the short answer
How do I know a health or wellness business is trustworthy?
Look up any gym, clinic, med spa or home health provider on BBB.org before you pay. Check its rating, its complaints and how it responded.
Confirm licenses with your state licensing board, especially for doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, home health aides and microblading artists.
Buy prescription medicine only from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. GLP-1 drugs offered without one are a common scam sign.
Read gym and med spa contracts for cancellation terms, automatic renewals and fees before you sign.
Had a problem? File a complaint or leave a review with BBB.
Where can I find a trusted health provider near me?
See BBB ratings, reviews and complaint history for providers in your area.
before you pay
How to check a health or wellness business in 4 steps
01
Look up the business on BBB
Search its name on BBB.org. Check its rating, accreditation, complaint history and whether it answered complaints.
02
Verify the license
Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, therapists and many beauty providers must be licensed. Confirm it with your state board.
03
Read the fine print
Get prices, cancellation terms and renewal dates in writing. Don’t sign on the spot because of a limited-time offer.
04
Pay with a credit card
Credit cards may let you dispute a charge. Avoid anyone who asks for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
fitness and exercise
What should I check before joining a gym or buying fitness gear?
Make smart choices when starting or upgrading your wellness routines.
Tips for joining a gym
What to know before signing a contract, how to compare gyms, cancellation policies, and red flags to avoid.
Buying home gym equipment
Tips for choosing safe, durable equipment, avoiding fake retailers, and recognizing too good to be true deals.
Choosing a fitness tracker
How to compare features, understand data privacy concerns, and buy from reputable sellers.
Buying an electric bike
Key safety considerations, how to choose a trusted retailer, warranty expectations, and avoiding e-bike scams.
weight loss and GLP-1 scams
How can I spot a GLP-1 weight loss scam?
Scammers are targeting consumers with fake texts, online pharmacies, and fraudulent offers for GLP-1 weight loss medications.
No prescription needed. Licensed pharmacies always require one.
Prices far below other pharmacies. Deep discounts may mean counterfeit drugs.
Unusual payment. Gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or crypto.
frequently asked questions
Health and wellness questions people ask BBB
Medicine, doctors, beauty and fitness, answered in a few sentences each, with a link to the full BBB tip.
Before your first visit, confirm the license with your state medical or dental board and look for disciplinary actions. Then read reviews, check the practice on BBB.org and ask whether it accepts your insurance.
Ask to see the artist’s license or certification and a portfolio of healed work. Check that the studio meets your state’s hygiene rules and opens new, sterile needles in front of you. Requirements vary by state, so check with your health department.
Med spas offer non-invasive cosmetic treatments, but staffing rules vary by state. Ask who will do your treatment and whether a licensed physician supervises it, get a written price and research the business on BBB.org before you book.
Read the contract length, cancellation policy, automatic renewal terms and fees before you sign. Tour the gym at the time you plan to work out, and don’t let a salesperson pressure you into signing the same day.
Be wary of texts, ads or websites selling GLP-1 drugs without a prescription, at deep discounts or for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Buy only from licensed pharmacies, and report suspected scams to BBB Scam Tracker.
File a complaint with BBB, which shares it with the business and asks for a response. You can also leave a review to help others. For a concern about a provider’s license or care, contact your state licensing board.
Had a problem with a health or wellness business?
Tell BBB. A complaint or review may help the business make it right and helps others choose with confidence.