The care route
Telehealth
Telehealth lets you meet a doctor or another health professional by video, phone or written messages online.
- Care professional
- The doctor or other health professional who reviews your health and discusses care with you.
Expect a conversation about your concern
Prepare a short note on your concern, your medicines and what you want to understand.
Ask who will review that information and how to ask a follow-up question.
The national group representing state medical boards recommends that online care meet the standard expected at an in-person visit.
That group says a drug menu alone, with no proper review of your health, falls short of proper care.
- State authorisation
- Permission to deliver care in the state you physically occupy for the appointment.
Give your physical location for the appointment
As of September 26, 2026, U.S. guidance says your doctor or other health professional must be authorised to treat you in the state you physically occupy for the appointment.
That permission may be a state licence or another form of approval allowed by the state.
State rules for online prescribing differ.
Ask about your location before paying, especially if you plan to travel.
- Referral
- Being sent to a different health professional or service for care you need.
Ask what happens beyond the screen
Medical boards’ guidance says to arrange any tests or in-person care that the assessment requires.
Ask where any tests would happen and who reads the results.
Ask about a visit in person if an online visit cannot answer your health question.
Ask who can help between visits and how that contact works.