Compare care routes
Room or screen?
Check the process.
Compare how a service will assess you, answer questions and arrange the next step. Telehealth is a visit by video, phone or an online form.
A clinician is a doctor, nurse or other health professional who assesses or treats you.
Where the visit happens changes the practical questions.
In person
Ask what happens at the visit.
Ask who evaluates you, who explains the plan and whether the proposed visit includes an examination.
Telehealth
Ask how the exchange works.
Ask whether the visit is live, when a clinician reads your information and how you can reply with questions.
Florida keeps the care standard in place.
As of September 2026, Florida requires online care and its medical records to meet the same standards as an in-person visit.
Florida law does not always require a physical exam or a check of old records before online care.
The clinician must still learn enough to identify your health problem and treat it.
Ask what the visit will cover. Ask what happens if an exam, old records or a test is needed to answer your question.
Weight-loss care has an added Florida rule.
As of September 2026, Florida requires a health history and physical evaluation before prescribing treatment for obesity, meaning weight that causes health problems.
The rule also calls for related tests, referrals when needed and your written agreement after the treatment is explained.
Your care must be checked again at least every three months.
This rule allows online visits and does not require the evaluation to happen in person.
Ask how your physical health will be checked during an online visit. Ask who arranges an in-person exam if one is needed.