Look for a conversation behind the screen

Ask what “online visit” means here

A telehealth visit takes place through video, a phone conversation or written exchanges. Clarify the format before paying the visit fee.

The Federation of State Medical Boards’ model policy allows a first visit by phone, video or written exchange if it meets the required standard of care, as of September 26, 2026.

Compare live discussion with written exchange

Live video

Ask whether you will speak directly with the person treating you, and what happens if the connection fails.

Written exchange

Ask who reads your answers, how they can ask for more detail, and how you can reply.

Phone conversation

Ask whether this format fits your concern and the rules where you are.

Under the federation’s policy, completing an unchanging set of online questions cannot be the whole assessment; the person reading your answers needs a way to come back to you for more detail.

Ask how you can reply to further questions and raise your own before assuming that filling in a form completes the visit.

Check the rule where you will be

HHS is the US Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS says online care needs permission from the state where you sit for your visit: the person providing care needs that state’s licence or another legal permission, as of September 26, 2026.

If the service relies on permission other than a state licence, ask it to name that permission and explain how the state board can confirm it. Mention any travel plans before booking, so the service knows where you will be.

The state rules reviewed as of September 26, 2026 differ on questionnaires and audio-only visits; there is no uniform US rule for those formats.