Can a DO Prescribe Controlled Substances? Yes — Here's Why

DO vs. MD: Prescribing Authority Is Identical

Let me clear this up quickly: a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) has the exact same prescribing authority as a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Full stop.

If you've been wondering whether a DO can prescribe testosterone, controlled substances, or any other medication — the answer is yes, with no restrictions beyond what an MD faces.

What Is a DO?

A DO is a fully licensed physician who completed:

• 4 years of undergraduate education
• 4 years of medical school (osteopathic medical school)
• 3–7 years of residency training
• Board examinations
• State licensure

The key differences between DO and MD training:

• DO schools teach osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) — a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment
• DO training emphasizes whole-body, preventive-focused medicine — though this philosophical difference has narrowed over decades
• DO and MD residents often train in the same hospitals — side by side, same patients, same supervisors

That's it. Same hospitals. Same residencies. Same licensing boards (in many states DOs and MDs take the same board exams). Same DEA registration. Same prescribing authority.

What Can a DO Prescribe?

Everything an MD can prescribe:

• Schedule II controlled substances — opioids, stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), etc.
• Schedule III substances — testosterone, ketamine, anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV substances — benzodiazepines, sleep medications, phentermine
• Schedule V substances — certain cough medications, pregabalin
• All non-controlled medications — antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure meds, GLP-1 medications, everything

The DEA does not distinguish between MD and DO when issuing DEA registrations. State medical boards license both with identical scope of practice.

Why Does This Confusion Exist?

A few reasons:

Historical stigma: Osteopathic medicine was once considered alternative. That hasn't been true for 50+ years, but perceptions lag behind reality.

Name confusion: People hear "osteopathic" and think of chiropractors or naturopaths. A DO is not a chiropractor. A DO is a physician with full medical training and licensing.

Less familiar: About 75% of physicians are MDs, 25% are DOs. Less exposure means less familiarity.

Some patients don't know: Many patients see a DO without realizing it. If your doctor's white coat says "Dr. Smith, DO" — they're a physician, period.

DO Physicians in Specific Fields

DOs practice in every medical specialty:

• Primary care and family medicine (most common)
• Surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Psychiatry
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Pain management
• Sports medicine
• OB/GYN

In Florida specifically, DOs represent a significant percentage of practicing physicians. The state is home to two osteopathic medical schools and has a robust DO physician workforce.

Can a DO Prescribe via Telehealth?

Yes — same rules as MDs. In Florida:

• DOs can conduct telehealth visits and prescribe any medication they're qualified to prescribe
• No additional requirements or restrictions compared to MD telehealth providers
• Same DEA registration, same state license, same authority

What About Specialization?

Prescribing authority relates to training and scope, not degree type. A DO who specializes in hormone therapy can prescribe testosterone. A DO who specializes in pain management can prescribe pain medications. A DO who is certified by the OMMU can recommend medical marijuana.

The relevant question isn't "MD or DO?" It's "Does this physician have the training and experience to treat my condition?"

Why Some Patients Actually Prefer DOs

The osteopathic philosophy — treating the whole patient rather than just the disease — resonates with many patients, especially those who:

• Have been dismissed by traditional medicine
• Want a doctor who considers lifestyle, mental health, and physical factors together
• Prefer a physician trained to look at the bigger picture
• Value preventive and integrative approaches

This doesn't mean MDs don't do these things. It means the osteopathic curriculum explicitly emphasizes them.

The Bottom Line

If you're considering a telehealth visit with a DO — whether for testosterone, weight loss medication, medical marijuana certification, mental health treatment, or anything else — you're seeing a fully licensed physician with complete prescribing authority.

The letters after the name don't limit what your doctor can do for you. Their training, experience, and judgment do.

At Coral, Dr. Kim is a licensed DO providing telehealth services across Florida. Same authority, same medications, same standard of care as any physician — with the added perspective of osteopathic training.

[Book your visit](/start) — licensed physician, full prescribing authority.