Evaluating virtual health platforms so you know what you’re signing up for.
Telehealth has gone from a pandemic convenience to a permanent fixture in how Americans access healthcare. Millions of people now get prescriptions, consultations, and ongoing treatment through virtual platforms — often for sensitive health areas like weight management, hormone therapy, mental health, and sexual wellness.
The convenience is real. But so are the questions: Which platforms employ licensed providers in your state? What happens if you have a side effect? Are you getting a thorough evaluation, or is the “consultation” a rubber stamp for a prescription?
Telehealth Check-In is where we ask those questions — and give you clear answers.
What We Evaluate
GLP-1 weight management platforms — Semaglutide and tirzepatide prescribers are multiplying fast. We evaluate their medical screening process, provider credentials, compounding pharmacy sourcing, pricing transparency, and what ongoing monitoring they offer after the prescription is written.
Men’s health platforms — Testosterone replacement therapy, ED treatment, and hair loss prescribers. We look at diagnostic rigor (does the platform require bloodwork before prescribing TRT?), medication sourcing, follow-up protocols, and pricing structures including hidden fees.
General virtual care — Primary care, dermatology, mental health, and other telehealth verticals. We evaluate response times, provider qualifications, prescription authority limitations, and insurance compatibility.
How We Evaluate
Our telehealth evaluations look at five core dimensions:
Provider quality. Are providers licensed in the state where you receive care? What are their credentials? Does the platform disclose provider information before your visit? Can you choose or switch providers?
Medical rigor. Does the platform conduct appropriate screening before prescribing? For medication-focused platforms (GLP-1, TRT, etc.), we look at whether they require lab work, review medical history in detail, and screen for contraindications — or whether the process feels like a checkout form.
Pricing transparency. What does the service actually cost, all-in? We flag platforms that advertise low consultation fees but charge separately for medication, shipping, follow-ups, or membership. You’ll know the real number before you click.
Ongoing care. What happens after your first prescription? Does the platform offer follow-up consultations, dosage adjustments, or monitoring protocols? Or are you on your own until you re-order?
Regulatory compliance. Is the platform operating within state and federal telehealth regulations? For platforms that dispense compounded medications, are their pharmacy partners accredited? These details matter more than most consumers realize.
A Note on Compounded Medications
Many telehealth platforms — particularly in the GLP-1 and hormone therapy space — prescribe compounded versions of brand-name medications. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are prepared by compounding pharmacies, not the original drug manufacturer. This is a legal and common practice, but it carries different risk and quality considerations than taking an FDA-approved brand-name drug.
We address compounding specifically in every relevant review, including pharmacy accreditation status (503A vs. 503B), ingredient sourcing, and what the regulatory landscape looks like at the time of publication.