Find a place to start
For care nearby, call your usual doctor's office or a local clinic. Ask whether it sees people for the health concern you want to discuss.
For care from home, look for a service offering remote visits. Ask who will treat you, then use this guide's licence checks before signing up.
An in-person visit means being in the room with the person treating you. Telehealth means talking or sharing information from a distance.
For a video visit, find a place where you can hear, speak freely and keep your questions nearby.
For a local visit, ask whether the practice assesses people for the health concern you want to discuss.
A primary care practice, a local clinic that focuses on weight or a licensed telehealth service can be a starting category for your search.
Ask how the assessment works
As of September 26, 2026, US states set different rules for online prescribing.
The Federation of State Medical Boards unites medical licensing boards and says remote care must meet the same standards as care in person.
According to the group, treatment cannot be decided from a form whose questions and answers are all set in advance. The person caring for you must be able to follow up with more questions and collect the health details needed to decide on treatment.
A visit may include a form filled out online. Ask how further questions can be raised by both you and the person treating you.
Your location belongs in the check
Federal health guidance checked September 26, 2026, says remote-care professionals need permission to work in the patient's location, through a licence or another permitted route.
Each state's rules decide the details and any exceptions.
Say which state you will be in during the visit, and ask the service about its rules, including if you are travelling.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are health professionals who may prescribe under their state's rules.
Ask about the professional role of the person you will see, as well as their name.
A closer look at the source
A plan for care beyond the screen
The medical boards' guidance calls for tests or a visit in person when remote checks leave gaps in the information needed.
Ask who arranges that care and how the results get back to the prescriber.
Information as of September 17, 2026.