bring a question

What happens at a visit?

You can arrive curious, unsure or still comparing care. A page of questions can help you say what you want to understand.

consent

Note A

What am I agreeing to online?

Clinician means the health professional handling your care.

Telehealth is care through a remote link, such as a video call.

Consent means saying yes to the remote way of meeting.

Under California's September 2026 rule, the clinician must explain telehealth and document your agreement, which you may give aloud or in writing.

Saying yes to remote care still leaves you free to get care in person later under California's September 2026 rule.

Ask: What can we cover remotely, and what would need a visit in a room?

assessment

Note B

Is an online form enough?

During an assessment, the clinician reviews your health and why you are seeking care.

California law, as of September 2026, allows an online form to serve as an exam. This applies only when the clinician provides the level of care your health problem calls for.

It does not make every form a complete exam.

In its September 2026 guidance, a group of state medical boards opposes treating someone solely from a fixed question-and-answer form. Your clinician needs the ability to ask further questions about your health.

This is advice for medical boards. It is not California law.

tests

Note C

What if a screen cannot answer it?

When the health review shows a need, that guidance requires the clinician to set up tests or refer for an examination in person.

Ask: What remains unclear, and how will we find out?

take it with you

Questions for the care conversation

Print this page for a question sheet. Mark what matters and leave space for the answer.

The U.S. agency handling medicine reviews uses the initials FDA: Food and Drug Administration.

Compounded describes a custom medicine prepared by a doctor or pharmacy.

You can also use your browser's Print command.

What problem are we addressing, and how will we judge a helpful result?
Which medicine are you considering for me, and for what reason?
Has this product had FDA review for that use?
If it is compounded, what need does that change meet?
Which clinician and pharmacy names can I check?
What unwanted effects need a call, and whom do I call?
When the offer has ended, which charges make up my total bill?
When do we review the plan, and how do I ask more questions?

Notes to carry into the visit

chapter endnotes

Notes for this chapter

Note A

California law: agreeing to remote care
Note B

California law: the prior exam Medical-board guidance: forms and questions
Note C

Medical-board guidance: tests and referrals

next question

What might I pay?