If this is where you are…
If you are choosing between a room visit and a screen visit, start with what you need answered. The setting is only part of the choice.
An in-person visit
A clinic visit lets you bring a written question list and talk face to face. Ask who will discuss your health history and decide whether an exam or tests are needed.
Before setting up a visit, get the full name of whoever would write your medicine order. Also ask for the pharmacy’s name if medicine might be supplied. Use those names to check their state licences.
A visit from home
With telehealth, care takes place by screen, phone call, or online messages rather than in a room together.[b]
Colorado medical-board guidance allows a first visit online if the care meets the same medical standards as a room visit, as of September 2026.[a]
Under that guidance, a medicine order cannot be based only on an online form, as of September 2026.[a]
Ask how the person treating you will follow up on answers that need more detail. Also ask how to reach them after the visit.
If a screen cannot answer the question
The Federation of State Medical Boards counts state licensing boards as members. Under its guidance, whoever treats you must arrange an exam or test when needed, or refer you to someone who can provide it.[b]
That is guidance for care, rather than a promise that every visit will need tests.[b]
- Who will review my health and discuss treatment with me?
- How do I ask a follow-up question?
- Where would I go if an exam or test is needed?
- Can I discuss other treatments before choosing?