What getting care involves

Choose how to have the conversation

Telehealth is care through a phone, video call, or online form rather than a room.

As of September 28, 2026, Florida applies the same rules for giving care to online and in-person visits.

• In an Orlando office: ask who checks your health and who will answer later questions.
• Online: ask how to send your health history, speak with the person treating you, and arrange any in-person follow-up.

Bring the history in your own words

Start with what brought you to the visit. A few notes can keep the conversation on the things that matter to you.

• Your reason for asking about treatment.
• Medicines and supplements you use, plus past drug reactions.
• Past diagnoses and test results you want to discuss.
• Questions about pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans for pregnancy.

Ask how your health will be checked

As of September 26, 2026, Florida’s general online-care rule does not always require an examination of your body beforehand. The online health check must give enough information to identify your problem and treat it.

As of September 26, 2026, the Florida Board of Medicine has a separate rule for prescribing weight-loss treatment. Before treatment, it requires your full health history, a check of your body, tests needed for weight-loss care, and your written agreement to treatment.

That rule calls for another health check at least every 3 months, as of September 26, 2026.

The rule checked on September 26, 2026 does not say this health check must happen in person.

Ask: “Is an online health check enough for this treatment, or is an in-person visit needed? Which tests do I need, and where will they happen?”

Leave room for follow-up questions

The Federation of State Medical Boards says a form with set answers cannot be the sole basis for care. This guidance was checked on September 26, 2026. The person giving care must have a way to ask you extra questions when needed.

This group of licensing boards gives guidance. State law sets the rules that can be enforced.

Patients also need a way to ask follow-up questions, according to guidance checked on September 26, 2026.

Board guidance requires the doctor to set up any needed tests or in-person examination if an online health check is not enough. The doctor can refer you to a person who can carry out those checks.

• Who answers medical questions after the visit?
• How are tests and an in-person examination arranged if needed?
• What would lead you to recommend a different plan?

An office record is another check

As of September 28, 2026, some Florida practices do not need a clinic licence. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) handles these licences. A missing AHCA clinic record alone does not prove wrongdoing; this is separate from the person’s licence to treat you.

Keep going

Before agreeing, get the costs and the payment terms written down.