A Guide to Medical Prescriptions and How to Get Them
A medical prescription is your key to getting the medication you need, whether for an acute illness, a chronic condition, or a specific therapy. But how does the process actually work? What types of prescriptions are there, how long are they valid, and how can you request a prescription online? This guide answers all your key questions.
In Brief
- Doctors issue prescriptions to allow you to obtain prescription-only medications from a pharmacy.
- There are several types: public (pink), private (blue), recommendation (green), and the electronic e-prescription.
- You can get an online prescription conveniently via an app after a video consultation with a doctor, subject to their medical judgment.
What is a prescription and why do I need one?
A medical prescription is a formal instruction from a doctor to a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication or treatment. It serves as the legal basis for pharmacies to provide controlled substances. You will need a prescription for:
- Prescription-only medications (e.g., antibiotics, thyroid medication)
- Therapeutic treatments like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy
- Medical devices (e.g., compression stockings, blood sugar test strips)
Are you an expat living, working or studying in Germany?
The German health care system can be challenging – even if you speak German. But we’re here to help: TeleClinic offers English medical advice and prescriptions for Germany.
For which conditions can I request prescriptions online from TeleClinic?
TeleClinic offers online prescriptions for many common ailments and chronic conditions, provided that a medical assessment via video consultation is possible and medically appropriate. Typical examples include:
- Infections: Cystitis (bladder infection), common cold, bronchitis
- Women’s Health: Birth control pills, vaginal yeast infections
- Skin Conditions: Acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, traveler’s diarrhea
- Allergies & Asthma
- Chronic Illnesses: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), high blood pressure, diabetes
- Mental Health Concerns: Sleep disorders, mild depressive episodes
Important: TeleClinic cannot issue prescriptions for controlled substances (BtM). This includes strong painkillers or certain ADHD medications. For medical emergencies, an in-person visit to a clinic is always necessary.
All prescriptions are issued exclusively at the doctor’s medical discretion during a video consultation. If you have unclear symptoms or require specialized medication, an in-person visit may be recommended.
What types of prescriptions are there?
Depending on your insurance status, medical condition, and the medication itself, different types of prescriptions are used in Germany:
- Public Prescription (Pink Slip): For patients with public health insurance. Most of the medication cost is covered by insurance.
- Private Prescription (Blue Slip): For patients with private health insurance or for those paying out-of-pocket.
- Green Prescription: A doctor’s recommendation for non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines that you pay for yourself.
- Yellow Prescription: For strictly regulated medications, such as controlled substances.
- Electronic Prescription (E-Rezept): A digital version that can be redeemed through an app.
How does the e-prescription work?
The e-prescription is the modern, paperless alternative. It is created digitally and stored securely. After your online consultation, and at the doctor’s discretion, you will receive:
- A notification to redeem the prescription in your official e-prescription app.
- The option to order the medication directly from a participating pharmacy.
The e-prescription offers many advantages: no need to travel to the clinic, contactless redemption, less paper waste—making it ideal for online consultations.
What does a prescription cost?
The cost of a prescription depends on the type and the treatment:
- Public Prescription: You may have to make a small co-payment for the medication.
- Private Prescription: You pay the full cost, which is determined by the official medical fee schedule (GOÄ), and can then seek reimbursement from your private insurer.
For all prescription types, a consultation with a doctor is required. At TeleClinic, you can do this conveniently via video call—from home or on the go.
How long is a prescription valid?
- Public (Pink) Prescription: 28 days from the date of issue.
- Private (Blue) Prescription: Typically valid for 3 months.
- Green Prescription: Valid indefinitely, as it is a recommendation.
- E-Prescription: 28 days, though it can be digitally extended or canceled by the doctor.
Tip: Always check the issue date before trying to fill an old prescription. Pharmacies are not permitted to dispense medication on expired prescriptions.
Request a Prescription* Online—in a Few Simple Steps
Thanks to TeleClinic, requesting a prescription online is easier than ever. The process is digital, secure, and efficient:
- Book an online appointment & fill out a short medical questionnaire.
- Have a video consultation with a doctor.
- Receive your prescription* via the app.
- Order your medication online or pick it up from a local pharmacy.
For those with public health insurance, the video consultation with TeleClinic is free. Privately insured patients will receive an invoice according to the official medical fee schedule (GOÄ).
Important: A prescription can only be issued at a doctor’s discretion and after a personal consultation—whether online or in person.
Understanding Your Prescription: Common Terms & Abbreviations Explained
Prescriptions often contain medical shorthand that can be confusing. Here are some of the most important terms, explained simply:
- “aut idem / aut simile”: The pharmacy is allowed to give you a generic equivalent with the same active ingredient.
- “ad usum medici”: For medical use only—e.g., supplies for the doctor’s office.
- “noctu”: Medication is needed at night → allows for reimbursement of after-hours pharmacy fees.
- “Rp.”: Stands for “recipe” (Latin for “take”) and marks the beginning of the prescription.
- “BVG” / “666rl / 555rl”: Special codes for billing or specific government programs.
- “N1, N2, N3”: Refers to package sizes: N1 (small), N2 (medium), and N3 (large).
- “p. c.”: Abbreviation for “post cibum”—meaning “take after meals.”
- “1-1-1-0”: A dosage schedule meaning: 1 tablet in the morning, 1 at noon, 1 in the evening, and 0 at night.
Benefits of an Online Prescription from TeleClinic
- Fast Access to medical advice.
- Short Waiting Times—perfect when you’re busy or need a repeat prescription.
- Digital Redemption directly at participating pharmacies.
- Access to your prescription* anytime via the app.
- Secure and Compliant with all data privacy laws.
Conclusion: Requesting Prescriptions Online is Fast, Secure, and Convenient
Whether you need medication for an acute issue or a long-term condition, getting a prescription online is now a straightforward option—complete with professional medical guidance and full data security. At TeleClinic, you can conveniently speak with a doctor via video and, at their discretion, receive your prescription directly on your phone or in the e-prescription app.
