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Physician Evaluation Guide

Find a
Qualified Provider

A good peptide provider should feel more like a careful clinician than a wellness funnel. Start with how they evaluate risk, not how fast they offer a prescription.

Baseline labs Monitoring plan Regulatory awareness
First Filter

Use a simple green-flag vs red-flag framework

This page works better when it helps you rule providers out quickly. Start here before comparing provider types.

Green Flags
  • Requires baseline lab work before prescribing.
  • Explains approved use, off-label use, and evidence gaps clearly.
  • Has an explicit follow-up schedule and dose-adjustment plan.
  • Can document pharmacy sourcing and compliance constraints.
Red Flags
  • Questionnaire-only prescribing or no physician interaction.
  • Sales language overwhelms risk discussion.
  • No mention of 503A/503B restrictions or compounding limits.
  • No documented monitoring beyond refill reminders.
Provider Types

Different provider models, very different risk profiles

Each provider category can be credible or weak. The difference is usually in supervision, documentation, and willingness to say no.

ENDO

Hormone-Optimizing Physicians

Endocrinologists, urologists, internists, and family physicians specializing in hormonal health.

How to evaluate

Look for board certification in endocrinology, urology, or internal medicine with documented hormone optimization focus.

IGF-1, LH, FSH, testosterone baseline labs
GH stimulation testing if deficiency is suspected
Prescription of sermorelin where available and other FDA-approved compounds
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment
FUNC

Functional & Integrative Medicine

Practitioners trained in both conventional and complementary approaches. Quality varies significantly.

How to evaluate

Look for conventional board certification plus fellowship-style training in functional medicine. Be cautious with minimal conventional training.

Comprehensive metabolic panels
Peptide protocols including secretagogues
Lifestyle and nutrition integration
Off-label prescribing with documented rationale
LONG

Anti-Aging / Longevity Clinics

Clinics focused on healthspan optimization. Quality ranges from rigorous evidence-based practices to marketing-heavy wellness centers.

How to evaluate

Request credentials of the prescribing physician, ask what monitoring they perform, and verify they understand post-2023 compounding regulations.

Comprehensive baseline assessment
GH axis and metabolic optimization
FDA-approved compound access for obesity and cardiometabolic care
Monitoring and lab follow-up
TELE

Telemedicine Platforms

Online platforms offering prescriptions after video consultation. Convenient but variable in clinical rigor.

How to evaluate

Choose platforms requiring actual lab work before prescribing. Be skeptical of questionnaire-only flows.

FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists on the most reputable platforms
TRT and hormone optimization
Sexual health prescriptions
Interview Guide

Questions worth asking before you commit

These questions reveal clinical rigor faster than a sales call ever will.

Do they require baseline labs before prescribing?
Good Answer
Yes - labs required
Warning Sign
Questionnaire only
Are they aware of the 2023 503A prohibition list?
Good Answer
Yes - avoids prohibited compounded injectables
Warning Sign
Still offers prohibited compounds as compounded
Do they have a monitoring plan?
Good Answer
Scheduled follow-up labs and clinical review
Warning Sign
Prescription without defined monitoring
Can they provide COA from the dispensing pharmacy?
Good Answer
Yes - documentation available on request
Warning Sign
Cannot or will not provide documentation
Is the prescribing physician board certified?
Good Answer
Yes - verifiable credentials
Warning Sign
Unclear or missing physician credentials
Do they discuss risks alongside potential benefits?
Good Answer
Yes - balanced, honest presentation
Warning Sign
Benefits only, no discussion of risks

Related resources

Compounding Pharmacies Guide →
What can and cannot be compounded after the FDA prohibition list changes.
Sourcing & Safety Guide →
How to evaluate suppliers, certificates of analysis, and peptide quality claims.