Care briefing
What kind of visit is this?
Video, a phone call and a reviewed form feel different. Ask how information moves in both directions before choosing a format.
Live conversation or reviewed answers
Read sourcesHow it feels
Live video
You and the clinician speak at the same time. Keep your questions where they are easy to see.
Reviewed written answers
You write first. The clinician reads later. Ask how you can explain an answer or add something you forgot.
Follow-up questions
Live video
Ask the clinician to explain any word that makes the answer hard to follow.
Reviewed written answers
As of September 2026, the doctor-licensing boards’ group says a set of questions with no chance to ask more is not enough. The clinician must be able to ask about your answers and get any missing health information.
An exam is needed
Live video
Ask what the clinician can assess through video and what needs a separate visit.
Reviewed written answers
The same advice says the clinician must arrange any needed tests or send you for a visit in person.
A form can start a conversation. Find out who reads it and how the conversation continues.
How states treat a form
California permits patient assessment through a questionnaire as of September 2026. The clinician’s care must still be appropriate for that patient’s health problem.
Idaho says care relying solely on an online form with fixed answers has no legitimate medical purpose, as of September 2026.
You cannot judge this from the form’s name alone. Ask: “Is this enough to check my health problem? How will you get any missing information or arrange a needed exam?” State rules differ, so ask which rule applies where you are.
If the offer is a phone call
Why this format?
The doctor-licensing boards’ group advises using a phone call without video when a patient cannot or will not use video, or when phone care fits the particular health service.
Can I ask my own questions?
According to the doctor-licensing boards’ group, patients must have a way to ask their clinician further questions as of September 2026.
Sources for this briefing
Choose the source for your question. For a doctor’s licence, use the state licence search. For a medicine’s approval, ask to see the FDA approval and approved label for that exact product.
Group of doctor-licensing offices · Visit formats
This advice says the clinician must be able to ask about your written answers and get any missing health information.
Read the sourceCalifornia · Assessment rule
California allows questionnaires only when the clinician provides appropriate care for the patient’s situation.
Read the sourceIdaho · Prescription rule
Idaho’s rule addresses treatment that relies solely on an online form with fixed answers.
Read the sourceGroup of doctor-licensing offices · Questions during care
This advice says choosing medicine from a menu is not enough and patients must be able to ask questions.
Read the source