Washington Post: “A House panel is launching an investigation into online telemedicine businesses on allegations of pushing ineffective and potentially dangerous coronavirus treatments, according to letters made public Friday.
“According a letter signed by Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, the telemedicine provider SpeakWithAnMD.com has collected millions in fees from prescribing such treatments as the animal parasite drug ivermectin and the malaria medication hydroxychloroquine for the coronavirus, even though neither is authorized for that use by the Food and Drug Administration. He said many of the consultations were arranged through referrals from a separate business called America’s Frontline Doctors, which also received a letter.
“Lawmakers contend that the companies’ respective founders ― Jerome Corsi, a conservative author who has promoted political conspiracy theories, and noted hydroxychloroquine proponent Simone Gold ― are endangering American lives while profiting from a crisis. ‘I am deeply concerned that SpeakWithAnMD.com is profiting from the provision of questionable treatments and dangerous prescriptions, which may be putting American lives at risk and setting back our nation’s efforts to end the pandemic,’ Clyburn wrote to Corsi, the SpeakWithAnMD.com founder. The committee requested detailed records from both businesses, including ownership documents and details about their doctors training and qualifications. It also has asked the Federal Trade Commission to get involved.”