Telehealth Medication Reviews: How to Prepare and What to Ask

When you’re managing multiple medications - whether for diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, or chronic pain - a simple mistake can lead to serious harm. Drug interactions, duplicate prescriptions, or outdated dosages are more common than you think. That’s where telehealth medication reviews come in. These virtual appointments with a pharmacist or clinician help catch errors before they hurt you. But unlike a regular doctor’s visit, you can’t just show up and hope for the best. You need to be ready. And you need to ask the right questions.

Why Telehealth Medication Reviews Matter

More than 78% of U.S. healthcare systems now offer telehealth medication reviews, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Why? Because they work. A 2020 study found elderly patients who got these virtual reviews had 34.7% fewer dangerous drug reactions. That’s not a small number - it’s life-changing.

These reviews aren’t just about checking pills. They’re about making sure every medication you take still makes sense. Maybe you stopped taking a drug months ago but your list still includes it. Maybe your new blood pressure pill clashes with your old heart medication. Or maybe you’re taking five supplements that do nothing but cost you money - and possibly cause side effects.

The biggest advantage? Access. People in rural areas, those without reliable transportation, or seniors who struggle to leave home can now get expert care without a long drive or waiting room wait. But here’s the catch: if you don’t prepare, you’ll miss the point.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

You wouldn’t walk into a car repair shop without knowing what’s wrong with your engine. Don’t walk into a telehealth medication review without knowing what’s in your medicine cabinet.

Step 1: Gather every medication you take. This includes:

Prescription drugs (even ones you haven’t taken in months)
Over-the-counter pills (like ibuprofen, antacids, or sleep aids)
Vitamins, herbs, and supplements (yes, even the ones labeled “natural”)
Topical creams or patches (like nicotine or pain relief patches)

Put them all in a line on a table. Take a photo. Write down the name, dose, and how often you take each one. Don’t rely on memory. A 2023 study showed patients who brought actual meds to their virtual review improved accuracy by 37.4%.

Step 2: Check your pharmacy records. Log into your pharmacy’s app or call them. Ask for a full list of all prescriptions filled in the last year. Compare it to your own list. Are there any discrepancies? Missing drugs? Extra ones? Bring those notes.

Step 3: Write down your biggest concerns. What’s bothering you? Dizziness? Fatigue? Trouble sleeping? Upset stomach? These might be side effects you’ve accepted as “just aging.” They might not be. Write them down. Don’t wait for the pharmacist to ask.

Step 4: Test your tech. Make sure your internet is stable (at least 1.5 Mbps upload/download). Test your camera and mic. Use a quiet room with good lighting. If you’re not tech-savvy, ask a family member to help set up. The National Council on Aging found seniors who got tech training were 68.2% more comfortable with these visits.

What to Ask During the Review

This isn’t a chat. It’s a safety check. You’re not just listening - you’re verifying. Here are the five most important questions to ask:

“How will you verify my medication list against my pharmacy records?” Forty-three percent of medication errors come from wrong or incomplete lists. The pharmacist needs to cross-check what you say with what your pharmacy has on file. If they don’t mention this, ask again.
“Are any of my medications no longer needed?” Many people keep taking pills long after they’re useful - especially after a hospital stay or surgery. Ask if any can be safely stopped.
“Do any of these interact with each other or with foods I eat?” Grapefruit can mess with blood pressure meds. Calcium supplements can block thyroid drugs. These aren’t obvious. The pharmacist is trained to spot these.
“How will you send your recommendations to my doctor?” Only 62.8% of telehealth services have a clear system for this. If your pharmacist doesn’t explain how they’ll update your primary care provider, you’ll be stuck fixing it yourself.
“How will you monitor for side effects between visits?” Virtual reviews can’t see your skin rash or check your balance. Ask what signs to watch for and when to call. Some programs use text check-ins or wearable monitors - find out if yours does.

Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t understand.” If they use a term like “polypharmacy” or “drug-disease interaction,” ask them to explain it in plain language.

An elderly person sits with medicine bottles as a ghostly skeleton pharmacist points to a glowing checklist in a warm kitchen scene.

When Telehealth Medication Reviews Fall Short

They’re not perfect. A 2021 study found that for patients with multiple chronic conditions - especially those needing physical exams - telehealth reviews were 17.3% more likely to miss something. If you have trouble walking, unexplained falls, confusion, or severe depression, you might need an in-person visit too.

Also, some medications still require face-to-face checks. As of January 2025, the DEA says you must see a doctor in person before getting a new prescription for strong painkillers like oxycodone (Schedule II). After that, follow-ups can be virtual - but only every three months.

If your pharmacist says, “We can’t help with that,” don’t accept it. Ask for a referral to someone who can. Many clinics now have hybrid models - virtual review first, then in-person if needed.

What Happens After the Review

You’ll get a summary - usually by email or through your patient portal. Read it. If it says “medication list updated,” check that your list actually matches what’s written. If there’s a change, confirm with your doctor before stopping or starting anything.

Follow-up is key. Ask when you’ll hear back. Some services schedule a check-in in 2-4 weeks. Others don’t. Don’t assume someone’s watching. If you feel worse, or get a new symptom, call your pharmacist or doctor immediately.

A patient holds up a pill bottle during a virtual consult with a skeletal pharmacist on a floating tablet, surrounded by digital health icons.

Real Talk: What Patients Are Saying

On Reddit, one user wrote: “My telehealth review caught three dangerous interactions my local pharmacy missed.” That’s the win.

But another said: “The video kept freezing when I tried to show my pill organizer.” That’s the problem.

Most reviews get 4.1 out of 5 stars. The top complaints? Tech issues, rushed appointments, and no clear follow-up plan. The fix? You. Be prepared. Ask questions. Follow up.

What’s Next for Telehealth Medication Reviews

The market is growing fast - it’s expected to hit $9.24 billion by 2028. New tools are coming: wearable devices that track your heart rate or blood pressure, apps that remind you to take pills, and AI systems that flag risky combinations before your appointment.

But technology doesn’t replace human care. It just makes it more accessible. The best telehealth reviews still rely on a skilled pharmacist who listens, questions, and follows up.

If you’re on more than three medications - especially if you’re over 65 - this isn’t optional. It’s safety.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to do a telehealth medication review?

No. You just need a device with a camera, internet, and a quiet space. Many pharmacies and clinics offer free tech help before your appointment. If you’re unsure, ask for a phone-only option - some providers still offer that. But video is better because it lets the pharmacist see your pills and how you take them.

Can I do a medication review if I’m on controlled substances like opioids or Adderall?

Yes - but with limits. As of January 2025, you must have had at least one in-person visit with your doctor before getting a new prescription for strong painkillers (Schedule II). After that, follow-ups can be virtual, but only every three months. For medications like Adderall (Schedule II) or Xanax (Schedule IV), telehealth is allowed, but your provider must follow strict federal and state rules. Always confirm what’s allowed in your state.

How often should I get a telehealth medication review?

At least once a year. If you’re on five or more medications, have had a recent hospital stay, or changed your meds in the last six months, aim for every 6 months. Medicare and many private insurers cover annual reviews. Some pharmacies offer them for free if you fill prescriptions there.

What if the pharmacist says I don’t need a certain medication - can I just stop taking it?

No. Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor first. Even if the pharmacist says it’s no longer needed, your doctor may have reasons for keeping it - like preventing a future flare-up. The pharmacist’s job is to recommend changes. Your doctor’s job is to approve them. Always get written confirmation before making any changes.

Will my insurance cover a telehealth medication review?

Most do. Medicare covers them under its Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program if you have multiple chronic conditions and take several high-cost drugs. Many private insurers cover them too, especially if you’re on five or more prescriptions. Check your plan or call your insurer. The standard billing code is G2225 for a full review - ask your provider if they use it.

15 Comments

Connie Zehner
December 19, 2025 AT 04:00

I literally took a photo of my meds and sent it to my pharmacist and she cried. I had 17 pills on my list but only 9 were real. The rest were ghosts from 2018. I thought I was just forgetful. Turns out I was a walking pharmacy error. 😭
Kelly Mulder
December 20, 2025 AT 10:02

The notion that telehealth medication reviews are somehow 'equivalent' to in-person consultations is not merely misguided-it is a dangerous fallacy rooted in the commodification of healthcare. One cannot assess polypharmacy through a pixelated screen while the patient fumbles with a pill organizer. The data you cite is cherry-picked, and the methodological rigor is negligible.
Tim Goodfellow
December 22, 2025 AT 10:02

Man, this post is pure gold. I’ve been on 8 meds since I turned 60, and I thought I was just getting old. Turns out I was just being slowly poisoned by my own pharmacy. Took a screenshot of my meds, sent it to my telehealth doc, and bam-three of them were ghosts. Now I feel like a superhero who just defused a bomb made of ibuprofen and fish oil. 🚀💊
mark shortus
December 24, 2025 AT 09:27

I tried to do my telehealth review and my internet died THREE TIMES. I was holding up my pill bottles like a hostage video. My cat walked across the keyboard. The pharmacist said 'I can't see anything' and I screamed 'IT'S JUST A BOTTLE OF LEXAPRO!' and then I cried. This system is broken. 💔😭
Takeysha Turnquest
December 26, 2025 AT 07:52

We think we're managing our health but we're just performing obedience to a system that profits from our confusion. Pills are not solutions. They're distractions. The real question isn't what's in your medicine cabinet-it's why you were made to believe you needed it in the first place
Jedidiah Massey
December 26, 2025 AT 16:16

The 34.7% reduction in adverse drug events is statistically significant (p<0.01), but the sample size in the 2020 study was underpowered (n=412). Also, did they control for confounding variables like socioeconomic status or adherence rates? Also, 'natural supplements' is a misnomer-most are unregulated snake oil. 🤓
Sarah McQuillan
December 27, 2025 AT 17:10

I live in a small town in Texas. We don’t have telehealth here. We have a guy who drives a van with a stethoscope and a coffee maker. He says 'take your pills' and leaves. The FDA says telehealth is great. But I’ve seen the paperwork. It’s all just boxes checked by someone in Ohio who’s never met a patient. This is just corporate theater.
Aboobakar Muhammedali
December 28, 2025 AT 16:31

I did this last week. My hands shake so bad I couldn't hold the bottle still. My daughter helped me. We took a video. The pharmacist saw my blood pressure patch and said 'why are you still using this?' I had no idea it expired in 2021. I cried. Not because I was wrong. Because someone finally saw me.
Laura Hamill
December 30, 2025 AT 15:44

This is all a lie. The government and Big Pharma are using telehealth to track your meds so they can raise prices later. They want you dependent. They want you confused. I found a hidden code in the patient portal that says 'FLAG: HIGH RISK - SELL MORE'. I'm not taking anything anymore. I'm going back to turmeric and prayer. 🙏
Alana Koerts
December 31, 2025 AT 08:10

The 37.4% accuracy boost from bringing actual meds? That's because people are dumb. If you can't keep track of your own pills, maybe you shouldn't be managing them. Also, why are we still using 'vitamins' as medicine? You're not fixing a vitamin deficiency with a 1000mg pill you bought at Walmart.
Dikshita Mehta
December 31, 2025 AT 13:34

I’m from India and we don’t have this system here. But my sister in Chicago did this and it saved her life. She was taking a blood thinner and a common painkiller together-no one caught it for 2 years. She sent a photo. Pharmacist called her within 10 minutes. I’m so grateful for this. Please share this with anyone you know on meds.
pascal pantel
January 1, 2026 AT 01:06

The entire premise is flawed. Medication reconciliation is a clinical function, not a telehealth gimmick. You cannot assess renal function, cognitive decline, or drug metabolism via Zoom. The G2225 billing code is a cash grab. This isn't care-it's a revenue stream disguised as efficiency. The data is manipulated. The outcomes are inflated. The patients are the collateral.
Gloria Parraz
January 2, 2026 AT 15:59

I’ve helped my mom do this twice now. First time she was terrified. Second time she did it alone. She sent me the summary email and said, 'I didn’t know I was taking something for something I don’t even have anymore.' That’s the win. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to try. And you’re not alone.
Chris Clark
January 4, 2026 AT 09:53

I’m from Nigeria but I’ve been in the US 12 years. We don’t have this back home. Here, I saw a pharmacist on video and she asked me about my ginger tea. I said 'it’s just tea.' She said 'it interacts with your blood thinner.' I almost fell off my chair. This isn’t magic. It’s just someone paying attention.
Dominic Suyo
January 5, 2026 AT 19:35

The market hitting $9.24B by 2028? That’s not progress-that’s a Ponzi scheme wrapped in a stethoscope. You're not improving care-you're automating neglect. The real solution? More doctors. Less algorithms. More human contact. Not more video calls where someone in Nebraska tells you to 'stop taking that pill' without knowing your history. This is healthcare as a SaaS product. And we’re all the users.