The visit
Can care happen online?
For a telehealth visit, you receive care remotely through a screen, a phone call, or an online interview. Use the visit to discuss your needs before any treatment is agreed.
What rules apply to an online visit?
As of September 30, 2026, Massachusetts medical-board policy allows online care without a prior in-person visit, unless another law requires one.
The board requires the level of care in a clinic to be met during an online visit too. The doctor still needs to check your health properly.
Why does my location matter?
Under Massachusetts board policy as of September 30, 2026, a doctor treats you in Massachusetts if you are physically here during the visit.
Let the service know the place you will join the visit from. Ask whether the doctor has a Massachusetts licence that covers your care. If you will be away, raise that before the visit.
Is filling in an online form enough?
Massachusetts law includes phone calls and online interviews in telehealth, as of September 30, 2026.
Filling in an online form does not by itself mean your health has been checked properly.
The medical board says the doctor must ask about your past health and examine your body or mental health as needed. The doctor must also write down what they find.
Ask how the doctor will gather what they need and ask follow-up questions.
How do I prepare for the visit and follow-up?
Write down what you hope will change. Have your medicine list and health history to hand. Include the questions you want answered before a treatment is discussed.
Will I need tests?
Ask which tests matter for your problem and who arranges them. Also ask what happens if the remote visit cannot answer the question. Find out where an in-person exam would happen if one is needed.
What happens after the visit?
If a medicine is proposed, ask who sends the order to the pharmacy and who reviews your progress. Ask how to get an answer between visits, and what is included in follow-up.