Yes — preventive care counseling is very well-suited for telemedicine and is commonly provided through virtual visits.
Telehealth works especially well for counseling that focuses on education, risk assessment, and planning rather than procedures or physical exams.
What preventive care counseling can be done by telemedicine
During a virtual preventive visit, a clinician can:
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Review medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors
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Discuss screening recommendations (colon, breast, cervical, bone density, etc.)
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Provide guidance on:
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diet & nutrition
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weight management
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exercise & activity planning
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sleep habits
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stress and mental wellness
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Counsel on tobacco, alcohol, or substance use reduction, but generally telemedicine is NOT appropriate for treatment of substance or alcohol abuse as it is not possible to monitor closely or prescribe many of the treatment options that are controlled substances and off limits to telemedicine.
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Review vaccination history & recommend updates
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Create a preventive health plan and follow-up schedule
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Order labs or screening tests when appropriate
Telemedicine is especially useful for:
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Annual wellness counseling
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Chronic disease risk reduction
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Preventive care follow-ups
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Shared-decision-making discussions
What typically still requires an in-person visit
You may be asked to come in person for:
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Physical exams (heart, lungs, abdomen, neurologic exam, etc.)
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Pap smears or pelvic/breast exams
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Skin lesion checks requiring close inspection or biopsy
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Vaccinations
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Procedures or in-office screenings
Many clinics combine telehealth counseling with periodic in-person exams.
Tips to prepare for a preventive counseling telehealth visit
Have available:
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Medication & supplement list
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Recent vitals or home BP readings (if you have them)
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Prior lab results or screening history
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Lifestyle details (diet, exercise, sleep, tobacco/alcohol use)
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Goals or questions you want to discuss
This helps the provider tailor your preventive plan.
