Choose the setting for the assessment
An in-person clinic visit gives you time in the same room. A telehealth visit connects people in separate places through video, phone or information exchanged online.
A video visit happens live. An online exchange may let you send information that the person providing your care reviews later.
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) gives advice to state licensing boards. Its advice is not a law for the whole country; the rules that apply come from your state.
Its guidance, checked in September 2026, allows live visits or information reviewed later, if the patient can receive the assessment and care their condition needs.
Each state sets its own rules for ordering medicine after a visit by phone, video or online form. Those rules differ, as checked in September 2026.
Ask the licensing board in your visit location's state whether that kind of visit is allowed. Ask the person treating you whether your symptoms need an examination in the room or a test before a medicine is ordered.
Find the state licensing boardA menu selection is not an assessment
FSMB's guidance, adopted in May 2026, says a menu choice of medicine by itself does not provide proper care.
It also requires that patients can return to the health professional with follow-up questions.
Before the visit, note your symptoms, when they began and what you have already tried. List medicines and supplements you use.
Ask how the person treating you will assess your symptoms, as well as whether they will agree to the medicine.
Find out what happens if the screen is not enough
FSMB says doctors must do or arrange tests needed for an assessment, or refer patients to someone who can carry out those tests.
It also says follow-up must happen in person if a physical exam or another procedure is needed.
Ask who arranges the next step and who reads the result. Get the follow-up plan in writing so you can return to it later.