This information is educational and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional. Individual results vary.
There are a lot of platforms selling treatment online. Some are serious operations. Others are not.
The good news is that you don't have to guess.
Here is the list. Use it on us, and use it on everyone else.
How do I know if a telehealth platform is LegitScript-certified?
A certified platform appears in LegitScript's directory under its exact domain. LegitScript is an organization that reviews online health platforms and verifies they operate within the applicable rules. Meta and Google both require this certification before allowing certain health advertising. A seal on the website isn't enough if the domain isn't in the directory.
How to check it: go to legitscript.com/websites and search the platform's domain. If it is certified, it will come up.
Good sign: it appears in the directory, under the exact domain.
Bad sign: the seal is on the site but the domain does not appear in the directory.
How do I check that the pharmacy is legitimate?
Find the pharmacy's full legal name on the site, then look it up with the board of pharmacy in the state where it operates. If it claims NABP accreditation, confirm that at nabp.pharmacy. A telehealth platform isn't a pharmacy: a separate entity prepares and ships the medication, and you should be able to find out who.
How to check it: find the pharmacy's name on the site. Then look it up with the board of pharmacy in the state where it operates, and at nabp.pharmacy if it claims NABP accreditation.
Good sign: the pharmacy is named, with its full legal name, and it appears in the state registry.
Bad sign: the site talks about "partner pharmacies" without naming any.
Who decides whether I qualify for treatment?
A licensed medical professional evaluates you and, if appropriate, issues the prescription. The platform should name that person or network, not just say 'our doctors.' Look on the site for who provides the clinical services, and whether it's clear the physicians are independent and licensed.
How to check it: look on the site for who provides the clinical services. There should be a named medical network or provider, not just "our doctors."
Good sign: the network is named, and it is made clear that the physicians are independent and licensed.
Bad sign: nobody is named, or the site implies that the platform itself provides the medical care.
How do I confirm a telehealth company is real?
A real company should publish a complete physical address with its legal name, usually in the footer. Look it up on a map. If you only find a contact form, or no address at all, basic information is missing that any legitimate company can give you in writing.
How to check it: look for it in the footer. Then look it up on a map.
Good sign: there is a complete address with the company's legal name.
Bad sign: there is no address, or only a contact form.
What should the price of a telehealth visit include?
The total price should be written down and say what it includes: evaluation, shipping and supplies. Some platforms charge an access or membership fee on top of the medication cost and others don't; neither is wrong, but you should know before you pay. Search the pricing page and the terms for 'membership,' 'subscription' or 'fee.'
How to check it: search for the words "membership," "subscription," or "fee" on the pricing page and in the terms of service.
Good sign: the total price is written down, and it says what it includes — evaluation, shipping, supplies.
Bad sign: the price you see at the start is not the price you see at the end.
To add up the full cost, read what telehealth really costs.
Will I be charged if the doctor doesn't approve me?
It depends on each platform's refund policy, and it should be written down before you hand over your card. A good sign is a policy that clearly says you aren't charged for the medication if you aren't approved. A licensed doctor declining treatment after evaluating you is normal, and it's a sign the evaluation is real.
How to check it: look it up in the refund policy before you hand over your card. If it is not written down, email them and ask for it in writing.
Good sign: it says clearly that you are not charged for the medication if you are not approved.
Bad sign: it is not written down anywhere.
To see what to look for in each case, read what happens if the doctor doesn't approve you.
What do telehealth platforms do with my information?
It should be spelled out in their privacy policy, specifically: what they collect and who they share it with. Open the policy and look for whether they share information with advertisers or advertising platforms. A generic policy that could belong to any company is a bad sign, because you're about to share personal and health information.
How to check it: open the privacy policy. Look for whether they share information with advertisers or advertising platforms.
Good sign: it says specifically what they collect and who they share it with.
Bad sign: a generic policy that could belong to any company.
If something does not add up, ask
A serious platform can answer every one of these questions in writing, without getting uncomfortable. If you get evasions, urgency, or pressure to buy today, that is your answer.
You can ask us every one of these questions. Email us at support@vidaflowhealth.com.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do all of this before every purchase?
Do it before your first payment. After that, check again only if the platform changes its pharmacy, its medical network or its prices.
What if I can't find the domain in LegitScript's directory?
That's a red flag. Weigh it against the other six checks on this list before you decide.
Is it normal for the doctor to say no?
Yes. A licensed doctor declining treatment after evaluating you shows the evaluation is real.
Does VidaFlow Health prescribe directly?
No. VidaFlow Health is a technology platform that connects you with independent licensed physicians and pharmacies. They make the clinical decisions.
If you'd like to see how the process works at VidaFlow Health, from your request to the physician's decision, see how it works.