Legal
Consent to Telehealth
This document explains telehealth and your rights as a patient receiving telehealth services through Melbi Wellness. At the time of your first intake when clinical services become available, you will be asked to review and acknowledge a similar consent before proceeding. This page is for your information now.
Last updated: May 2026
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of secure electronic communications (such as online intake forms, secure messaging, and live phone or video visits) to deliver healthcare services when you and the clinician are not in the same physical location. Melbi delivers telehealth through a combination of asynchronous review (where a clinician reviews your written intake) and, where needed, synchronous live visits.
Expected benefits
Potential benefits of telehealth include increased convenience, easier access to clinicians, reduced travel time, and the ability to receive ongoing follow-up from home. Telehealth may be appropriate where in-person evaluation is not necessary in the clinician's judgment.
Possible risks and limitations
Telehealth has limits. Information provided through telehealth may be incomplete or inaccurate. A clinician cannot perform a physical examination through telehealth. Certain conditions cannot be safely or appropriately evaluated through telehealth. A clinician may determine at any time that telehealth is not appropriate for your situation and may decline care or recommend in-person evaluation. Technology failures may delay communications. Despite reasonable safeguards, no electronic communication is 100% secure.
Your rights
You have the right to: (i) withhold or withdraw consent at any time without affecting your right to future care, (ii) be informed of alternatives to telehealth, (iii) ask questions about the telehealth process, (iv) request that another professional be involved in your care where reasonable, and (v) request a copy of your medical records.
Identity verification
You may be asked to provide a government-issued ID or other information to verify your identity before any prescription is issued. Misrepresenting your identity, age, location, or health information is a violation of these consents and may result in denial of care.
Where care is delivered
Melbi clinicians provide telehealth only to patients physically located in U.S. states where the clinician is licensed and where Melbi is offering services. You agree to be physically located in an eligible state at the time of any live visit.
Prescriptions
A licensed clinician may, but is not required to, issue a prescription. Approval is never guaranteed. If a prescription is issued, it will be sent to a state-licensed pharmacy for dispensing and direct shipping to you. Refills require continued clinical appropriateness review and, in some cases, additional follow-up.
Compounded medications
Compounded medications, if prescribed, are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy specifically for the individual patient. The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. Compounded medications carry risks, may not have undergone clinical trials, and may not be appropriate for everyone.
Emergencies
Telehealth is not an emergency service. For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
Privacy
Information you share through telehealth is protected by federal and state privacy laws. Communications occur through encrypted channels. Despite reasonable safeguards, no electronic communication is 100% secure.
Recording
Live visits will not be recorded by Melbi without your express consent. You agree not to record any visit without the clinician's express consent.
Acknowledgment at intake
When clinical services launch, you will be asked to review and electronically acknowledge a full Telehealth Consent and Consent to Treat before completing your secure online intake.