You can begin by asking an in-person medical practice or a licensed remote-care service whether it assesses the concern you want to discuss.
What telehealth means
Telehealth is a conversation with a clinician through video, a phone call or an online exchange, without sharing a room.
Ask what happens during the first visit. Will you talk live, or send information for the clinician to read later? How will you ask a follow-up question?
The state you are in matters
Licensing guidance checked on September 26, 2026 says the doctor needs permission from the state you are in at visit time to practise there. A
That may mean a state licence or another form of permission the state allows.
State rules for online assessment differ, as checked on September 26, 2026. A
Learn how to check a doctor's licenceA form needs room for questions
Guidance from medical boards, adopted in May 2026, says choosing only from a treatment menu does not provide an adequate assessment. B
It also says patients must have a chance to raise further questions after an answer.
This is advice for state medical boards. Each state has its own rules; this guidance is not one law for the whole country.
When a screen cannot finish the assessment
Guidance checked on September 17, 2026 says that when remote care falls short, a clinician must arrange any needed tests or an examination in person. C
Ask how that would be arranged and who would read the results. Ask about the cost before agreeing to a separate service.
Carry this with you
Ask what happens during the visit. Check the doctor's permission to see you in your state. Ask who answers later questions and arranges any needed tests.
Source notes for this page
The department explains ways a state may grant permission to practise. The particular state's rules determine what applies.
The Federation of State Medical Boards publishes guidance; it does not make every state's law.
This medical-board guidance holds online visits to the medical standards used for care in person. If needed, the clinician must arrange tests or an in-person examination.