Put a real name to the care.

Check that the person can provide care at your visit location.

As of September 2026, an online doctor needs a licence or other valid permission in the state you are in when the visit happens. [a]

State rules differ, and limited exceptions can apply, such as a doctor continuing care for an existing patient who is temporarily travelling. [a]

Ask for the state licence number; if the service relies on an exception, ask it to name the state rule and explain why it covers your visit.

Use the state medical board directory in Page note [b] to find your board and check the answer.

Tell the service if you will be travelling at the time of the visit.

Read the record, not just the badge.

You can find doctors’ licence status and public discipline information in records published by state medical boards. [b]

• Ask for the full name and licence details.
• Open the State medical board directory link in Page note [b], then choose your state’s board.
• Match the name, state, and current status.
• Read any public actions or restrictions in the record.

A record without public discipline does not tell you how well that person provides care. [b]

If the person seeing you is not a doctor, ask for their job title and the state board that holds their licence record.

Check the pharmacy as well.

The dispensing pharmacy is the pharmacy that fills the prescription. Ask for its name before you commit to a plan.

FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, links to pharmacy licence searches for each state. [c]

In most states as of September 2026, pharmacies sending medicine across state lines need a licence or permit from the destination state. [c]

Ask which licence covers delivery to your state, then check the board’s record.

Keep the names in your notes.

Write down the person treating you, the pharmacy, the state checked, and the answer you received. If a name changes during the process, repeat the check for that name.

FDA registration means a place making or handling drugs has given its details to the agency. As of September 2026, registration does not establish FDA approval of either the place or its medicines. [d]