Consider access

Could an online visit work, or must we meet in person?

Telehealth means a visit by screen, phone, or an online form. Think about how the service would assess your concern and answer your questions.

A plain empty bench beside a large window looking onto trees. — Ask how a phone or screen visit would assess your problem.

Compare what each setting lets you ask

In a room

Ask what examination is planned, what records to bring, and how later questions would be handled.

At a distance

Medical board guidance applies the requirements for an in-person visit to care by phone or screen too.

The doctor must collect enough information to assess your problem and arrange any needed test or examination that requires your presence.

Under that guidance, a concern requiring a test or examination beyond remote care needs a referral for an in-person visit.

Choose a setting by the assessment you need and how the conversation would work.

A visit may include an online form

Guidance checked September 26, 2026 allows a live visit or information sent for later review only if the doctor can provide the care your problem needs.

The rules for care differ by state, as of September 26, 2026.

The group of US state medical boards says prescribing cannot rely solely on a form whose questions never change.

The doctor needs a way to follow up with further questions and collect information that is missing.

Check the person behind the screen

HHS is the US Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS guidance requires the doctor to follow the licensing rules for your location during the visit, as of September 26, 2026.

Who would read my information?
Can that person ask me more questions?
How would an in-person examination be arranged if needed?