Telehealth Medication Review Checklist
Are You Ready for Your Review?
Complete all items below to ensure you're fully prepared for your telehealth medication review. This checklist is based on the latest research showing patients who prepare improve review accuracy by 37.4%.
When you’re managing multiple medications, even small mistakes can lead to big problems. A drug interaction you didn’t know about. A dose that’s too high. A supplement that cancels out your blood pressure pill. These aren’t rare accidents-they happen every day. And when you’re seeing your doctor or pharmacist remotely, the risk of something slipping through increases if you’re not ready.
Telehealth medication reviews are now a standard part of care for millions. In 2024, 78% of U.S. healthcare systems offered them. But unlike an in-person visit where you can hand over your pill bottles, a video call doesn’t give you second chances. If you show up without your meds, forget to mention your daily ginkgo supplement, or don’t ask the right questions, you could miss critical safety warnings.
What Exactly Is a Telehealth Medication Review?
A telehealth medication review isn’t just a quick chat about your prescriptions. It’s a structured, evidence-based process designed to catch medication errors before they hurt you. Pharmacists use clinical decision tools to cross-check your list against lab results, your medical history, and known drug interactions. The goal? Reduce adverse drug events by up to 35%, according to a 2020 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all check-in. There are two main types: comprehensive reviews (G2225 code), which take 30-45 minutes and look at your entire regimen, and targeted reviews (G2226), which focus on one issue-like adjusting your diabetes meds after a hospital stay. Both are now reimbursable under Medicare and many private insurers, with comprehensive reviews paying $142.37 as of 2025.
How to Prepare: The 5 Things You Must Do Before Your Call
Preparation is the single biggest factor in making your review effective. A 2023 study in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that patients who brought all their medications to the call improved review accuracy by 37.4%. Here’s how to get it right:
- Collect every medication you take-prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Don’t assume your pharmacist knows you take melatonin or turmeric. Many interactions go unnoticed because patients don’t mention them.
- Write down your current doses and times. Don’t rely on memory. If you take lisinopril 10mg in the morning and 5mg at night, write it. If you’re unsure, check the bottle. Accuracy matters-43.2% of medication errors come from incorrect patient-reported histories, per the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).
- Bring your pharmacy labels or a printed list. If you use a pill organizer, show it. If you take meds at different times, note when. A pharmacist can spot patterns you miss-like taking two NSAIDs at once or doubling up on sleep aids.
- Write down your biggest concerns. Are you dizzy after lunch? Feeling more tired than usual? Having trouble swallowing pills? Write them down. Don’t wait for the pharmacist to ask.
- Test your tech ahead of time. Make sure your camera works, your internet is stable (1.5 Mbps minimum), and you’re using a HIPAA-compliant platform like Doxy.me or Zoom for Healthcare. Freezing video or poor audio can delay or derail your review.
Pro tip: If you’re over 65 or not tech-savvy, ask your family member or caregiver to help set up the call. A 2024 National Council on Aging survey found that seniors who received tech training were 68.2% more comfortable with telehealth reviews than those who didn’t.
What to Ask: The 7 Critical Questions to Protect Your Safety
Don’t let the pharmacist lead the whole conversation. You’re the expert on how your body feels. Ask these questions to ensure your review actually improves your safety:
- "How will you verify my medication list against my pharmacy records?" Many patients have conflicting lists between pharmacies. A 2023 NCQA audit found only 62.8% of telehealth services have standardized ways to sync with pharmacy databases. You need to know they’re not working off outdated info.
- "Are any of my medications on the Beers Criteria list for seniors?" The Beers Criteria identifies drugs that are risky for older adults-like benzodiazepines or certain antihistamines. If you’re over 65, this question alone can prevent dangerous prescriptions.
- "Is there a cheaper or safer alternative to any of these?" Cost matters. A 2023 study showed 41% of seniors skip doses because of price. Ask if a generic exists, or if switching to a different class of drug (like an ARB instead of an ACE inhibitor) could reduce side effects.
- "What side effects should I watch for in the next two weeks?" Some reactions-like confusion, swelling, or unusual bruising-can be early signs of a problem. Get a clear list so you know what to report before your next appointment.
- "How will you communicate your recommendations to my primary doctor?" Only 62.8% of telehealth services automatically send updates to your PCP. If your doctor doesn’t get the report, your meds might not change-even if the pharmacist says they should.
- "Do I still need all these medications?" Polypharmacy (taking five or more drugs) increases your risk of adverse events by 40%. Ask if any can be stopped, reduced, or replaced. Many patients are on meds they no longer need because no one ever asked.
- "How will you monitor for problems between now and my next review?" Virtual reviews can’t check your blood pressure or balance in person. Ask if they’ll follow up via phone, if you’ll get a symptom tracker app, or if you should schedule a lab test. A 2020 study showed a 28.6% higher risk of undetected side effects in purely virtual models.
When Telehealth Falls Short: Know the Limits
Telehealth is powerful-but not perfect. It works best for stable conditions: managing hypertension, diabetes, thyroid meds, or depression pills. But it has blind spots.
According to a 2021 study in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, telehealth reviews are 17.3% more likely to miss problems in patients with multiple chronic illnesses who need hands-on checks-like assessing muscle weakness, skin rashes, or swallowing issues. If you’re frail, have dementia, or are on psychiatric meds like lithium or clozapine, a video call may not be enough.
Also, DEA rules as of January 2025 require an in-person exam before prescribing Schedule II drugs (like oxycodone or Adderall) via telehealth. Follow-ups for these must happen every three months. For Schedule III-V drugs (like tramadol or Xanax), telehealth is allowed-but only if you’re under a Special Telemedicine Registration.
If your pharmacist says, "This looks fine," but you still feel off, trust your gut. Push for an in-person visit or ask for a referral to a specialist.
What Happens After the Review?
Your review doesn’t end when the video call does. The pharmacist will send a report to your doctor with recommendations-like stopping a drug, changing a dose, or ordering labs. But you’re still responsible for following up.
Check your patient portal within 48 hours. Look for a note from your provider. If you don’t see changes, call your doctor’s office. Don’t assume it was done. Only 62.8% of telehealth services automatically update your chart.
Keep track of how you feel after the changes. Did your dizziness improve? Are your headaches gone? Write it down. Bring it to your next visit. This feedback loop is how telehealth gets better over time.
Real Stories: What Patients Wish They’d Known
On Reddit, a user named u/MedReviewPatient posted in November 2024: "My telehealth review caught three dangerous interactions my local pharmacy missed-but the video kept freezing during my blood pressure demo. I had to reschedule twice. Next time, I’m using a wired connection." Another patient on Healthgrades wrote: "I didn’t know I was taking two drugs that both lowered my potassium. The pharmacist caught it. I’m alive because she asked me about my supplements." The pattern? People who prepared and asked questions got results. Those who didn’t, got missed risks.
Telehealth medication reviews are a tool-not a magic fix. They’re faster, more convenient, and just as effective as in-person visits for most people. But only if you show up ready.
Do I need to bring all my medications to a telehealth medication review?
Yes. Bring every pill, capsule, patch, liquid, and supplement you take-even if you think it’s harmless. A 2023 study showed that patients who displayed their actual medications during the call improved review accuracy by 37.4%. Many dangerous interactions happen because patients forget to mention OTC drugs or herbal supplements. Don’t rely on memory or your pharmacy’s records-show them.
Can a pharmacist really catch dangerous drug interactions over video?
Absolutely. Pharmacists use Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) that cross-check your list against thousands of known interactions in real time. A 2022 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found telehealth reviews were 92.4% as effective as in-person reviews at catching these problems. The key is giving them the full picture-your complete medication list, doses, and symptoms.
What if I don’t have good internet or a webcam?
You still have options. Many providers offer phone-based medication reviews if video isn’t possible. While video is ideal for showing pill bottles or physical signs, a phone call can still catch major issues like duplicate prescriptions or dangerous combinations. Ask your provider if they offer a phone option. Also, consider using a public library, community center, or family member’s home with better connectivity.
Are telehealth medication reviews covered by insurance?
Yes, for most people with Medicare Part B or private insurance. As of 2025, Medicare pays $142.37 for a comprehensive telehealth medication review (code G2225) and $78.92 for a targeted review (G2226). Many private insurers follow the same model. Always confirm coverage with your provider before your appointment. If you’re asked to pay out-of-pocket, ask if it’s a copay or a full fee-some places still charge patients incorrectly.
How often should I get a telehealth medication review?
If you take five or more medications, get one at least once a year. If you’ve recently been hospitalized, had a major surgery, or started a new drug, get one within 30 days. Medicare and many insurers allow one comprehensive review per year. Some chronic conditions-like heart failure or COPD-may qualify for more frequent reviews if your doctor documents medical necessity.
Can telehealth medication reviews help with mental health medications?
They can-but with limits. For stable conditions like depression or anxiety on SSRIs, telehealth works well. But for complex cases involving psychosis, bipolar disorder, or medications like lithium or clozapine, a full mental status exam requires in-person observation. The New York State Office of Mental Health clarified in 2023 that telehealth for these drugs must include visual assessment of behavior and cognition. If you’re on these meds, ask if your provider can do a hybrid visit-video plus a local nurse check-in.
What if the pharmacist says I don’t need to change anything, but I still feel bad?
Don’t accept "nothing’s wrong" as the final answer. Your body knows your symptoms better than any algorithm. Ask: "Could this be related to my meds?" or "Is there another drug that might help without these side effects?" If you’re still concerned, request a referral to a specialist or schedule an in-person visit with your primary doctor. Your safety is worth pushing for.
Final Thought: Your Meds Are Your Responsibility
Telehealth makes medication reviews easier-but it doesn’t make them automatic. The system works best when you show up prepared, ask the hard questions, and follow up. You’re not just a patient. You’re the most important person in your own care. The pharmacist can catch errors. But only you can notice the dizziness, the confusion, the sleepless nights. Pay attention. Speak up. And never assume someone else is watching out for you.
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