Roman, a direct-to-consumer telehealth platform under the parent company Ro, was created to provide convenient, discreet access to licensed healthcare professionals and prescription medications for specific health concerns. The platform initially focused on men’s health issues, which often carry a social stigma that can discourage patients from seeking in-person care. This article will examine the mechanics of the Roman model and evaluate the treatments it offers to determine its suitability for the average consumer.
Understanding the Roman Telehealth Model
The Roman platform uses a digital-first approach that streamlines the path from consultation to prescription fulfillment. A patient begins the process by completing a detailed online visit, which serves as a comprehensive medical questionnaire about their symptoms, lifestyle, and full medical history. This initial interaction is often asynchronous, meaning the patient and provider do not need to communicate simultaneously. Licensed medical providers, including doctors and nurse practitioners, then review this self-reported data to assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
If a prescription is deemed safe and suitable, the provider issues it digitally. Roman operates a vertically integrated system that includes its own pharmacy network, allowing medications to be discreetly packaged and shipped directly to the patient’s home, often with free shipping. This subscription model is designed for chronic conditions, providing automatic refills and unlimited follow-ups with the healthcare professional to manage ongoing care. While patients can choose to have the prescription sent to an external pharmacy, using the Roman pharmacy network is a key part of the fulfillment process.
Evaluating the Treatments Offered
The treatments offered through Roman primarily target chronic, non-acute conditions. For instance, the platform is well-known for prescribing FDA-approved medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), such as sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis). These phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors work by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis, and their efficacy is well-established in clinical literature.
Similarly, for male pattern hair loss, Roman offers scientifically supported treatments like oral finasteride and minoxidil, which are proven to slow hair loss and stimulate new growth in many men. The company has also expanded into other areas, including weight management, where it may prescribe medications like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) following a thorough qualification process. The platform provides access to genuine, FDA-approved medications, which is a safer alternative to unverified supplements. However, some compounded or combination medications offered, such as certain topical hair loss sprays, may not have specific FDA approval for the combined formulation.
Safety and Suitability Considerations for Online Prescribing
The telehealth model relies on self-reported information without a corresponding physical exam, which introduces safety limitations. For conditions like ED, a lack of a physical assessment means the provider cannot rule out underlying issues such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes that may be contributing factors. These conditions often require blood work or an in-person physical to diagnose accurately.
Patients must disclose their full medical history and current medications, as remote providers rely solely on this data to prevent dangerous drug interactions. For example, PDE5 inhibitors are strictly contraindicated for patients taking nitrate medications for chest pain. Telehealth is not suitable for new symptoms that are severe, rapidly progressing, or suggest an emergency, such as acute chest pain or sudden vision loss. In these instances, in-person care remains the required standard for immediate, comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment.