Intermountain Healthcare announced Thursday the launch of two new virtual care services designed to provide patients with direct access to injectable epinephrine and period pain relief medications without the need for a physician appointment. The new programs allow eligible residents in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada to consult with clinical pharmacists via telephone to receive prescriptions delivered directly to their homes.
Epinephrine Access and Requirements
The injectable epinephrine service provides a way for patients to obtain EpiPen or Auvi-Q autoinjectors on demand. According to Intermountain Healthcare, the service is intended for individuals 12 years of age and older who have experienced severe allergic reactions or who need to maintain an autoinjector on hand following allergy shots. For patients between the ages of 12 and 18, parental consent is required to proceed with the service.
To access the medication, patients must first complete an online intake form. A clinical pharmacist will then contact the patient within a few hours during standard business hours—between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM MST—to determine qualification. If the patient is deemed eligible, the pharmacist will discuss treatment options and provide counseling regarding the correct use of the autoinjector and necessary post-use procedures.
Costs and Delivery Logistics
The cost for the epinephrine consultation service is a $25 fee, plus the cost of the medication prescription after insurance coverage has been applied. Intermountain noted that some insurance providers may cover the $25 consultation fee itself. The service is eligible for both FSA and HSA reimbursement.
If a patient does not qualify for the epinephrine service following their intake evaluation, the pharmacist can assist with a referral to an Intermantain provider for further medical evaluation. If the patient does not qualify, they will not be charged for the consultation. Once a prescription is finalized, medication is shipped via the Intermountain Home Delivery Pharmacy and typically arrives at the patient's door within three to five business days. Shipping for this service is free of charge.
Period Pain Relief Options
A second new virtual service offered by Intermountain provides access to period pain relief medications for patients 18 years of age and older. This service is specifically available to patients assigned female at birth who are experiencing period pain. Like the epinephrine service, this program requires an online health assessment followed by a telephone consultation with a clinical pharmacist.
Through this virtual service, pharmacists can prescribe various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen (including brands like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or Naprosyn). The service also covers the prescription of acetaminophen or combination medications, including Tylenol, Midol, or Pamprin. Intermountain noted that this period pain relief service can be combined with a request for hormonal contraception through the same intake form.
Medication Management and Insurance
The period pain relief service carries a $20 consultation fee, plus the cost of the prescribed medication after insurance. Similar to the epinephrine program, this service is FSA and HSA eligible, and some insurance companies may cover the initial consultation fee. During the process, patients must provide insurance information, period pain history, and medical history, including details such as weight and blood pressure.
Intermountain stated that the pharmacist will use provided insurance information to help identify an effective and affordable medication option based on the patient's specific plan. The initial prescription may be a one-time supply or include enough refills to last for one year. Once all available refills are exhausted, patients must submit a new online form to request a new prescription.
Patient Contact and Follow-up
Both services utilize the Intermountain Home Delivery Pharmacy, with medication delivery expected within three to five business days of the consultation. While shipping is free, the pharmacy team can work with patients to identify alternative arrangements if a more rapid turnaround is required for urgent needs.
For both programs, Intermountain pharmacists will attempt to reach patients via telephone and email. The organization stated they will make up to two phone calls and one email attempt if the initial contact fails. Because a pharmacist must speak with the patient to provide a prescription, failure to respond may result in the need for the patient to submit a new intake form. Intermountain noted that refunds are not provided if the pharmacy team is unable to reach a patient via phone or email, and bank payments are non-refundable.
Support and Availability
Patients experiencing side effects or who have specific questions regarding their prescribed medications for either service can contact the pharmacy team directly by calling 800-825-3547.
Both services are now active for residents in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada, providing a streamlined alternative to traditional in-person doctor appointments for these specific health needs.
