Before the visit begins
- Who will review my health, and what is their professional role?
- Who signs any prescription? How can I check that person’s New York licence?
- Can I ask questions during the visit and afterwards?
New York’s Health Department has a separate search for state action against doctors over problems with their work (state pages checked September 28, 2026).
A search showing no public action against a doctor does not tell you how good that doctor’s care is.
Source: New York: actions against doctorsCheck the doctor’s name in both the licence search and the Health Department search linked above.
While you discuss treatment
- What condition are we trying to treat, and why this option?
- Can you name the exact medicine and the specific product?
- Have studies shown that this exact product helps my health problem? What did they find?
- Has FDA approved this product for the use we are discussing?
- What other options are there, including leaving things as they are?
- Do I need an examination or tests? What would each test help decide?
- How do my other medicines, allergies or pregnancy plans affect this discussion?
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is the US agency that reviews medicines.
The national body for state medical boards advises arranging tests or in-person exams when needed for care by video or phone.
The Federation of State Medical Boards gives this advice (guidance checked September 17, 2026).
This is guidance for state medical boards, not a law.
Source: Medical boards’ guidance on remote visitsBefore you leave
- Which pharmacy will fill the prescription? Who explains its label?
- What changes will we look for, and when will we discuss them?
- Who can I contact between visits if I feel unwell or have a question?
- What does the total fee include, and what happens if treatment is not offered?
Ask for the medicine name, pharmacy name, follow-up plan and fees in writing. Leave room in your notes for anything still unclear.