Place and access
Choose a visit that can answer your questions.
For a visit from home, ask how the person treating you would check your health and answer questions. For an office visit, ask who would see you and how later questions are handled.
To begin
What California asks of online care
Telehealth means care from a distance, such as a visit by video.
As of September 2026, the person starting your care from a distance must explain it, ask for your agreement, and record it. In California, you may agree by speaking or in writing.
Agreeing to telehealth does not prevent later in-person care under California’s September 2026 rule.
As of September 2026, California can allow an online questionnaire as the health examination before a prescription. It must meet the standard of care: the level of medical care your health needs require. The rule does not promise that a form is enough for every patient.
National advice for doctors says to arrange tests or an examination in person when needed to assess your health.
Ask who reads the answers and how that person gets more information when needed.
Look a little closer
Know how to reach a person
National guidance for doctors, adopted in May 2026, calls for a way for patients to contact the person providing their care with questions afterward.
That advice says choosing a medicine from a menu without having your health properly checked is not enough for good care.
This advice does not itself make a California law. California’s examination rule above applies to prescriptions here.
Look a little closer
Prepare a short note
The reason I am seeking care.
Medicines and supplements I already use.
Past results or care records I want to discuss.
Questions about pregnancy, symptoms, or changes in my health.
The cost and follow-up terms I need explained.
Ask what happens if the assessment calls for a test or an examination elsewhere. Include any related fee in the budget.
Chapter recap
Keep this in mind.
Choose a visit you can understand and someone you can reach afterward. Ask how your health would be checked and how later questions would be answered.