Florida · Bridge prescription
Bridge prescriptions in Florida: covering the gap until your next appointment
New-patient appointments in parts of Florida can be weeks or months away. Your blood pressure pill shouldn't have to wait that long.
Common reasons people need a bridge
- You moved to Florida and your first primary care visit is weeks away
- Your doctor retired, left the practice or your insurance network changed
- Your mail-order pharmacy shipment is delayed
- You're waiting on a specialist referral and your prescription ran out
How it works
The physician reviews your medicine, dose, history and any recent readings or labs. If continuing is safe, a prescription is sent to your Florida pharmacy, usually for enough to reach your upcoming appointment. Keep that appointment: ongoing care, labs and dose changes belong with your regular clinician.
What a bridge doesn't cover
- Controlled substances of any kind
- Medicines you haven't taken before
- Dose changes or new symptoms that need an exam
- Medicines that need close monitoring, such as warfarin or lithium, without recent results
Common questions
How much medicine does a bridge prescription give?
Enough to reasonably reach your next appointment, decided case by case. It depends on the medicine, how stable you are and when your labs were last checked.
Will my new doctor know what was prescribed?
Bring your pharmacy label and medication list to the appointment. Your pharmacy also keeps a record of what was filled.
Can I keep getting bridge prescriptions?
A bridge is meant to cover a gap, not replace regular care. If you need ongoing refills, the physician may ask about your plans for a primary care clinician.