For-profit telehealth websites like Hims and Hers are showing up a lot in our newsfeeds lately. They promise to help with everything from erectile dysfunction, hair loss, skincare, mental health and more. But how do you know if they are trustworthy?

Is this new trend to seek your health care and prescriptions through unknown online providers a safe route to go? 

In today's world, people have become used to expecting instantaneity, even with their health care. They expect a magic pill to solve just about everything. But when it comes to your health, sometimes it may take more than a pill. 

My concern with these new online health care portals is that many are not associated with a credible health system and their providers may have a financial interest in how they practice health care, and therefore, may be more likely to resort to prescribing a pill rather than getting to the root of your problem.

And what about your long-term health? Will you be seeing the same provider each time? If you are not establishing an in-depth, long-term relationship with the online health care provider, you will likely not receive a more holistic, comprehensive approach to your health. For instance, if you get a prescription to treat a health problem, will this provider be monitoring your progress and health over the long term? Are they familiar with you and your family's health history? 

Before you use these services for your health care needs, I suggest you ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Are you speaking to a licensed provider? Find out in advance who you will be speaking to and make sure this person whom you will be seeking health care advice from is a licensed health care provider. Ask to see their credentials and do some research on them in advance. 

2. Does the provider have a vested interest in the website? Keep in mind that the for profit online health care providers probably have a vested financial interest in the company or website, and therefore, may be more likely to prescribe their products, rather than investigating possible underlying problems or seeking other options. When you choose a provider with a nonprofit health care system for your health needs, you can be sure they have your best interests in mind.              

3. Will you be seeing the same provider each time you use the service and will they be following up with you over the long term? Establishing continuity with a health care provider is critical in treating health issues, providing preventive care and keeping your medications up to date. 

4. Could I have an underlying health problem? In some cases, taking a pill when you don't know the big picture may cause more harm than good. For instance, treatment for low testosterone or erectile dysfunction (ED) are conditions promoted on forhims.com and getroman.com. However, in many cases, ED is caused by other conditions or diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. The same is true for low testosterone. A drop in testosterone may be related to cancer, brain-related disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, obesity or other hormonal abnormalities. This is why screening should include a thorough physical exam and medical history to rule out other explanations for symptoms.

 If one of these conditions does exist, treating these issues first may help resolve ED or low testosterone and prevent the condition from becoming worse. Getting to the root of your ED or low testosterone may not be a priority when using these websites. 

5. Are the medications or supplements FDA approved? Many online health sites tout the effectiveness of products they say have patent-protected ingredients. Beware of products that have not been FDA approved. FDA-approved products undergo rigorous trials and monitoring during processing and manufacturing. If they are not FDA approved, we don't know for sure what the ingredients are and the exact amounts of each ingredient. I would not waste my money on products and supplements that are not backed by the FDA.

6. Will the medications or supplements interfere with current medications or health conditions? You will want to make sure that the provider you are speaking to is aware of all current medications and supplements you are taking and any underlying health care issues. If the medications or supplements they are recommending are not FDA approved, it will be difficult to know how they will interact. 

The bottom line, your health is not something to experiment with. Seeking health care advice from your primary care provider, with whom you have developed a long-term relationship, is always the safest and smartest route to achieve long-term health and well-being.