Keep in mind
Does every first visit need video?
The group of state medical boards gives advice on online visits. That advice is for boards to use; each state sets its own rules.
As of September 2026, the group’s advice allows a first visit online, either live or by sending information back and forth. The visit must still meet the requirements for proper care.
The state’s rules still decide what is permitted there.
Back-and-forth care can mean sending information for the health professional to read and reply to later. Ask which kind of visit you would have.
Beyond the name you found
Is filling in a form enough?
As of September 2026, the medical boards’ group says a form with only set questions and answers is not enough for care. Whoever assesses your health must have sufficient information to do so.
Even if a form changes its questions as you answer, the doctor reading it must be able to ask you more.
The guidance keeps the conversation open for patients too: they need a means of asking their own questions after an answer.
A form can begin a conversation. Ask who reads it, how they respond, and how you can speak back.
Keep in mind
Ask how a conversation stays open
If either of us needs more information, how do we ask and get an answer?
Ask whether the reply comes from the assessing health professional or from support staff.
Beyond the name you found
What if online care cannot finish the assessment?
The medical boards’ group says online care must meet the same requirements for proper care as a visit in person.
An exam or test that requires your physical presence must lead to a referral for in-person care, under that group’s advice to doctors.
Before the visit, ask how the service would arrange that step. If video fails, ask what the health professional can do next under your state’s rules.
Prepare for the health conversationEndnotes
Notes for this chapter
- Medical boards: advice on online visits
Read this as advice for boards, then check your own state’s rules.
- Medical-board guidance: asking questions
The guidance covers questions from both sides of the visit.
- US health guidance: state licensing
Check the patient’s state when planning online care.