Antiviral COVID telehealth service launches in New York

Albany, New York – With a new service from the telehealth platform Dr. B, COVID patients can conveniently get prescribed the drugs online. The regular price for the service is $15, though it’s free for low-income New Yorkers.

While Paxlovid and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) have been approved since late last year, logistics and costs make it impossible to access them within the critical five-day period after a positive test.

New York is among 41 states where patients now have access to a low-cost, at-home, online doctor consultation with resulting prescriptions sent to any pharmacy, according to a news release from Dr. B. In a telehealth landscape that traditionally sees companies charging more for online services, Dr. B says its service is unique in offering a no-cost option for patients who qualify based on their incomes.

“Every provider has a role to play in making healthcare more equitable,” said Cyrus Massoumi, Founder and CEO of Dr. B, in a written statement. “At Dr. B, we are focused on removing as many barriers as possible so everyone can get the medicines they need at a price they can afford.”

Dr. B also reportedly plans to offer “visitless prescriptions” for many common medications, from heart health to dermatology and reproductive care.