Question 1

How does Actually Health work?

Accepted Answer

You message us when something feels off — a symptom, a question, a concern. A licensed clinician reviews your message and responds with a clear explanation of what's likely going on and what your options are. If you need labs, medication changes, or further evaluation, we handle it together. No appointments, no waiting rooms.

Question 2

What's included in the membership?

Accepted Answer

Your $300/year membership includes unlimited messaging with your care team, lab orders, prescription management, and care coordination. Think of it like concierge medicine at a fraction of the cost. Labs and prescriptions are billed separately through your pharmacy and lab provider.

Question 3

Is this like a subscription where you check in on me regularly?

Accepted Answer

No — this is on-demand access, not daily monitoring. Think of it like having a care team on call. You reach out when you have a question or concern, and we respond. If your condition is well-controlled, you might not need us for months — and that's perfectly fine. When something comes up, we're here.

Question 4

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Join our waitlist and we'll reach out when we're ready to onboard you. Once you're in, you'll complete a brief health questionnaire so we understand your history. Then you can start messaging us right away — no scheduling required.

Question 5

Do I need to download an app?

Accepted Answer

No app download required. Actually Health works through secure messaging accessible from any device — your phone, tablet, or computer. You'll receive notifications when your care team responds.

Question 6

What happens after I sign up?

Accepted Answer

You'll complete a brief health intake covering your medical history, current medications, and health goals. Then you can message your care team whenever you need them. No scheduling required, no waiting for an appointment slot.

Question 7

Can Actually Health help with type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Type 2 diabetes is one of our core conditions. We help you understand your A1C and blood sugar numbers, adjust medications (including metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic), order labs, and prevent long-term complications. Our clinicians specialize in metabolic conditions and provide ongoing support.

Question 8

Can you prescribe Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our clinicians can prescribe GLP-1 medications including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) when medically appropriate. We'll evaluate your health history, discuss goals, and determine if these medications are right for you. We also monitor for side effects and adjust dosing as needed.

Question 9

Do you treat hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Thyroid conditions including hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules are among our specialties. We optimize thyroid hormone levels, adjust medications based on how you feel (not just labs), and monitor for related conditions.

Question 10

What about high blood pressure medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hypertension management is a core service. We can prescribe blood pressure medications (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan, and others), help you monitor your readings, adjust dosing based on your numbers, and work on lifestyle factors that affect blood pressure.

Question 11

Do you manage PCOS virtually?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a metabolic condition we treat. We can prescribe metformin, spironolactone, and other medications, order relevant labs, and help you manage symptoms like irregular periods, weight changes, and insulin resistance.

Question 12

Can you help with prediabetes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prediabetes is the perfect time to intervene. We help you understand your numbers, make lifestyle adjustments, and prescribe medications like metformin when appropriate to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.

Question 13

Do you treat high cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prescribe statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) and other cholesterol medications, order lipid panels, and help you understand your cardiovascular risk. We focus on the right treatment for your specific situation, not one-size-fits-all guidelines.

Question 14

What thyroid conditions do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We treat hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. We optimize thyroid hormone levels (levothyroxine, Synthroid, Armour), order comprehensive thyroid panels, and adjust treatment based on how you feel — not just your TSH number.

Question 15

Is this real medical care or just advice?

Accepted Answer

This is real medical care. You're treated by licensed clinicians — physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order labs, and provide ongoing care management. The only difference is how we communicate: messaging instead of office visits.

Question 16

How quickly can I get care?

Accepted Answer

Most messages are answered within hours, not days. For urgent concerns, we'll prioritize your message. We're not an emergency service — if you're experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Question 17

What if I need to see a specialist?

Accepted Answer

If your condition requires specialist care, we'll help coordinate a referral. We'll provide documentation, explain what the specialist needs to know, and follow up with you afterward to make sure the handoff goes smoothly.

Question 18

What happens if my condition gets worse?

Accepted Answer

We monitor your messages and will escalate care if needed. If something requires in-person evaluation or emergency care, we'll tell you directly and help you find the right next step. We never leave you guessing about what to do.

Question 19

My blood sugar is high — can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your blood sugar is elevated, message us with your readings. We'll help you understand what's happening, adjust your medications if needed, and create a plan to get your levels under control. This is exactly what we're built for.

Question 20

I'm tired all the time — is this for me?

Accepted Answer

Chronic fatigue can have many causes — thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and more. We can evaluate your symptoms, order appropriate labs, and help you find answers. If the cause is a condition we treat, we'll manage it. If not, we'll help you get to the right specialist.

Question 21

My thyroid medication isn't working — can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're on thyroid medication but still feel symptomatic, we can review your labs, adjust your dosing, or explore alternative treatments. We focus on how you feel, not just hitting a lab number.

Question 22

I need help managing multiple conditions — is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our members have multiple conditions — diabetes plus high blood pressure, or thyroid issues plus cholesterol. Managing these together is actually better because the conditions often interact. We take a comprehensive approach to your metabolic health.

Question 23

My doctor retired — can you take over my care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have stable chronic conditions and need a new care team, we can take over. We'll review your medical history, current medications, and recent labs, then continue managing your care. We make transitions smooth.

Question 24

What medications can you prescribe?

Accepted Answer

Our licensed clinicians can prescribe most medications including: diabetes medications (metformin, GLP-1s like Ozempic, SGLT2 inhibitors), blood pressure medications (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan), thyroid medications (levothyroxine, Synthroid), cholesterol medications (statins like atorvastatin), and antibiotics. We cannot prescribe controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) due to federal regulations.

Question 25

What medications can you NOT prescribe?

Accepted Answer

We cannot prescribe controlled substances including opioids (Vicodin, OxyContin), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan), and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin). This is due to federal regulations for telemedicine. We also don't prescribe medications for conditions outside our specialty areas.

Question 26

How do prescriptions work?

Accepted Answer

After evaluating your condition, we send prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy. You'll get a notification when the prescription is sent. We can send to any pharmacy — including mail-order pharmacies for cost savings.

Question 27

Can you refill my existing prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're already on medications for conditions we manage, we can take over prescribing after reviewing your medical history and current labs. We'll make sure your medications are still appropriate and adjust if needed.

Question 28

What if my pharmacy doesn't have my medication?

Accepted Answer

Let us know and we'll send the prescription to a different pharmacy, or work with you to find an alternative medication. For GLP-1 medications with supply issues, we can help you navigate shortages and find available options.

Question 29

Can you prescribe antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when medically appropriate. If you have an infection that can be diagnosed via messaging (like a UTI with typical symptoms), we can prescribe antibiotics. For infections requiring examination, we'll direct you to in-person care.

Question 30

Do you prescribe mental health medications?

Accepted Answer

We can prescribe some mental health medications for mild to moderate depression and anxiety (like SSRIs), especially when they overlap with chronic conditions we treat. For complex mental health needs, we'll refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist.

Question 31

How quickly can I get a prescription?

Accepted Answer

Prescriptions are sent during business hours. For urgent needs, let us know and we'll prioritize your message.

Question 32

What lab tests can you order?

Accepted Answer

We can order comprehensive metabolic panels, A1C, fasting glucose, lipid panels, thyroid panels (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies), vitamin levels, kidney function, liver function, and many other routine labs. For chronic condition management, labs are essential — and we make them easy.

Question 33

How does the lab process work?

Accepted Answer

We send a lab order to Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp (your choice). You visit any location near you — no appointment needed for most tests. Results come directly to us, and we review them with you, explaining what they mean and any changes to your care plan.

Question 34

Do I need to fast for lab tests?

Accepted Answer

Some tests require fasting — typically lipid panels and fasting glucose. We'll tell you which tests need fasting when we send the order. Most other tests (including A1C) don't require fasting.

Question 35

How much do labs cost?

Accepted Answer

Lab costs vary depending on your insurance and the specific tests. If you have insurance, labs may be covered. If you're paying out-of-pocket, Quest and Labcorp offer cash-pay pricing, often $50-150 for comprehensive panels. We'll help you find the most affordable option.

Question 36

Can you order specialty labs?

Accepted Answer

We can order most specialty labs related to metabolic and endocrine conditions — including thyroid antibodies, insulin levels, cortisol, and more. For highly specialized tests outside our focus areas, we may refer you to a specialist who can order and interpret them.

Question 37

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

$300 per year. That's it. No hidden fees, no copays, no surprise bills. Your membership includes unlimited messaging with your care team, lab orders, and prescription management.

Question 38

Is this cheaper than seeing my regular doctor?

Accepted Answer

At $300/year with no copays, we're often cheaper than a few office visit copays ($30-75 each is typical). There are no hidden fees, no surprise bills, and no per-message charges. Labs and prescriptions are billed separately through your pharmacy and lab, but many generic medications cost under $10/month.

Question 39

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We don't accept insurance. This is intentional — it means our only obligation is to your outcome, not to billing codes or insurance approval. At $300/year, we're often cheaper than high-deductible plan copays. You can still use insurance for labs and prescriptions.

Question 40

What about the cost of labs and prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

Labs and prescriptions are billed separately through your pharmacy and lab provider. Many generic medications cost under $10/month. Lab costs vary — if you have insurance, they may be covered. We help you find affordable options for both.

Question 41

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Actually Health memberships are eligible for HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds. We provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.

Question 42

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. There are no contracts or cancellation fees. If you decide to leave, we'll make sure you have everything you need to continue your care elsewhere — including medication refills and a summary of your care history.

Question 43

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer a free trial, but you can cancel anytime in your first month if it's not a good fit. We're confident that once you experience having a care team that actually responds, you'll see the value.

Question 44

How is Actually Health different from other telehealth apps?

Accepted Answer

Most telehealth apps offer one-time video visits for acute issues — you see a different doctor each time. We provide ongoing care for chronic conditions through unlimited messaging. No appointments needed, no per-visit fees. Your clinician knows your history. It's closer to having a doctor on retainer than using an on-demand app.

Question 45

Actually Health vs traditional primary care?

Accepted Answer

Traditional primary care means waiting weeks for appointments, taking time off work, sitting in waiting rooms, and paying $100+ per visit. We offer messaging-based care, no appointments to schedule, and a flat $25/month for unlimited access. We focus on chronic conditions — for annual physicals or in-person procedures, you'd still see a traditional doctor.

Question 46

Is this cheaper than urgent care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Urgent care visits typically cost $150-300 without insurance. Our membership is $25/month for unlimited messaging. For the chronic conditions we manage, you get faster responses without leaving home. For true urgent issues requiring examination, urgent care is still appropriate.

Question 47

How does this compare to concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Concierge medicine typically costs $2,000-10,000 per year for enhanced access to a physician. We offer similar benefits — direct access, unhurried care — for $300/year. The trade-off: we focus on metabolic and chronic conditions, and we communicate via messaging rather than in-person visits.

Question 48

Why message-based instead of video calls?

Accepted Answer

Messaging is better for chronic care. You can reach out anytime without scheduling. We can review your full history before responding. You get a written record of all advice. And for most chronic condition management, visual examination isn't necessary — your labs and symptoms tell us what we need to know.

Question 49

What can't you do that in-person doctors can?

Accepted Answer

We can't perform physical examinations, procedures, or imaging. We can't prescribe controlled substances. For conditions requiring in-person evaluation (like a suspicious mole or abdominal pain), we'll direct you to appropriate care. We excel at managing chronic conditions where ongoing medication adjustment and monitoring are the primary needs.

Question 50

Is my health information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use HIPAA-compliant systems with end-to-end encryption to protect your health information. Your data is never sold or shared with third parties. We take privacy as seriously as any traditional healthcare provider — because we are one.

Question 51

Who can see my messages?

Accepted Answer

Only your care team — the licensed clinicians treating you. We don't share your information with employers, insurance companies, or anyone else without your explicit consent.

Question 52

Can I get my medical records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request your complete medical records at any time. We'll provide documentation of all care, lab results, prescriptions, and clinical notes — typically within a few business days.

Question 53

How is my data protected?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA compliant infrastructure, end-to-end encryption, and we never sell your data. Your health information stays between you and your care team. We use the same security standards as major healthcare systems.

Question 54

Where is Actually Health available?

Accepted Answer

We're currently accepting founding members in Mississippi, West Virginia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Alabama and Florida. We're working on expanding to more states — join our waitlist to be notified when we're available in your area.

Question 55

What if I travel or move to another state?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare licensing is state-specific, so we can only provide care when you're physically in a state where we're licensed. If you're traveling temporarily, let us know and we can usually still help with ongoing prescriptions. If you move permanently, we'll help transition your care to a provider in your new state.

Question 56

Are you expanding to more states?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We're actively working on expanding our coverage. Join our waitlist and select your state — we'll notify you as soon as we're available in your area.

Frequently Asked
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Getting Started

Conditions We Treat

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Labs & Testing

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