QUESTION MAP
What happens after the form?
Make room for a conversation about your health and the options that fit it.
A form starts a conversation
The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) advises against using only a form with preset questions to prescribe, as of September 2026.
FSMB is made up of state boards that are responsible for overseeing doctors. Its guidance calls for a doctor who can ask more questions about your answers.
These are recommendations for state medical boards. Each state makes the rules that apply to care there.
Bring your health history
Have your medicine list, past illnesses, and questions beside you. Include medicines and supplements even if they seem unrelated.
The medicine labels reviewed in September 2026 call for checks on past illnesses, other medicines, and pregnancy plans.
Tell the person treating you about thyroid cancer in the family, serious stomach problems, other diabetes medicines, and any planned surgery.
Read which health problems rule out useWriting down your history leaves more time for your own questions.
Leave room for another step
FSMB recommends that the doctor arrange tests or an in-person visit if these are needed to check your health.
Ask what happens if the online visit cannot tell whether the medicine is suitable for you. Ask who receives any test results.
Questions to take to the person treating you
Mark the questions you want to bring into the conversation.
None marked yet.
Use the print window for a paper copy or to save a PDF.
Read what an assessment needs
These recommendations explain why a set list of questions alone is not enough. The doctor needs to be able to follow your answers with further questions.
Picking a medicine from a menu cannot replace a health check. Patients also need to be able to ask questions of their own.