Seattle / Care briefings
What happens in an online visit?
Ask how the visit works, what information it needs, and how the conversation continues.
Know the format before the visit
Telehealth is care through video, phone, or other remote technology.
Under Washington’s law checked in September 2026, an online visit can include information sent for a health professional to review later, rather than a live call.
But sending only email, text messages, instant messages, or faxes is not enough to start care with a new patient under that law.
For example, ask whether you fill in the service’s health form and receive a reply later. Ask how the visit meets Washington’s care rules. Find out how to add health details and raise questions of your own.
Prepare for the conversation
Before it starts
Have your medicine list, known allergies, and main question within reach. If you have past test results, ask whether the health professional wants them. Tell them your location for the visit.
While you talk
Ask the health professional to explain the proposed medicine, the reason for it, and the other choices. Ask whether a test or exam is needed and how it would be arranged.
Before it ends
Write down the next step and who to contact with questions. Ask what follow-up is included and what costs extra.
Read with this in mind
- Washington: care over a screen
Read the sections on starting a patient relationship and the standards for online care.
- Medical boards: follow-up and further assessment
This document suggests rules for state medical boards to adopt. It is guidance, not a law across the country; Washington’s own law sets the care standard here.