FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about online healthcare — legitimacy, costs, prescriptions, privacy, and how to choose the right provider.
General Telehealth Questions
Is telehealth legitimate?
Yes. Telehealth providers use licensed physicians under the same state medical board regulations as in-person doctors. They prescribe FDA-approved medications through accredited pharmacies. The Ryan Haight Act and state regulations govern telehealth prescribing.
Can telehealth doctors prescribe controlled substances?
Yes, with proper evaluation. Telehealth providers can prescribe Schedule III-V controlled substances (testosterone, ketamine) via video consultation. Schedule II substances generally require in-person evaluation.
How do I verify a telehealth provider is legit?
Check: physicians licensed in your state (verify at state medical board), pharmacy accreditation (PCAB for compounding), required medical evaluation before prescribing, regular monitoring (labs/check-ins), and verifiable reviews. Avoid anyone prescribing without evaluation.
Is telehealth covered by insurance?
Many insurers cover telehealth visits at in-person rates. However, specialty telehealth (TRT, ketamine, weight loss) is often cash-pay due to off-label prescribing or specialty compounds. Some providers offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
Safety & Privacy
What if I have a bad reaction?
Contact your provider immediately — most offer messaging or urgent phone access. For emergencies, call 911. Reputable providers give emergency protocols during onboarding and have on-call clinicians available.
How is my privacy protected?
HIPAA governs all US telehealth providers. Medical records, prescriptions, and consultations are encrypted and protected. Reputable providers use HIPAA-compliant video and secure patient portals.
Can I use telehealth in a rural area?
Yes — you need internet for video consultations. Medications ship to your door. Labs can be done at Quest/Labcorp locations or via at-home kits from some providers.
Cost & Value
Why is telehealth often cheaper than traditional healthcare?
Lower overhead (no office leases, fewer staff), efficient scheduling (no waiting rooms), and direct pharmacy relationships. Savings are passed to patients. Specialty telehealth also avoids the insurance billing complexity that inflates traditional healthcare costs.
Are there hidden fees I should watch for?
Common hidden fees: separate lab charges, consultation fees beyond the first visit, supply/shipping costs, cancellation fees, and "program enrollment" charges. The best providers (like FYRE Body for TRT and Kalm Health for ketamine) offer truly all-inclusive pricing.
Specific Conditions
Best telehealth for testosterone (TRT)?
FYRE Body — ~$150/month all-inclusive, prescription within 48 hours, labs included. See full TRT comparison.
Best telehealth for ketamine therapy?
Kalm Health — $124/month, no dose cap, free consultation. See full ketamine comparison.
Best telehealth for weight loss?
Depends on insurance and budget. Ro for brand-name GLP-1s with insurance support, Henry Meds for affordable compounded semaglutide. See full weight loss comparison.
Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information about telehealth services. It is not medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for decisions about your health.