Can I get care through a screen?

Online care still needs a care relationship.

Telehealth means a care visit or exchange when you and the clinician are in different places.

As of September 30, 2026, Washington allows that relationship to begin through telehealth. A

A relationship cannot begin through email, instant messages, texts or faxes alone under Washington law.

Washington law also covers systems that save health information for the clinician to review later. Every first visit need not be live video. A saved medical review must still meet the care rules; email or texts alone are not enough.

Ask what information the clinician reviews, how questions are answered and whether your concern needs a live or in-person visit.

Your location matters.

As of September 30, 2026, Washington treats an online visit as happening where the patient is at the time. A

A new patient seeking treatment from Seattle can ask for the clinician’s Washington licence number or an explanation of other legal permission to treat them here.

Tell the service where you are when the visit takes place. If travel changes that, raise it before the visit begins.

A form needs more than a quick yes.

As of September 30, 2026, Washington holds telehealth to the professional standards of comparable care in person. A

The Federation of State Medical Boards suggests rules for the offices that license doctors. Its advice is not itself Washington law.

In guidance checked September 26, 2026, that group rejects prescribing based only on a patient’s choice from a treatment menu. B

The group also advises giving patients a way to raise more questions.

Ask how the clinician can come back to you for more information. Ask how you can ask your own questions.