The screen is a meeting place. Ask how care happens there.

Know how the conversation will work

Telehealth is care provided remotely. A live visit happens at the same time; in a later-review visit, the clinician reads information you sent earlier.

As of September 2026, medical board guidance allowed either approach only if it provided the level of care the patient needed.

For example, the clinician must still arrange any tests or in-person examination needed to assess your health.

State rules also mattered; the guidance was not a nationwide permission slip.

Medical board guidance said patients needed a way to raise further questions of their own.

Ask about care that needs more than a screen

That board guidance says the care standard for a remote visit must match the standard when meeting in person.

When an assessment needs a test or examination, the clinician must arrange it or refer the patient, under that guidance.

• Is this a live visit or a later review?
• Who reads the information I send?
• How will they ask more questions?
• How is an examination arranged if I need one?
• Who follows up on the plan?

Tell the service where you expect to join the visit. If that changes, raise it before the conversation starts.