BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – She bills herself online as “America’s favorite doctor” but Vermont regulators this month reprimanded the celebrity MD for practicing shoddy telemedicine that violates state regulations. It comes as a new age of virtual medicine — and a doctor shortage — is attracting more digital physicians to Vermont.
Celebrity doctors have long been a staple on the TV talk show circuit, sharing their newest book on the latest health fad. Now they’re also on social media and popping up everywhere to give advice, sell products, and recruit new patients.
Laura Purdy is a telehealth doctor licensed in 50 states — and now reprimanded in 11 — including Vermont. “It was a reprimand and an acknowledgment that she needs to follow the Vermont laws when she’s prescribing for patients in Vermont,” said David Herlihy with the Vermont Board of Medical Practice, which issued a formal reprimand earlier this month. It says Purdy failed to comply with the restrictions of telehealth in Vermont by not meeting the state’s standard for forming a patient-doctor relationship before prescribing medication.
“There’s a reason why drugs are prescription drugs rather than over the counter — potential danger or there may be negative side effects,” Herlihy said. He says over 1,000 doctors have received telehealth licenses to practice in Vermont. They’re expanding access to health care for Vermonters, a trend the Department of Health has seen skyrocket since the pandemic.
However, those studying the effects of health care and nutrition on social media say patients and consumers should be cautious about receiving medical care and advice online. “Even if it is a qualified professional on social media, that’s one marker that what they’re telling you might be true, that they’re a qualified professional, but it’s not the only one, and they might have an agenda, they might be trying to sell you something,” said Dr. Lizzy Pope, an associate professor and director of the dietetics program at the University of Vermont.
Vermont health officials say it might take a few extra minutes but that if you need medical attention, take the time to get to know your doctor. They say the better you know them, the more accurate and better care you’re likely to receive.
Purdy signed the stipulation and consent order which included a formal reprimand and promise to follow Vermont law when treating patients in the future.
