Good question — verifying a telehealth provider is important for safety, quality of care and privacy. Below is a practical, step‑by‑step checklist you can use (tailored for Australia but mostly applicable elsewhere), followed by red flags and what to do if something seems wrong.

Step‑by‑step checklist

1. Confirm identity and registration

• Ask for the clinician’s full name, profession (e.g., GP, psychiatrist), and registration number.
• In Australia: check the clinician’s registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the relevant National Board (e.g., Medical Board of Australia for doctors). Many regulators have online registries you can search by name or registration number.

2. Verify qualifications and specialty

• Ask where they trained and what specialist qualifications they hold.
• For specialists, check they are a fellow of the relevant college (e.g., Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). Many colleges have directories.

3. Confirm the service is legitimate

• Check the telehealth platform/clinic has a physical address and contact phone number.
• Look for an ABN/ACN or business registration if in Australia. Legitimate clinics usually list these.

4. Review the telehealth platform’s privacy and security

• Ensure the platform uses end‑to‑end encryption or secure video conferencing designed for healthcare.
• Check the provider’s privacy policy: what records they keep, how they store/transmit data, and whether they upload to shared health records (e.g., My Health Record in Australia).
• Confirm your consent is obtained and documented for telehealth.

5. Check prescribing and follow‑up processes

• Ask whether they will issue prescriptions and how they send them (electronic prescribing to your preferred pharmacy is common).
• Confirm how they handle referrals, pathology/imaging requests and follow‑up care with your local providers.

6. Look for professional oversight and standards

• See whether the provider follows professional telehealth guidelines (e.g., Medical Board policies, telehealth clinical guidance).
• Check for membership of recognised professional bodies or clinic accreditation (e.g., Australian general practice accreditation schemes).

7. Read reviews and independent info

• Look for patient reviews on independent sites, Google Business, or health directories. Interpret reviews cautiously (some may be fake or biased).
• Search news or complaints histories if concerned.

8. Clarify fees, billing and Medicare eligibility

• Ask for a clear fees schedule and whether they bulk‑bill, accept Medicare rebates, or issue private invoices.
• Confirm Medicare telehealth rules apply to your appointment (location, eligibility can vary).

9. Ask practical questions during the first consultation

• How will records be stored and how can you access them?
• How do they handle emergencies — what to do if you become unwell during/after the consult?
• Will they coordinate care with your local GP or other clinicians?

Red flags (reasons to decline or investigate further)

• No verifiable registration number or refusal to provide it.
• No physical address or business registration details.
• Platform uses unsecured video (e.g., public social apps) or unclear privacy policy.
• Requests for payment exclusively by unusual methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency) or pressure to pay immediately.
• Promises of miracle cures, guaranteed outcomes, or prescription of controlled drugs without appropriate history/exam.
• No process for follow‑up, referrals, or sharing records with local providers.

If you suspect a problem

• In Australia: report concerns to AHPRA (for practitioner conduct/fitness to practise) and the relevant health complaints commissioner in your state/territory.
• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately if you suspect fraud.
• If immediate danger or medical emergency, call local emergency services.

Quick checklist you can use immediately (tick before booking)

• [ ] Provider name and registration number confirmed.
• [ ] Registration verified on national regulator website.
• [ ] Platform privacy and encryption confirmed.
• [ ] Clear fee and billing information provided.
• [ ] Clear process for prescriptions, referrals and follow‑up.
• [ ] Emergency/after‑hours plan explained.

If you want, I can:

• Walk you through how to search AHPRA (or another country’s regulator) step‑by‑step, or
• Review a provider’s profile/website text you paste here and point out any concerns.

Which of those would you like?