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Recovery care notebook / Visit formats

# A live call and a written review ask different things of you.

Before choosing a format, ask how you and the clinician can exchange questions. Make room for a conversation about the problem itself.

A form can collect details; ask how the clinician responds.

## Compare the exchange, not just the screen

Each format needs a clear way to deal with unanswered questions.

| Format | Prepare for | A useful question
| Live video | Talking while the clinician is present on screen. | Can I show what I mean and ask questions during the visit?
| Written review | Sending information for a clinician to read later. | How will you ask me for more detail, and how can I reply?
| In the room | A face-to-face discussion. | What assessment will take place, and what happens next?

## A fixed form is a reason to ask more

The group that brings state medical boards together says a fixed online form cannot be the whole assessment. Its advice was checked September 26, 2026.

The group allows written questions that change with your answers, if they gather enough detail for proper care. The clinician needs a way to return with further questions.

The group advises state boards about care. The rules that have legal force come from each state.

## The state matters as well as the format

States set different rules for prescribing after an online form or a phone call without video. These differences were checked September 26, 2026.

Ask the service how its assessment meets the rules where you will be. A simple yes or no about ‘online prescribing’ leaves that part unanswered.

### Before the visit

- Write down the problem, when it began and what you want help doing.
- Make a list of your current drugs and supplements.
- Gather records you want the clinician to consider.
- Keep your questions where you can see them during the discussion.

### Before the conversation ends

Ask what the clinician thinks is causing the problem. Ask what other approaches are open, including a plan without the proposed peptide. Ask when the decision will be reviewed.

Sources and when we checked them

Written assessments and differences between state rules: September 26, 2026.

- [The boards’ policy on written assessments](https://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/advocacy/policies/fsmb-workgroup-on-telemedicineapril-2022-final.pdf)
- [HHS on state practice requirements](https://telehealth.hhs.gov/licensure/getting-started-licensure)

[Earlier chapter Care routes](/care-chapter/) [Continue reading Medicines](/medicine-chapter/)

This notebook is a guide for weighing care choices; it offers neither clinical visits nor products.

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