Know what an online visit will involve.

Ask what happens after the online questions.

Doctors’ licences are overseen by state medical boards.

The Federation of State Medical Boards, their national group, publishes guidance on online care.

The board group’s guidance allows some visits by messages instead of a live call. The visit must still provide the level of care needed for your health concern. This was checked on September 26, 2026.

The clinician needs to be able to arrange an exam or needed tests, ask you further questions, and hear your questions too.

States have different rules for writing a prescription during an online or phone visit. This was checked on September 26, 2026.

The board group says a set list of online questions cannot be the only basis for treatment. The clinician must be able to return with more questions and gather enough information to assess your health. This guidance was checked on September 26, 2026.

Ask whether the clinician can come back with a question, and whether you can ask one too.

Picking a medicine from an online menu alone is not a proper health assessment, says board guidance adopted in May 2026.

The board group also says people receiving care must be able to ask the clinician more questions.

Put your notes within reach.

A video visit can feel like a conversation from your own room. A message-based visit may involve waiting for a reply.

Ask whether the visit uses video, a phone call or messages before paying.

When a screen cannot provide enough information.

Board guidance requires clinicians to arrange tests when needed or refer you to someone for an examination in person.

Ask who makes those arrangements and where the results will be discussed.

Then ask how to reach the clinician after the visit and what a later visit would cost.