Why It Matters

IVIM’s direct-to-consumer model—centered on online prescribing and home-based consultations—depends entirely on favorable telehealth regulations which is why it has hired lobbyists.

IVIM faces regulatory headwinds: the FDA has launched aggressive enforcement against misleading drug advertising, directly targeting direct-to-consumer telehealth companies, while lawmakers like Rep. Richard Hudson are pressing the FDA to crack down on compounded weight-loss drugs—a core part of IVIM’s business model.

By the Numbers

IVIM Health LLC registered with Steptoe LLP on January 26, 2025, marking the company’s first federal lobbying effort.
By hiring Steptoe LLP and veteran lobbyist Leslie Anne Belcher, IVIM is positioning itself alongside established competitors like Teladoc ($60k in Q2 2025).

Belcher’s prior role as Chief of Staff to House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole provides critical access to Republican leadership.

Belcher’s client portfolio includes OU Medicine Inc., Prudential Financial Inc., and Travelers Cos. Inc., demonstrating healthcare and regulatory expertise.

The Agenda

IVIM Health is lobbying on "policy and regulatory issues related to telehealth," according to its registration filing. Key priorities include:

  • Making permanent the COVID-era telehealth flexibilities set to expire September 30, 2025, which currently allow Medicare reimbursement for remote visits and audio-only consultations
  • Supporting the CONNECT for Health Act, which would eliminate geographic restrictions and in-person visit requirements
  • Addressing regulations around online prescribing and direct-to-consumer drug services amid intensified FDA enforcement

IVIM’s business model depends on favorable telehealth regulations. The company provides online consultations, at-home testing, and prescription medications including GLP-1 drugs for weight management.

Broader Context

Without congressional action, Medicare reimbursement for remote patient care expires September 30, 2025, threatening the entire industry’s business model. Bipartisan legislation like the CONNECT for Health Act seeks to make pandemic-era telehealth rules permanent, with over 60 Senate co-sponsors.

Simultaneously, IVIM operates in an increasingly hostile regulatory environment. The FDA launched an aggressive enforcement initiative in September 2025, particularly targeting companies marketing compounded GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are actively litigating against telehealth competitors over compounded drug sales.

The Bottom Line

IVIM Health LLC enters federal lobbying as Congress debates telehealth’s future ahead of the September 30, 2025 deadline. The company hired Steptoe LLP to navigate legislative proposals like the CONNECT for Health Act while defending its prescription-based business model against tightening FDA regulations. IVIM must balance advocating for broad telehealth expansion with protecting its direct-to-consumer drug prescribing operations from increasing regulatory scrutiny.

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