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 Drug interactions, duplicate prescriptions, or outdated dosages are more common than you think.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:

1. “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.
2. “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.
3. “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.
4. “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.
5. “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.

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.

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.