Telehealth Medication Reviews: How to Prepare and What to Ask

Medication Review Prep Checklist

Prepare for Your Telehealth Medication Review

This checklist ensures you're ready for your telehealth medication review. Studies show patients who display their medications during the call increase review accuracy by 37.4%.

Check items as you prepare:

All prescription bottles (including unused ones) Include every prescription bottle - even those you haven't used in months

Over-the-counter medications Include painkillers, sleep aids, antacids, and other OTC products

Vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies Even if you think they're not important

Creams, patches, and inhalers Show these to the pharmacist during your call

Written list of all medications Include: purpose, dosage, frequency, side effects, and any dose changes

Photos of medication labels Take clear photos if you can't display physical bottles

Questions to ask your pharmacist Prepare questions about interactions, side effects, and necessity

When you’re managing multiple medications-prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, or supplements-mistakes happen. A pill taken at the wrong time, a dangerous interaction between drugs, or a side effect missed because no one asked the right question. That’s where a telehealth medication review comes in. It’s not just a video call with your pharmacist. It’s a safety check designed to catch errors before they hurt you. And if you’re preparing for one, knowing exactly what to do and what to ask can make all the difference.

Why Telehealth Medication Reviews Matter Now

More than 78% of U.S. healthcare systems now offer telehealth medication reviews. That’s not a trend-it’s a necessity. With an aging population, more people taking five or more medications daily, and pharmacy errors contributing to over 1.5 million preventable injuries each year, these reviews are a lifeline. A 2020 study found elderly patients who got virtual medication reviews had 34.7% fewer dangerous drug reactions than those who didn’t. That’s not a small number. It’s lives saved.

Unlike in-person visits, telehealth reviews happen in your living room. No traffic, no waiting room, no rushing between appointments. But that convenience comes with a catch: you have to be ready. If you just show up and hope the pharmacist figures it out, you’re leaving safety to chance.

What You Need to Gather Before Your Call

Before your video appointment, gather everything you take. Not just what’s in your medicine cabinet. Everything.

All prescription bottles-even ones you haven’t used in months
Over-the-counter meds: painkillers, sleep aids, antacids
Vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies
Any creams, patches, or inhalers you use

Put them all in a clear bag or on a table where the camera can see them. A 2023 study showed patients who displayed their actual medications during the call increased review accuracy by 37.4%. Why? Because people forget. They think, “Oh, I haven’t taken that in a while,” but the pharmacist needs to know it’s still in your house. That’s how dangerous interactions slip through.

Also, have a written list ready. Write down:

What each pill is for
When and how often you take it
Any side effects you’ve noticed
Whether you’ve skipped doses or changed how you take them

Don’t rely on memory. If you’re unsure about a pill, take a photo of the label. That’s better than guessing.

What to Ask During the Review

Most patients sit quietly during these calls. Don’t. This is your safety check. You have the right-and the responsibility-to ask questions. Here are the five most important ones:

“How will you verify my medication list against my pharmacy records?”
Forty-three percent of medication errors come from inaccurate lists. Your pharmacist might not have access to every pharmacy you’ve used. If they’re just going by what you say, they’re flying blind. Ask them to cross-check with your electronic records. If they say they can’t, push for a follow-up with your primary care provider.
“What is your process for communicating recommendations to my doctor?”
Only 62.8% of telehealth services have a standardized way to send changes to your GP. If the pharmacist says, “I’ll just let them know,” ask how. Do they email? Fax? Call? Get a copy of the report they send. You deserve to know what’s being recommended.
“Are any of these medications no longer needed?”
Many people keep taking pills long after they’re useful. Blood pressure meds after a successful surgery? Cholesterol drugs after switching diets? Ask if anything can be safely stopped. Reducing unnecessary pills lowers your risk of side effects and saves money.
“How will you monitor for side effects between appointments?”
Virtual reviews can miss signs of trouble. A rash, dizziness, or confusion might not show up on camera. Ask if they’ll schedule a follow-up call, send a text check-in, or coordinate with your doctor for lab tests. Without this, you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
“Are there any dangerous interactions I should watch for?”
Don’t let them assume you know. Say it plainly: “I’ve heard some of these can clash. Can you walk me through what to look out for?” Common risky combos include blood thinners with NSAIDs, antidepressants with sleep aids, or statins with grapefruit juice. Don’t be shy-this is why you’re here.

Pharmacist's hand holding medication review summary with checklist, connected to doctor via arrows

What Telehealth Can’t Do (And When You Still Need an In-Person Visit)

Telehealth is powerful-but it’s not magic. It works best for stable, chronic conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid meds, depression. But it falls short in some areas.

If you have:

Multiple chronic illnesses with complex symptoms
Signs of confusion, memory loss, or sudden weakness
Difficulty swallowing pills or using inhalers
Unexplained weight loss or falls

-then you need a face-to-face check. A 2021 study found telehealth reviews missed critical issues in 17.3% of patients with multiple conditions because they couldn’t examine physical signs like swollen ankles, tremors, or skin changes.

Also, if you’re taking Schedule II controlled substances (like oxycodone or Adderall), federal rules require an in-person visit at least once every three months. The DEA’s 2025 rules allow telehealth for other controlled substances, but not these. Know your meds’ schedule.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Technical issues are the #1 complaint. Video freezes, poor audio, apps that won’t open. Here’s how to avoid them:

Test your camera and mic 15 minutes before the call
Use Wi-Fi, not mobile data-minimum 1.5 Mbps upload speed
Close other tabs and apps during the call
Have a backup phone ready in case your computer fails

Another issue? Time. Many reviews are rushed. If the pharmacist cuts you off after 10 minutes, say, “I have more to discuss-can we schedule a follow-up?” You’re not being difficult. You’re being smart.

And if you’re over 65? You’re not alone if tech feels overwhelming. A 2024 survey found seniors who got 15-minute tech training before their review were 68% more comfortable than those who didn’t. Ask your provider if they offer a practice call. Many do.

Senior woman taking notes during telehealth call, floating question bubbles above her head

What Happens After the Review?

The review doesn’t end when the video ends. You should get a written summary within 48 hours. It should list:

Changes to your meds
Medications to stop
New prescriptions or dosages
Next steps and follow-up timeline

Keep this document. Share it with your primary care doctor. If you don’t get it, call and ask. No summary means no accountability.

Also, watch for changes in how you feel over the next two weeks. Did your sleep improve? Did your dizziness get worse? Note it down. That feedback helps your pharmacist adjust your plan.

Final Thought: This Is Your Health, Not Just a Check-In

A telehealth medication review isn’t a formality. It’s a critical safety net. You’re not just handing over a list-you’re protecting yourself from harm. The system works best when you’re involved. Show up prepared. Ask the hard questions. Don’t let convenience make you passive.

Medication errors don’t always cause crashes. Sometimes, they just make you feel worse-tired, foggy, achy. And you might think that’s just aging. It’s not. It could be a drug interaction. A telehealth review can find it. But only if you’re ready to speak up.

Do I need to have all my medications in front of me during the telehealth review?

Yes. Studies show that patients who physically display their medications during the call improve review accuracy by 37.4%. Pharmacists can’t guess what you’re taking. Seeing the actual bottles or labels helps them spot duplicates, expired drugs, or incorrect dosages. If you can’t get all bottles out, take clear photos of each label and have them ready to share on screen.

Can a pharmacist change my prescription during a telehealth review?

No, they can’t prescribe or change your dosage directly. But they can recommend changes to your doctor. If they suggest stopping a medication, switching doses, or adding a new one, they’ll send a formal note to your GP or specialist. You should receive a copy of that recommendation. Always follow up with your doctor to confirm the changes were made.

Are telehealth medication reviews covered by insurance?

Yes, if you’re on Medicare or many private plans. As of November 2024, Medicare covers two new codes: G2225 for comprehensive reviews ($142.37) and G2226 for targeted reviews ($78.92). Most private insurers follow suit. Check with your plan, but if you’re on a chronic condition management program, you’re likely eligible. Don’t assume it’s out-of-pocket-ask.

What if I’m not comfortable using video technology?

Many providers offer phone-only reviews if video isn’t possible. However, video is strongly preferred because pharmacists need to see your medications and observe signs like tremors or confusion. If you struggle with tech, ask if your provider offers a practice call or a family member can help set up the session. Some community centers even offer free tech support for seniors before appointments.

How often should I have a telehealth medication review?

At least once a year if you’re taking three or more medications regularly. If you’ve recently been hospitalized, had a major health change, or started new drugs, get a review within 30 days. People who get reviews after hospital discharge reduce their risk of 30-day readmission by 22.1%. Don’t wait for problems-schedule it proactively.

Diane Tomaszewski on 15 November 2025, AT 07:31 AM

It's funny how we treat meds like they're magic bullets instead of tools. You wouldn't drive a car without checking the oil, but we take ten pills a day and never ask why. This post gets it right-you gotta be the one holding the flashlight in the dark.

Rachel Wusowicz on 15 November 2025, AT 18:02 PM

Wait-so the government’s pushing telehealth reviews… but who’s really behind the software? Big Pharma’s got their fingerprints ALL over these platforms-data mining, tracking adherence, feeding algorithms to upsell… they don’t care if you live-they care if you keep buying… and don’t you DARE skip a dose…

They’ll tell you ‘it’s for safety’-but remember when they said ‘flu shots prevent death’ and then you got sick anyway? Same script. Same players. Same lies.

And don’t get me started on the ‘written summary’… you think that’s real? Nah-it’s auto-generated by AI trained on placebo trial reports. You’ll get a PDF with 17 pages of jargon and one line that says ‘continue as is.’

I’ve seen it. I’ve seen the backend. They don’t want you to know what’s really in your pills. They want you to trust the screen. Trust the voice. Trust the lie.

Take your meds. Take your photos. Take your list. But keep the bottles… hidden… under your bed… just in case.

David Rooksby on 17 November 2025, AT 07:15 AM

Oh please, let’s be real here-telehealth med reviews are just a cost-cutting measure disguised as innovation. The system’s broke, so they’re offloading the work onto patients. You think your pharmacist actually has time to cross-check every pill you’ve ever taken? They’re doing 12 of these calls an hour with a 5-minute buffer between each. You’re lucky if they remember your name.

And don’t even get me started on the ‘written summary’-I got one once that listed my blood pressure meds as ‘BP pills #3’ and my thyroid med as ‘that white thing you take in the morning.’ I had to call back and scream for 20 minutes just to get them to fix it. They don’t care. They’re paid by the minute, not by the outcome.

And yeah, ‘show your bottles’-sure, unless you’re on Medicaid and your meds are in a Ziploc bag because the pharmacy ran out of labels. Or if you’re 82 and your hands shake so bad you can’t hold a bottle steady without dropping it. This isn’t a checklist-it’s a trap for the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the real issue? No one’s fixing the fact that we’re prescribed 14 drugs for 7 problems because the system rewards volume, not outcomes. You want to fix medication errors? Stop paying doctors per script. Pay them for keeping people alive.

Teresa Smith on 17 November 2025, AT 19:54 PM

Preparation is power. This isn’t about being compliant-it’s about being in control of your own body. If you show up unprepared, you’re handing over your health to someone who’s already overwhelmed. You owe it to yourself to know what’s in your body, why it’s there, and what it’s doing to you.

And if you’re hesitant to ask questions? That’s the system conditioning you. You’re not being difficult-you’re being responsible. The pharmacist isn’t your enemy, but they’re not your guardian angel either. They’re a professional who needs your input to do their job right.

Don’t wait until you’re dizzy, confused, or falling. Schedule the review. Bring the list. Ask the hard questions. And if they brush you off? Find someone else. Your life is worth more than their schedule.

Danish dan iwan Adventure on 19 November 2025, AT 01:34 AM

Pharmacists are not clinicians. They’re dispensers. The review is performative. Real polypharmacy management requires metabolic profiling, CYP450 genotyping, and therapeutic drug monitoring-none of which are done in a 20-minute Zoom call. You’re being sold a placebo of safety.

Dan Angles on 19 November 2025, AT 06:47 AM

While I appreciate the practical guidance offered in this post, I must emphasize that the responsibility for medication safety rests not solely with the patient, but with the coordinated efforts of the entire care team. The pharmacist’s role is advisory; the prescriber retains final authority. It is imperative that patients understand this hierarchy and ensure that all recommendations are formally documented and communicated through official channels. Furthermore, while telehealth offers convenience, it must not compromise the integrity of the clinical decision-making process. Documentation, verification, and follow-up remain non-negotiable pillars of safe practice.

Melanie Taylor on 19 November 2025, AT 20:47 PM

YESSSS!! This is so important!! 🙌💖 I just had my review last week and I brought ALL my bottles-yes, even the expired ibuprofen from 2020 😅-and the pharmacist was like ‘oh my gosh, you’re the first person who actually showed up ready!’ I felt like a superhero!! 🦸‍♀️💊

Also, I asked about the grapefruit thing and she was like ‘ohhh you’re taking simvastatin??’ and I was like ‘yep, and I love my morning juice!’ and she said ‘STOP.’ 😱

Now I drink orange juice. And I feel like a million bucks. Thank you for this!! 💌

Oyejobi Olufemi on 21 November 2025, AT 02:43 AM

Let me be brutally honest-you think this is about safety? No. It’s about control. The system wants you dependent. It wants you believing that a 15-minute video call can replace decades of medical training. You think your pharmacist knows what your liver is doing? You think they’ve ever looked at your bloodwork? They’re clicking boxes while you hold up bottles like a circus act.

And the ‘written summary’? A legal shield. A document designed to absolve them of liability-not to help you. You’re being turned into a data point. A statistic. A line item in a corporate dashboard.

Meanwhile, your real problem? The fact that your doctor prescribed you five drugs because they didn’t have time to listen. That’s the rot. Not your missing pill bottle. Not your shaky hands. Not your tech issues. The system is broken. And you? You’re just the collateral.

Do this review? Fine. But don’t mistake it for healing. Healing requires truth. And truth doesn’t come from a screen.

ZAK SCHADER on 22 November 2025, AT 01:52 AM

Why are we even doing this? In my day, you went to the doc, got your script, took your pills, and didn’t whine about it. Now we got Zoom reviews, photos of bottles, and checklists like we’re packing for camp. This ain’t healthcare-it’s a bureaucratic circus. And don’t even get me started on Medicare paying for it. Taxpayer money for people who can’t read a label.

Ankit Right-hand for this but 2 qty HK 21 on 22 November 2025, AT 06:35 AM

Typical American overreaction. You don’t need a review-you need discipline. Take your meds on time. Don’t mix them with alcohol. Don’t take random herbs from the internet. Done. This whole thing is a scam to make pharmacists feel important and patients feel guilty. In India, we just take what the doctor says and don’t ask 50 questions. We don’t need a video call to tell us not to mix statins with grapefruit. We know. Because we’re not weak.

Diane Tomaszewski on 23 November 2025, AT 14:03 PM

Some of you are making this way too complicated. The core idea is simple: know what you’re taking. If you don’t, you’re gambling with your body. The rest? Noise.