Overview
- The Journal of the American Medical Association study published Monday tested 49 telehealth sites and found 45 approved a prescription and 34 mailed medication to the simulated patient.
- Most sites relied on written questionnaires rather than real‑time clinician contact, with only 13 requiring a video visit and three requiring a phone call before prescribing.
- Compounded formulations dominated online dispensing: 17 sites sold compounded only, 27 sold both, and 39 of the 45 successful prescriptions were for compounded agents.
- Many vendors issued prescriptions very fast, sometimes under five minutes, often charged patients automatically and shipped drugs without a final confirmation, while few requested objective clinical values or consistent eating‑disorder screening.
- The study builds on prior FDA warning letters about unapproved compounded GLP‑1s and could prompt tighter enforcement, insurer limits, and more guidance for patients to consult their usual clinician before using direct‑to‑consumer services.