When we review virtual health providers, we don't just list features and call it a comparison. We score each platform across six weighted dimensions — and we publish our methodology so you can evaluate our ratings and decide if our priorities match yours.
Our Six Scoring Dimensions
1. Clinical Quality (30% of total score)
This is the most heavily weighted dimension because it directly affects your health outcomes. We evaluate: prescriber credentials (MD/DO vs NP/PA, board certifications), intake thoroughness (how many medical history questions, whether contraindications are properly screened), dose titration protocols (do they follow evidence-based schedules or one-size-fits-all), and follow-up structure (frequency, format, and accessibility of ongoing care). Providers that require comprehensive intake, start at low doses, and provide structured follow-up score highest.
2. Pricing Transparency (20%)
We evaluate whether the advertised price is the real price. Does the monthly cost include medication, consultations, and shipping — or are there hidden fees? Is the pricing page clear about what each tier includes? Are there price increases after an introductory period? Providers that quote all-inclusive pricing with no surprises score highest. Providers that advertise $49/month but charge $249 after the first month score lowest.
3. Medication Access (15%)
What medications are available — compounded semaglutide, compounded tirzepatide, brand-name options, or all three? Does the platform support insurance billing for brand-name medications? Can you switch between compounded and brand-name if your needs change? Broader formularies with clear information about each option score highest.
4. Patient Experience (15%)
How easy is the platform to use? This covers intake flow (how long, how intuitive), communication channels (messaging, phone, video), response times (how quickly does the care team reply), app quality if applicable, and cancellation ease. We test cancellation processes ourselves — platforms that make cancellation difficult lose significant points here.
5. Pharmacy Quality (10%)
We verify that partnering pharmacies are FDA-registered and state-licensed. For compounding pharmacies, we check 503A or 503B status, third-party testing practices, and any FDA warning letters or compliance history. Shipping speed and cold-chain handling are also evaluated. A great telehealth platform paired with a questionable pharmacy is still a problem.
6. Accountability (10%)
Is the company transparent about who runs it? Do they disclose physician names and credentials? Is there a clear complaints process? Do they respond to negative reviews constructively? Companies with publicly identified leadership, responsive customer service, and clear regulatory compliance score highest.
Why These Weights?
Clinical quality is weighted highest because poor clinical care can cause harm, regardless of how good the pricing or user experience is. Pricing transparency is second because deceptive pricing erodes trust and creates financial harm. The remaining dimensions address important but less critical aspects of the patient experience.
What We Don't Score On
We intentionally exclude advertising spend, brand recognition, and number of customers from our scoring. A heavily advertised platform with millions of users can still deliver mediocre clinical care. Conversely, a smaller platform with excellent physician oversight may score higher despite less market visibility. Our scores reflect quality of care, not market dominance.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Virtual Health Visits earns affiliate commissions from some providers we review. This creates a potential conflict of interest that we address through methodology transparency. Our scoring rubric is published and consistent across all providers. We review providers we don't have affiliate relationships with using the same criteria. We have declined affiliate relationships with providers that didn't meet our minimum clinical quality threshold. Affiliate status is disclosed on every review with a "Paid link" label.
Our commitment: If a provider's clinical quality declines — FDA warnings, patient complaints, compliance failures — their score drops regardless of affiliate relationship. We've deprioritized and removed providers from our recommendations when warranted.
Our Top-Rated Providers
All providers below are US-licensed telehealth platforms. Availability varies by state.
⚕️ Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies under physician supervision.
⚕️ Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies under physician supervision.
How Scores Translate to Recommendations
Providers scoring 80+ across all dimensions earn our top recommendation. Providers scoring 60–79 are listed with caveats. Providers scoring below 60 are not recommended but may be listed for informational purposes with clear warnings. Providers with active FDA warning letters or compliance failures receive mandatory disclosure regardless of overall score.
Sources & References
- FTC. Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking. Affiliate disclosure requirements. 2024.
- FDA. Registered Pharmacy Verification Database. 2026.
- NABP. Accredited Digital Pharmacy List. 2025–2026.
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Telehealth Quality Standards. 2025.