Choose a setting for the questions you have
An in-person visit puts the discussion in a room. Telehealth uses a screen, phone or online exchange to connect the patient and doctor or other health professional.
Ask how the service handles an examination or test that cannot be completed during the visit. Also ask for the first-visit and review fees.
Ask and note
Can this setting answer the questions in my assessment?
Check the people supplying care
Look up the assessing doctor
Doctors’ licence status and public disciplinary records are published by state medical boards, the Federation of State Medical Boards explains. Directory of state medical boards
Ask for the full name and licence details. Open the relevant board’s record and match the name to the person assessing you.
A doctor’s skill is not rated by a record showing no public discipline.
If someone other than a doctor reviews your health, find out which state board maintains the licence record for that person.
Check permission where the visit occurs
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a US agency, says phone or screen care requires a licence or legal permission for the state where you are, as of September 2026. Federal guidance on permission for an online visit
Ask the service to check the state rules and any exceptions for your actual visit.
Say where you will be during the appointment, including any travel. Ask the service to confirm the health professional’s permission for that location.
Get the pharmacy’s name too
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) points out that an online patient may be unsure who made the medicine to order: a particular pharmacy or facility. How to find who made the medicine
FDA’s state-search page links to pharmacy licence records. Open a state pharmacy search
Request the name before agreeing to a medicine charge. Match the proposed pharmacy to the public record and ask it any supply questions directly.
Ask and note
What is the name of the pharmacy making or sending my medicine?