Telehealth Medication Reviews: How to Prepare and What to Ask

When you’re managing multiple medications - prescription, over-the-counter, or supplements - a medication review isn’t just a good idea. It’s a safety must. And with telehealth, you don’t need to leave your home to get one. But showing up to a video call with a bottle of pills and hoping for the best won’t cut it. Telehealth medication reviews work best when you’re prepared, informed, and ready to ask the right questions. This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about catching dangerous interactions, stopping unnecessary drugs, and making sure every pill you take actually helps you.

Why Telehealth Medication Reviews Matter

More than 78% of U.S. healthcare systems now offer telehealth medication reviews, and for good reason. A 2020 study found elderly patients who had these virtual reviews saw a 34.7% drop in serious drug-related side effects. That’s not a small number. It’s life-changing. These reviews catch problems like duplicate prescriptions, harmful combinations, or drugs that no longer match your current health needs. They’re especially powerful after a hospital stay, when your meds might have changed without you fully understanding why.

But here’s the catch: telehealth can’t replace a physical exam. If you’re dizzy, weak, or having trouble swallowing pills, your pharmacist or doctor needs to see you in person. Telehealth shines when it’s used for what it does best - reviewing your list, checking for interactions, and making sure you understand how and why you’re taking each medication.

What You Need to Do Before Your Appointment

Preparation is everything. A 2023 study showed patients who brought all their medications to the call improved review accuracy by 37.4%. That’s huge. Don’t rely on memory. Don’t trust your pill organizer. Bring the real bottles.

• Gather every medication: prescriptions, OTC painkillers, vitamins, herbal supplements, even eye drops or patches.
• Write down the dose and how often you take each one. If you’re unsure, write “I’m not sure.” Better to say that than guess.
• Have your pharmacy’s name and phone number ready. Your provider will need to verify what’s been dispensed.
• Write down any side effects you’ve noticed - even if you think they’re normal. “I feel foggy after lunch” or “I’ve been constipated since starting this new pill” matters.
• Test your tech. Make sure your camera works, your internet is stable (at least 1.5 Mbps), and you know how to join the video call. Use a quiet, well-lit space.

If you’re over 65 or not tech-savvy, ask a family member to help you set up. A 2024 survey found seniors who got pre-appointment tech training were 68.2% more comfortable with telehealth reviews than those who didn’t.

What to Ask Your Provider

You’re not just there to listen. You’re there to understand. Don’t let the provider talk over you. Here are the five questions you must ask:

1. “How will you verify my medication list against my pharmacy records?” Forty-three percent of medication errors come from incorrect lists. If your pharmacist doesn’t check what your pharmacy actually dispensed, they’re working with outdated info.
2. “Which of these medications are still necessary?” Sometimes, a drug was started for a short-term issue and never stopped. Ask if any can be safely discontinued.
3. “Are there any dangerous interactions I should worry about?” Especially if you’re on five or more meds. Even common things like ibuprofen and blood pressure pills can clash.
4. “How will you share your recommendations with my doctor?” Only 63% of telehealth services have a clear system to pass notes to your GP. If they don’t, your changes might get lost.
5. “How will we monitor for side effects between appointments?” Virtual reviews miss physical signs. Ask if you’ll get a follow-up call, text check-in, or need to report symptoms through a portal.

Don’t be shy. If you don’t understand why you’re taking a drug, say so. If you can’t afford it, say that too. These reviews are meant to help you - not just check a box.

Where Telehealth Falls Short

Telehealth medication reviews aren’t perfect. A 2021 study found they’re less effective for older adults with multiple chronic conditions who need hands-on checks - like seeing if they can open a pill bottle or if they’re swallowing correctly. Mental health meds are another tricky area. If you’re on antidepressants or antipsychotics, a provider needs to see your mood, speech, and movement. A video call can’t fully replace that.

Also, tech problems happen. One patient on Reddit said their video kept freezing during a blood pressure check. If that happens, ask to reschedule or switch to a phone call. Your safety isn’t dependent on perfect Wi-Fi.

And don’t forget the digital divide. About 33% of patients over 75 don’t use tech regularly. If you’re in that group, ask your clinic for help. Many now offer phone-based reviews or in-person support to get you set up.

What Happens After the Review

Good reviews don’t end when the video ends. You should get a written summary - either by email or through a patient portal - listing:

• Medications you should keep
• Medications to stop or change
• New prescriptions or dosages
• Next steps: follow-up date, lab tests needed, or when to call your doctor

If you don’t get this, ask for it. You have the right to a clear plan. If your doctor doesn’t act on the pharmacist’s recommendations, follow up. A 2023 audit found nearly a third of telehealth reviews didn’t lead to changes in the patient’s chart - which defeats the whole purpose.

Cost and Insurance

As of November 2024, Medicare and many private insurers cover telehealth medication reviews. There are now specific billing codes: G2225 for comprehensive reviews ($142.37) and G2226 for focused ones ($78.92). Most clinics bill directly, so you won’t pay out-of-pocket unless you’re uninsured.

If you’re asked to pay, ask if it’s a copay or a service not covered by your plan. Some private companies offer these reviews as part of membership programs - but make sure they’re connected to your real doctor and pharmacy. Don’t use a standalone app that doesn’t share data with your care team.

What’s Next for Telehealth Medication Reviews

The field is getting smarter. By 2025, 68% of clinics are testing systems that sync your blood pressure, glucose, or heart rate data directly into the review. Imagine your pharmacist seeing your daily readings and adjusting your meds before you even call. That’s the future.

The DEA also updated rules in January 2025, allowing certain specialists to prescribe stronger pain meds via telehealth - if they meet new requirements. This could help people in rural areas who can’t drive hours to see a pain specialist.

But the biggest challenge isn’t technology. It’s making sure no one gets left behind. Whether you’re 25 or 85, if you’re taking meds, you deserve a review that’s thorough, safe, and clear. Telehealth makes that possible - if you show up prepared.