Running low on your pill, patch, or ring can feel stressful. The good news is that in California, you have several fast, safe ways to get a refill or a new prescription without gaps. This guide walks you through your choices, what information to have ready, how to avoid last-minute scrambles, and what to do if you miss pills or run out. The tone here is practical and judgment-free so you can get what you need and move on with your day.
Who Can Refill Your Birth Control in California
Your OB/GYN or Primary Care Clinician
Ideal for ongoing care, side-effect review, and when you need a pelvic exam or STI screening.
Telemedicine Providers
Same-day or next-day video visits for most methods, including pills, patch, ring, and some emergency contraception.
Trained Pharmacists
In California, many pharmacies can prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal contraception after a brief screening.
Walk-In Clinics and Retail Clinics
Can evaluate and start or continue most methods; availability varies by site and staffing.
At Renaissance Healthcare for Women, our team can refill, adjust, or switch methods in person or through a secure video visit. Concierge members receive expedited scheduling and direct access for time-sensitive needs.
Can a Pharmacy Refill or Prescribe Your Birth Control?
Yes. Under California law, participating pharmacists can prescribe combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, the patch, and the vaginal ring after you complete a health questionnaire and blood pressure check.
They will review your medical history for safety, discuss warning signs, and dispense the medication on the spot if appropriate.
Call ahead, as not every pharmacy participates.
MinuteClinic & Retail Clinics
MinuteClinic clinicians can prescribe birth control in most California locations for pills, patch, and ring, and may refer you for IUD or implant procedures or complex medical histories.
Can You Get a Prescription Refilled Without Seeing a Doctor in Person?
Often yes. Options include:
Telemedicine With Your OB/GYN
A virtual visit is usually enough for pill, patch, or ring refills if you’re doing well.
Pharmacist Prescribing
No physician appointment required, but you’ll complete screening and a blood pressure check.
Electronic Pharmacy Refill
If authorized refills remain, your pharmacy can process it electronically.
If refills expired, clinicians may authorize a short temporary supply.
In-Person Visits Required When…
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IUD or implant insertion/removal
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New severe headaches with aura
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Blood pressure concerns
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Abnormal bleeding requiring an exam
How to Get More Refills and Avoid Gaps
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Check your pill pack 10–14 days before you run out
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Call your pharmacy first to check for remaining refills
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Request a 12-month prescription if appropriate
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Ask a participating pharmacist for a temporary supply
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Consider this practical phone script:
“Hi, I’m calling about my birth control refill. I take [pill name and dose]. My last pack ends on [date]. I have no new medical issues and my blood pressure has been normal. Can you authorize a 3-month supply and update refills for 12 months, or let me know if you need a video visit today?”
Have This Info Ready
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Full medication name and dose
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Any side effects
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Recent blood pressure values
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Pharmacy info
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Insurance details
What Is the 3-Month Pill Rule in California?
It’s common to dispense a 3-month supply at a time so you don’t run out monthly.
Many plans cover up to 12 months total per prescription.
Some insurers allow a single 12-month pickup; others require quarterly fills.
What Is the 7-Day Rule for Birth Control?
Two related concepts:
1. Starting a New Pack Late
If you start pills, patch, or ring after the first five days of your period, use backup contraception for 7 days.
2. Missing Pills
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Missed 2+ combined pills: Continue pack and use condoms for 7 days.
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Late progestin-only pill: If more than 3 hours late, use backup for 48 hours.
What to Do if You Miss Doses or Run Out
Combined Pills
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Missed 1 pill <24 hrs: Take immediately; no backup needed.
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Missed 2+ pills: Take the most recent missed pill, continue daily, use condoms for 7 days, and consider emergency contraception if needed.
Progestin-Only Pills
More than 3 hours late → take now + condoms for 48 hours.
Ran Out Entirely
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Call pharmacy and prescriber
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Try pharmacist prescribing
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Book same-day telemedicine
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Consider emergency contraception if risk exists
If vomiting/diarrhea occurs within 3 hours of a pill, retake the dose.
Costs, Coverage, and Timing Tips
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Most CA health plans cover FDA-approved contraceptives with no copay
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Telemedicine often covered similarly to in-person
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If uninsured, ask about discount programs
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Traveling? Request an early refill or vacation override
When You Need an In-Person Visit
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IUD or implant insertion/removal
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New migraines with aura
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Blood pressure concerns
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Chest pain, leg swelling, abdominal pain
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Abnormal or heavy bleeding
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Pap/HPV when due
Our team can coordinate timely exams and procedures, including IUD insertion appointments in Los Altos Hills.
How Our Concierge Members Get Expedited Access
Concierge members receive:
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Direct text/phone access
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Priority same-day or next-day scheduling
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Longer visits for side-effect troubleshooting
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Help with pharmacy coordination
If fast access matters, explore our concierge gynecology membership in Los Altos Hills.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Who can refill my prescription?
OB/GYN, telemedicine clinician, pharmacist, or walk-in clinic depending on your method and history.
Can CVS MinuteClinic prescribe birth control?
Yes—for pills, patch, ring.
Can walk-in clinics prescribe birth control?
Yes, with safety screening.
Can I call my doctor to get a refill?
Yes. Many will authorize a brief supply or schedule a virtual visit.
Can you get a refill without going to a doctor?
Yes—pharmacist prescribing or telemedicine.
How to get more refills?
Request a 12-month prescription with 3-month dispensing and keep BP information handy.
We Are Here to Help
If you are in the Bay Area and want fast, supportive contraceptive care, our OB/GYN team is ready through in-person and virtual visits. For counseling or a method change, schedule a contraceptive consultation in Los Altos.
If you prefer priority access and personalized coordination, ask about concierge membership.
Call Renaissance Healthcare for Women at (650) 988-7830—we’ll help you avoid gaps, stay safe, and keep your contraception simple.