How do I check a doctor and plan a visit?

Start with the state where you will be.

As of September 26, 2026, a doctor’s licence or other valid permission must cover the state the patient is in at the time of the visit.

States set their own rules and have narrow exceptions.

A clinician is a health professional who asks about your health and considers what care may help.

Before arranging care, request the clinician’s full name along with the licence details.

A medical board is the state body that checks doctor licences and records any punishments it imposes.

These state bodies come together in the Federation of State Medical Boards. It has a list of state boards and their websites.

Check whether the doctor’s licence is valid. Also check for board punishments or charges awaiting a decision. A charge is an official claim that the doctor broke a rule.

A clear record means no punishment by the board is publicly shown. It does not rate how good the doctor’s care is.

Expect questions about you, not just a menu.

Telehealth means getting care through a video call, a phone call or an online exchange.

Your visit may begin with questions about what bothers you, your health history and the medicines you take.

The federation’s advice is for state boards to consider. Your state’s own rules decide what a doctor must follow.

Its May 2026 advice says a clinician needs to ask about and review the patient’s health. Picking a treatment from a menu alone falls short.

The guidance says patients need access to their clinician for further questions.

An online form can be part of care. The federation advises against using a fixed form alone to choose treatment when it cannot collect enough health information.

Ask how an in-person exam or testing would be arranged if your problem needs it.

What can I have ready for the visit?

• Write down the concern you want help with.
• List your medicines and supplements.
• Note any past treatment and what happened.
• Ask what evidence supports each option.
• Ask how later questions are handled.
• Ask who makes any proposed medicine.

FDA stands for Food and Drug Administration. This US agency reviews medicines.

Ask the name of the pharmacy preparing any medicine made to order. Then check its licence with the state board of pharmacy.