Telehealth Medication Reviews: How to Prepare and What to Ask

When you’re managing multiple medications, especially with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression, a simple mistake can lead to serious problems. That’s where telehealth medication reviews come in. These virtual check-ins with a pharmacist or doctor help catch dangerous drug interactions, reduce side effects, and make sure you’re taking the right doses. But unlike a regular pharmacy visit, you’re not handing over bottles in person. You’re on a video call, possibly from your kitchen table. So how do you make sure it actually works? And what should you ask to protect your health?

Why Telehealth Medication Reviews Matter

Telehealth medication reviews aren’t just convenient-they’re proven to save lives. A 2020 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that elderly patients who had virtual medication reviews had 34.7% fewer dangerous drug reactions than those who didn’t. That’s not a small number. It means fewer hospital trips, fewer falls, fewer confusion episodes from medication mix-ups.

In Australia, the government’s 2020 guidelines laid out a clear framework for these reviews, and today, 78% of U.S. healthcare systems use them regularly. Why? Because they work. Pharmacists can review your entire list-prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, herbal supplements-and spot problems a busy doctor might miss. The system uses clinical tools to flag risks, like when two drugs together can cause kidney damage or when a blood thinner is mixed with a common painkiller.

But here’s the catch: it only works if you show up prepared. If you forget your supplements or can’t explain why you’re taking something, the review won’t catch what it should.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

Imagine this: you’re on video with a pharmacist. You say, “I take my blood pressure medicine every day.” But you don’t mention the ibuprofen you take for your knees, or the melatonin you use for sleep, or the ginseng tea your sister swore would help your energy. That’s a problem. Studies show that when patients bring all their meds to the call, the review’s accuracy jumps by 37.4%.

Here’s exactly what you need to do before your appointment:

1. Collect every pill, capsule, liquid, patch, and supplement you take-prescription and non-prescription. Put them in a clear container or lay them out on a table.
2. Write down the dose and time you take each one. Don’t guess. If you’re not sure, check the bottle or your pharmacy app.
3. Note any side effects you’ve noticed. Did you feel dizzy after starting a new pill? Did your stomach upset start after adding a vitamin? Write it down.
4. Have your pharmacy’s contact info ready. The pharmacist will need to verify your records.
5. Test your tech. Make sure your camera works, your mic isn’t muted, and your internet is stable. A weak connection can make it hard to show your pills or hear instructions clearly.

Pro tip: If you’re over 65 or not tech-savvy, ask a family member to help you set up. A 2024 survey found that seniors who got even 15 minutes of tech help were 68% more likely to feel confident during their review.

What to Ask During the Review

You’re not just there to listen. You’re there to get answers. A good telehealth review isn’t a lecture-it’s a conversation. Don’t be shy. Ask these five key questions:

• “How will you check that my list matches what my pharmacy has on file?” About 43% of medication errors come from outdated or incomplete lists. Pharmacists use electronic systems to cross-check, but they need you to confirm what you’re actually taking.
• “Which of my medications are absolutely necessary, and which can I stop?” Many people take pills they don’t need anymore. A review can help cut the clutter. One study found that 1 in 5 elderly patients had at least one unnecessary drug removed after a virtual review.
• “What side effects should I watch for, and what should I do if they happen?” Don’t just get a list. Ask what’s urgent. For example, if you’re on a blood thinner, is a nosebleed normal-or a red flag?
• “How will you share your recommendations with my doctor?” Only 63% of telehealth services have automatic systems to send changes to your GP. If they don’t, ask how to follow up.
• “How will we know if something goes wrong between visits?” Virtual reviews can’t check your pulse or listen to your lungs. Ask if they’ll schedule a follow-up or if you should call if you feel worse.

These aren’t just nice-to-know questions-they’re safety questions. The more you ask, the more control you have over your health.

What Telehealth Can’t Do

It’s important to know the limits. Telehealth medication reviews are great for checking what’s in your medicine cabinet-but not for checking what’s in your body.

They struggle with:

• Patients who need physical exams-like checking for swelling, skin rashes from reactions, or muscle weakness from nerve damage.
• People with complex mental health conditions, especially if they need a full mental status check. Video can’t replace seeing someone’s eye contact, speech patterns, or responsiveness.
• Those with poor digital access. About 33% of people over 75 don’t use video calls regularly, and without help, they’re left out.

If you have multiple chronic conditions, take more than five medications, or have trouble remembering to take your pills, a telehealth review is still helpful-but it might need to be paired with an in-person visit every few months.

What Happens After the Review

The review doesn’t end when the video ends. A good pharmacist will send a summary to your doctor and give you a written plan. You should get:

• A revised medication list (with doses and times).
• A list of any changes-medications stopped, added, or adjusted.
• Clear instructions on what to watch for and when to call.

If you don’t get this, ask for it. If your doctor doesn’t act on the recommendations, follow up. A 2023 audit found that 28% of telehealth reviews were ignored by primary care providers because no one followed up.

Keep the written plan. Put it on your fridge. Show it to a family member. Use it when you see a new doctor. This is your safety document.

Cost, Insurance, and Access

In the U.S., Medicare and most private insurers now cover telehealth medication reviews. Since late 2024, there are specific billing codes: G2225 for a full review ($142.37) and G2226 for a focused check ($78.92). That means you might pay nothing out of pocket.

In Australia, these services are often covered under the Chronic Disease Management plan, with referrals from your GP. You don’t need to pay extra if you’re eligible.

But access still varies. If you’re in a rural area or don’t have reliable internet, ask your pharmacy if they offer phone-based reviews. Some still do. And if you’re struggling with tech, community health centers often offer free training sessions to help you get ready.

Real Stories, Real Results

One patient in Sydney, 72, was taking six medications for heart disease, arthritis, and anxiety. She didn’t realize two of her pills were making her dizzy. During her telehealth review, the pharmacist noticed the overlap and suggested switching one. Within two weeks, her falls stopped.

Another man in Pennsylvania had been taking a high-dose painkiller for years. His telehealth pharmacist found he was also using a muscle relaxant that, combined, increased his risk of overdose. He was switched to a safer option-and his energy improved.

These aren’t rare cases. They’re common outcomes when people show up prepared and ask the right questions.

Final Tips for Success

Here’s what works:

• Always bring your meds-physically, on camera.
• Write down your questions before the call.
• Don’t be afraid to say, “I didn’t understand that.”
• Follow up if you don’t get a written plan.
• Keep your medication list updated on your phone or in your wallet.

Telehealth medication reviews are one of the safest, most effective tools we have to prevent drug-related harm. But they’re only as good as the person on the other end-and the person on this end. You’re not just a patient. You’re the most important part of the team.