Care through a screen
Ask how the online visit will work.
Telehealth is a visit or care exchange at a distance. Ask whether you will talk live, send answers for review, or use both. Then ask how to raise your own questions.
Ask how the assessment works
As of September 26, 2026, the federation representing state medical boards advises that a set form alone is not enough for treatment. The assessor must be able to collect the details your care requires and ask further questions.
This is board guidance, rather than a nationwide law; states set their own rules.
- Who reviews the answers I send?
- Can that person ask me for more detail?
- Can I send a question before a care decision is made?
- How will you explain the decision if treatment is declined?
Know what happens beyond the screen
The federation's guidance says the person providing online care should arrange any needed tests or a referral for an exam in person, as the assessment requires.
- What happens if you need an exam that cannot be done online?
- Where would I send existing health records?
- How are results shared with me?
- What is the route to care if the online service cannot help?
Before opening the visit
Keep your question list and medicine list within reach. Give yourself a place to take notes without having to remember every answer.
- Check the visit format and what equipment it needs.
- Find a space where you can talk about personal details.
- Ask how the service handles a dropped call or unfinished form.
- Check that the service knows where you will be when the visit takes place.
Sources for this chapter
Use these sources to check the answers above. Bring any questions to the person treating you.