Ro offers a convenient way to access services and products for sexual health, fertility, weight loss, and skin and hair health. However, reviews are mixed. Read on for our dietitian’s review.
Share on PinterestRo is a direct-to-consumer telehealth company that offers prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to address a variety of health issues.
Modern Fertility, the Ro Body Program, and the Ro Sperm Kit are three of the company’s popular products and services.
While some people may appreciate the convenience Ro offers, its online reputation is mixed.
In this article, our dietitian Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, takes an in-depth look at Ro, including what it is, what products and services it offers, and what customers are saying about it.
What is Ro?
Ro is a telehealth platform that aims to help bring healthcare home with products and services designed to address a wide range of health concerns.
Ro allows you to connect with a doctor, nurse, or coach for free on its website or app. It also provides a variety of prescription and OTC medications, which are delivered directly to your door in discreet packaging.
Here’s a quick look at the conditions Ro treats and how it works:
- What Ro treats: Ro offers medications to address issues related to sexual health, weight loss, fertility, hair loss, and skin health. This includes at-home ovulation tests, birth control, and treatments for conditions such as erectile dysfunction and herpes.
- Insurance: The products and services Ro offers are not covered by insurance, which means you need to pay out of pocket. Some products may be eligible for reimbursement from your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
- Cost: With the exception of the Ro Body Program, your online visit is free in most cases. The cost of medications can vary depending on the specific medication, dose, and shipping frequency.
- Ro Body Program: The company’s weight management program pairs weight loss medications with a curriculum designed to promote healthy habits. It costs $99 for the first month and $145 for each month after that, not including the cost of medications.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ro offers treatment options for a wide variety of health conditions.
- It can be a convenient and more accessible way to receive care.
- Prescription medications ship quickly in discreet packaging.
- The program includes unlimited follow-ups with a healthcare professional.
- Ro provides both OTC and prescription treatments.
- Some products may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement.
Cons
- The products and services are not covered by insurance.
- Ro may not be suitable for everyone, such as people without internet access, those who prefer face-to-face interactions, and those with limited experience using technology.
- Some of the medications can be expensive.
- Some of the supplements are not in full compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supplement label guidelines.
- Ro may prescribe compounded GLP-1 medications, which are not approved by the FDA.
- Some reviewers complain about slow response times, lack of communication, and issues with shipping and billing.
Ro may be a good option for people who …
- have certain health issues that can be treated virtually
- live in rural areas with limited access to local healthcare professionals
- are looking for a fast, simple, and convenient way to refill certain prescriptions
- have physical disabilities or limited access to transportation
Ro is not ideal for those who …
- are under 18 years old
- have not visited a healthcare professional in the past 3 years
- have chronic health conditions that require more comprehensive care
- prefer in-person interactions with a healthcare professional
- prefer a telehealth service that accepts their insurance
- are experiencing serious injuries or medical emergencies
- do not have internet access or have limited experience using technology
How does Ro work?
After joining, you can have a virtual visit with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
You can also get prescription medications delivered directly to your door in as little as 2 days. These medications are sent from the company’s network of nationwide pharmacies.
You can chat with a doctor, nurse, or coach on the Ro platform for free at any time to address any health concerns.
However, Ro is not a replacement for a visit with a primary care doctor or healthcare team. Instead, it’s designed to provide complementary services to better support your health needs at home.
Below, we look at the services Ro offers.
Ro weight loss
Cost: $99 for the first month and $145 per month thereafter. The cost of the program does not cover medications, which are billed separately.
The Ro Body Program is Ro’s weight loss program. The company claims that the program can help you lose an average of 15% to 20% of your body weight within 12 months.
This claim is based on the results of clinical trials that evaluated the effects of the weight loss medications offered through the Ro Body Program, including Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).
These trials received funding from the manufacturers of the medications, which means there’s a potential for bias and conflict of interest.
The Ro Body Program includes:
- personal coaching from a dedicated health coach
- an at-home testing kit to evaluate your metabolism
- ongoing support from a healthcare professional, including up to 24 video sessions per year
- a step-by-step online curriculum to help you build healthy habits, with lessons focused on nutrition, sleep, emotional health, and exercise
Prescription weight loss medications may also be recommended for those who qualify.
GLP-1s and other weight loss medications
The Ro Body Program also includes access to prescription weight loss medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes that have also been shown to support weight loss.
Ro prescribes several types of weight loss medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
Wegovy was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 to be used specifically as a weight loss medication. While Ozempic and Zepbound have been shown to support weight loss, they are approved only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
These medications can support weight management by slowing the emptying of your stomach, increasing feelings of fullness, and decreasing your hunger to help reduce your food intake.
Ro also offers dual GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) agonists. These medications work in a similar way to GLP-1 agonists to promote weight loss.
You can learn more about Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound in our comprehensive guides.
Ro Body for Zepbound
- Accepts insurance: yes
- Consultation fee: $99
- Subscription fee: $145 per month
- Available medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound
Healthline's review
Ro Body offers prescriptions for several weight loss medications, including Zepbound, which is approved specifically for weight loss.
Zepbound features the same active ingredient as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and offers the combined effects of GLP-1 and GIP activation. Early research suggests that tirzepatide might be more effective than semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), though more studies are needed to confirm this.
A note on compounded drugs
According to Ro, compounded GLP-1 medications are also available through Ro at a lower cost. Drug compounding is a process that involves mixing, combining, or changing the ingredients of a drug to create a new medication.
Though these compounded GLP-1 medications contain the same active ingredient as branded versions, such as Ozempic, compounded medications have been associated with serious safety concerns and are not approved by the FDA.
Additional services and products
Ro offers a variety of prescription medications and OTC products. Below, we highlight some standout products and talk about what else is available through Ro.
Sexual health
Roman Viagra
4.9 (380+) from Roman- Type: tablet
- Prescription needed: yes
- Dosage: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Healthline's review
Ro offers a variety of OTC products and prescription medications to address conditions related to sexual health, such as:
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- premature ejaculation
- cold sores
- genital herpes
- low testosterone
Roman, a sub-brand of Ro, offers prescriptions for several ED medications, including brand-name Viagra.
Ro uses discreet packaging and offers free delivery.
Learn more about ED medications available through Ro.
Fertility
Ro Modern Fertility Hormone Test
4.5 (2.1k+) from Modern Fertility- Results in: 7 to 10 days
- Collection method: finger prick
- Insurance coverage: eligible for reimbursement through HSA/FSA
- Follow-up guidance: option to go over your results with a Modern Fertility fertility nurse
Healthline's review
Modern Fertility recently joined Ro to provide products designed to help you navigate and learn about your fertility. Ro’s Modern Fertility Hormone Test is our pick for the best overall at-home fertility test.
This test is one of the most comprehensive options. We like that it’s easy to use, the results are reviewed by medical staff, and you can customize it to account for the regularity of your period and whether you’re taking hormonal birth control.
Other available products include:
- fertility hormone tests
- prenatal vitamins
- ovulation tests
- pregnancy tests
- birth control
The service also offers a free quiz, which provides personalized product recommendations based on your specific goals and needs.
Product details
Hair
Roman Oral Finasteride
4.7 (115+) from Roman- Type: tablet
- Prescription needed: yes
- Key ingredients: finasteride
- Price: $20.00
*Price may vary.
Healthline's review
For men experiencing hair loss, Ro offers customized treatment options, which may include a prescription for oral finasteride — a once-daily pill that’s FDA-approved to help treat male pattern baldness.
Ro also provides other prescription and OTC products to treat hair loss in men and women, including:
- topical sprays
- oral medications
- shampoos and conditioners
- hair support supplements
Prescriptions for Latisse are also available for those who qualify. Latisse is a medication that can help you grow longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes.
Skin
Roman Latisse
4.9 (181+) from Ro- Type: serum
- Prescription needed: yes
- Consultation fee: free
- Medication price: from $110
Healthline's review
Latisse is an FDA-approved, prescription-only treatment to help you grow longer, fuller, darker eyelashes. It’s available through Ro for those who are eligible.
In addition to the prescription, Ro offers free, unlimited follow-ups with a healthcare professional.
Daily health
Ro Roman Daily
- Form: tablet
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Dose: 2 tablets per day
- Certifications: none
- Price per serving: $1.17
Healthline's review
In addition to prescription medications, Ro offers several OTC supplements to support daily health, including:
- a prenatal multivitamin
- a men’s multivitamin
- a testosterone support supplement
You can purchase these products without completing an online questionnaire.
One such product is Roman Daily Multivitamin, which is formulated specifically for men and free from sugar, sweeteners, and artificial additives and dyes.
While the product isn’t third-party tested to confirm that the contents match what’s listed on the label, Ro states that its supplements are made with high quality ingredients and manufactured according to the FDA’s current good manufacturing practices.
Product details
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin A 1050 mcg (117% DV), vitamin C 90 mg (100% DV), vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin E 22 mg (147% DV), thiamin 1 mg (83% DV), riboflavin 1.7 mg (131% DV), niacin 20 mg (125% DV), vitamin B6 3 mg (176% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167$ DV), vitamin B12 10 mcg (417% DV), biotin 30 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (200% DV), calcium 210 mg (16% DV), iodine 150 mcg (100% DV), magnesium 75 mg (18% DV), zinc 25 mg (227% DV), selenium 100 mcg (182% DV), copper 1.5 mg (167% DV), manganese 3 mg (130% DV), chromium 40 mcg (114% DV), molybdenum 50 mcg (111% DV), pygeum africanum bark extract 100 mg, lycopene 10 mg
- Returns: no returns or refunds
- Shipping: free shipping
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength): vitamin A 1050 mcg (117% DV), vitamin C 90 mg (100% DV), vitamin D 25 mcg (125% DV), vitamin E 22 mg (147% DV), thiamin 1 mg (83% DV), riboflavin 1.7 mg (131% DV), niacin 20 mg (125% DV), vitamin B6 3 mg (176% DV), folate 667 mcg DFE (167$ DV), vitamin B12 10 mcg (417% DV), biotin 30 mcg (100% DV), pantothenic acid 10 mg (200% DV), calcium 210 mg (16% DV), iodine 150 mcg (100% DV), magnesium 75 mg (18% DV), zinc 25 mg (227% DV), selenium 100 mcg (182% DV), copper 1.5 mg (167% DV), manganese 3 mg (130% DV), chromium 40 mcg (114% DV), molybdenum 50 mcg (111% DV), pygeum africanum bark extract 100 mg, lycopene 10 mg
- Returns: no returns or refunds
- Shipping: free shipping
How much does Ro cost?
Ro prioritizes transparency by providing the price for each medication on its website, along with details on the medication’s safety and the possible side effects.
Products come at a wide range of prices. For example, minoxidil (a generic medication that treats hair loss) costs $16 per month, while Latisse (a brand-name treatment for thin eyelashes) costs $110 per month.
Prices for prescription and OTC medications can also vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, and shipping frequency, as well as whether you choose to purchase generic or branded medications.
The company’s weight loss program costs $99 for the first month and $145 for each month thereafter. The cost of the program does not cover weight loss medications, which are billed separately and may or may not be covered by your insurance.
Is Ro legit?
Ro is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and currently holds an A+ rating from the organization.
All Ro healthcare professionals are licensed in the United States, and the company claims that it performs a background check and a license verification process for each professional. Each healthcare professional’s resume, medical license, and credentials are available for members to view on the platform.
The company has been involved in several lawsuits regarding digital accessibility, unsolicited marketing text messages, and copyright infringement.
Additionally, former employees have voiced concerns about the company’s workplace culture and employee morale.
Customer reviews are mixed
When it comes to Ro’s reputation online, opinions are mixed.
Happy customers frequently mention:
- the service’s convenience and affordability
- a professional and responsive customer service team
- thorough healthcare professionals
- discreet product packaging
On the other hand, less favorable reviews mention:
- dissatisfaction with the company’s return policy
- problems with deliveries
- difficulty canceling recurring subscriptions
- instances of being billed twice in the same month
- a lack of clear communication, especially after initial consultations
Alternatives to Ro and how they compare
Several other telehealth platforms offer products and services similar to Ro’s.
Here are a few other popular options:
- Lemonaid: Lemonaid offers virtual visits and prescription medications to address a variety of health concerns, including mental health, men’s health, and women’s health. It’s designed to provide convenient and affordable care, with a flat fee of $25 for each visit.
- Hims and Hers: Offering support for sexual health, mental health, skin care, hair loss, and weight loss, Hims is a telehealth service that caters specifically to men. Its a sister site, Hers, offers similar services that cater to women. As with Ro, online visits are free and prices vary for specific medications and products.
- PlushCare: PlushCare is a membership-based service that can connect you to a doctor to address concerns related to primary care, mental health, or weight loss. It’s one of the few telehealth services that are in-network with many major insurance plans, and it provides affordable self-pay options for those without insurance.
Here’s a closer look at how these telehealth services compare:
Telehealth serviceAreas of focusAppointment typesPriceRo• sexual health• weight loss• fertility• hair and skin• daily health• messaging• phone• video• free online visit• varying prices for specific products or medicationsPlushCare• weight loss• mental health• chronic conditions• urgent care concerns (non-emergency)video• With insurance: $19.99 per month for membership + copay for each visit• Self-pay: $19.99 per month for membership + $129 for first visitLemonaid• mental health• men’s health• women’s health• skin• general health• messaging• video• phone• $25 consultation fee• varying prices for medicationsHims & Hers• sexual health• mental health• weight loss• hair and skin• women’s health• men’s health• messaging• video• phone• free online visit• varying prices for specific products or medicationsFrequently asked questions about Ro
Are Ro services and products covered by insurance?
Ro services and products are not covered by insurance. However, some products may be eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Ro services and products are not covered by insurance. However, some products may be eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Is Ro legit?
Yes. Ro is a telehealth platform that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. The service provides virtual consultations with licensed U.S. healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, and offers personalized treatment plans designed to address a variety of health concerns.
Yes. Ro is a telehealth platform that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. The service provides virtual consultations with licensed U.S. healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, and offers personalized treatment plans designed to address a variety of health concerns.
Is Ro good for weight loss?
Ro offers several prescription medications that may be beneficial for weight loss, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. Ro also provides information to help you make healthy lifestyle changes and build healthy habits.
However, there’s no research to support the effectiveness of the Ro Body Program specifically. Additionally, there’s limited information available on the specific guidelines of the program and how it compares with other weight management programs.
Ro offers several prescription medications that may be beneficial for weight loss, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. Ro also provides information to help you make healthy lifestyle changes and build healthy habits.
However, there’s no research to support the effectiveness of the Ro Body Program specifically. Additionally, there’s limited information available on the specific guidelines of the program and how it compares with other weight management programs.
The bottom line
Ro can be a convenient and cost-effective option for people who are interested in improving certain aspects of their health or treating specific medical conditions without leaving home.
This digital health platform offers a range of prescription medications, OTC products, and at-home testing kits designed to support fertility, skin and hair health, sexual wellness, and weight management.
However, it might not be a good option for everyone, including people with health conditions that require more comprehensive care, those who prefer in-person interactions with a healthcare professional, and those who have limited experience using technology.
Ro has mixed reviews online. Customers commonly complain about the billing and delivery processes. Some people also find the service’s communication to be lacking, especially after the initial visit.
Keep in mind that Ro should not be used as a replacement for visits with a primary care doctor or healthcare team.