Telehealth: the visit happens at a distance.

A screen is a way to meet

Telehealth lets you receive care without being in one room together, through video calls, phone calls, or messages online.

Ask whether you will see a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or another health professional, and how they will learn about your concern.

Some visits happen at different times

An asynchronous visit means you send information for a health professional to read later, rather than meeting live.

The medical boards’ suggested rules allow a first visit online without an earlier meeting in person, as of September 2026. The visit still has to provide a proper assessment and care.

As of September 2026, online prescribing follows rules set by individual states; these suggestions do not permit every type of visit everywhere.

Ask whether you can reply with more detail and ask questions of your own.

Tell the service where you will be

HHS is short for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As of September 2026, HHS guidance says a professional needs to be licensed or otherwise permitted to practice where the patient is during the visit.

Mention travel before the visit so the service can check your location.