoms, when they started and whether they are better or worse.
- Whether you have had a fever, and the thermometer reading.
- Drug allergies, especially to antibiotics.
- Every medicine you take, including supplements and over-the-counter products.
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Diabetes, kidney or liver problems, or a weakened immune system.
- Any antibiotics you took in the last few months, and your pharmacy's name.
Antibiotics for children
The doctor sees children of all ages. On video she checks the throat, ears and symptoms, with your help showing them on camera. If a strep or urine test is needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you, and if appropriate she prescribes with the dose based on your child's weight. Patients under 21 need a parent or legal guardian on camera with photo ID. See online doctor visits for kids.
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can a telehealth doctor prescribe antibiotics in Puerto Rico?
Will I get an antibiotic for a cold or the flu?
Can I take leftover antibiotics from last time?
Is there an extra charge for the prescription?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-09-30 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (2)
- Antibiotic Use: The Basics (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- Strep Throat: diagnosis and treatment (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-09-30)