MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsinites can now utilize a free telehealth service that streamlines access to COVID-19 treatment.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced on Wednesday the COVID-19 treatment telehealth service is now available statewide. The free service increases access to COVID-19 antiviral treatment.

Anyone 18 and older who tests positive for COVID-19 can have a telehealth consultation with a health care clinician in up to 30 minutes. If eligible, a clinician will prescribe an oral antiviral pill that reduces the risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. DHS said COVID-19 antiviral treatments must be taken within five days of symptoms starting, even if symptoms are mild, making it essential to access a clinician for a prescription.

Clinicians can prescribe the FDA-authorized antiviral pills Paxlovid or Lagevrio. Prescriptions can be filled at over 600 pharmacies across Wisconsin, and insurance is not required. Those without pharmacy access can have their medicine shipped overnight. The antiviral medications are also provided free of charge, either at a pharmacy or through overnight mailing.

“Providing telehealth access supports our commitment to health equity,” Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said. “Telehealth is a quick, easy and free way for individuals who may not be able to travel to a clinic, or who may not have insurance or health care, to learn if antiviral pills to treat COVID-19 are an appropriate treatment for them. We believe this will be especially important in extending our ability to serve rural, elderly, and other underserved populations.”

The telehealth service is accessible through internet and telephone, and consultations are available in multiple languages. Consultations are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Those interested in using the telehealth service should make sure to have a list of medications, supplements or vitamins they are taking, and a copy of lab results within the last three months if they have kidney disease.

At-home COVID-19 tests or tests performed by a health care provider or at a community testing site are acceptable. The service is not for medical emergencies or for treatments other than COVID-19. 

“It is important that people who test positive and are likely to get very sick from COVID-19 consider treatment as soon as possible,” DHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jonathan Meiman said. “Telehealth can help get people started on oral antivirals sooner within the five-day window after symptom onset, which will help save lives.”

DHS noted the antiviral treatment is not a substitute for vaccination.

Visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/telehealth.htm for more information.