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Getting Started
How to set up your WhatsAppMD profile, book your first consultation, and navigate the main menu.
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Consultations
How consultations work, what to expect, wait times, and what happens after your session.
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Prescriptions
Understanding your prescription PDF, sending it to a pharmacy, and managing refills.
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Billing & Payments
Payment methods, HSA/FSA, insurance co-pays, receipts, refunds, and billing disputes.
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Privacy & HIPAA
How your health data is stored, who can access it, and your rights under HIPAA.
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Emergencies
What to do in a medical emergency, how our emergency detection works, and crisis resources.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to download any app to use WhatsAppMD?
No. WhatsAppMD works entirely within your existing WhatsApp application. Simply send a message to our WhatsApp number to get started. No downloads, no new accounts, no app stores.
How are the doctors verified?
Every WhatsAppMD doctor is verified via the NPPES database for active NPI number, checked against the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) for malpractice history, background-checked via Checkr, and must hold an active state medical licence for the patient's state. Annual re-verification is required.
Is WhatsAppMD HIPAA compliant?
Yes. WhatsAppMD is fully HIPAA compliant. Your Protected Health Information (PHI) is stored in AWS HealthLake, a HIPAA-eligible service. We have signed Business Associate Agreements with all vendors including AWS, Stripe, Anthropic, and OpenAI. No PHI is ever transmitted in plain WhatsApp text.
How much does a consultation cost?
Consultation fees vary by specialty and doctor. General practice consultations typically range from $30–$50. Specialist consultations range from $50–$85. The fee is always displayed clearly before you pay, and you can cancel before payment at no charge.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card?
Yes. HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards are accepted for consultation fees, prescription costs, and lab test orders. These are all qualifying medical expenses under IRS guidelines.
What happens in a medical emergency?
WhatsAppMD monitors all messages for emergency keywords 24/7. If a crisis phrase is detected, the bot immediately sends emergency services numbers (911) and the nearest ER address based on your registered location. Your emergency contact is automatically notified. This all happens within 0.3 seconds of detection.
Can my doctor prescribe any medication?
WhatsAppMD doctors can prescribe most medications via telehealth. However, Schedule II controlled substances (certain opioids, stimulants) are blocked in compliance with the DEA Ryan Haight Act. If you need a controlled substance, your WhatsAppMD doctor will help arrange an in-person assessment.
How do I get a refund?
If you were charged for a consultation but the doctor did not join within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, you are automatically eligible for a full refund. For other disputes, contact our support team via WhatsApp or email. Refunds are processed within 5–7 business days to your original payment method.
Still need help?
Our support team responds within 4 hours on business days. Contact us below.
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