Open notebook · finding care
Care may begin face to face or through a screen.
Start with a visit to discuss the problem you want help with. Ask a clinic offering visits in person, or a licensed service offering telehealth, how the visit would work.
The myth
A first visit always has to happen in an office.
An online first visit can be a real visit
Telehealth is care given while you and the health professional are in different places.
As of September 26, 2026, Colorado Medical Board guidance allows online care to begin if the clinician can properly assess your health problem. The board does not say that a phone call, video call, or exchange of messages will suit every first visit.
The board calls for the clinician to review your health history before deciding on treatment. The clinician also checks your identity and location, gives their name and license details, and asks for your agreement to care.
Ask how your health problem will be assessed and how you can ask the clinician questions.
Source note A ↓The myth
A license from somewhere is enough everywhere.
Colorado permission follows your location
As of September 26, 2026, someone treating you online needs permission from Colorado if you are in Colorado during the visit. They can hold a full Colorado license or, if licensed in another state, qualify for a Colorado telehealth registration.
That registration requires a current out-of-state license with no restrictions and no penalty limiting their work in the past five years. Ask for their Colorado license or registration number, then use the state search on the license-check page.
As of September 26, 2026, that registration does not allow visits in person in Colorado. A registered clinician must disclose their location and, when applicable, the lack of a Colorado office.
Mention travel plans when arranging the visit. Ask what permission covers the place where you will actually be.
Check the person before comparing the offerSource note B ↓The myth
Completing the checkout is the same as being assessed.
An intake form is a first step, not a full assessment
As of September 26, 2026, Colorado board guidance rejects prescribing based on an online questionnaire alone. An online visit must meet the same standards of medical care as an office visit.
National advice from a group of state medical boards calls for the clinician to arrange any needed tests or an exam in person. This is advice for licensing boards; it does not make a new Colorado law.
Ask how needed tests or an office visit would be arranged, and who will answer questions afterward.
Source note C ↓Keep the source close
Notes behind this page
- Colorado Medical Board · first visits online
As of September 26, 2026, the board allows a first visit online, but the visit still needs to meet the usual standards of medical care.
- Colorado · out-of-state telehealth registration
As of September 26, 2026, this registration allows online care for Colorado patients, but does not allow office visits in Colorado.
- Group of medical boards · arranging further care
The group advises clinicians to arrange needed tests or an exam in person when an online visit is not enough.
Turn the page
Ask and note · verify a Colorado license