Medication Interaction Checker
Check for potential interactions
Enter your medications to identify potential interactions before your telehealth review appointment. This is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Potential Interactions
No significant interactions found
Your medications appear safe together, but always discuss with your healthcare provider.
When you’re managing multiple medications - prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements - it’s easy to miss something important. A new side effect. A dangerous interaction. A dose that’s too high or too low. That’s where a telehealth medication review comes in. It’s not just a video call. It’s a structured, clinical check-up for your entire medication list, done from your living room. And if you’re preparing for one, knowing exactly what to do and what to ask can make the difference between a quick chat and a life-changing adjustment.
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. These aren’t just convenience tools - they’re proven safety measures. A 2020 study found that elderly patients who had virtual medication reviews had a 34.7% lower rate of dangerous drug reactions compared to those who didn’t. That’s not a small number. That’s avoiding hospital trips, ER visits, and even life-threatening events. The process isn’t random. It follows a clear, research-backed structure: a pharmacist reviews your full medication list, checks for interactions, confirms dosages, and compares your list against pharmacy records. They use clinical decision tools that flag risks you might not even know exist. And they do it all over a secure video call.How to Prepare Before Your Appointment
You wouldn’t walk into a doctor’s office without knowing what pills you’re taking. The same applies here - maybe even more so. Without the ability to physically check your medicine cabinet, the pharmacist relies entirely on what you tell them.- Collect every medication. This includes prescriptions, OTC pain relievers, sleep aids, herbal supplements, and even topical creams. Put them all in one place - on the table next to your computer. A 2023 study showed that showing your actual bottles during the call improves accuracy by 37.4%.
- Write down your routine. Note what you take, when, and why. Example: "I take 10 mg of lisinopril every morning with breakfast for blood pressure. I skip it if I feel dizzy." Don’t assume the pharmacist knows your habits.
- Bring your pharmacy list. If you have a printed list from your pharmacy or a screenshot from your app, have it open. Many errors come from mismatched records between your doctor, pharmacy, and what you actually take.
- Test your tech. Use a device with a working camera and mic. Make sure your internet speed is at least 1.5 Mbps upload and download. Try a test call with a friend first. Freezing video or dropped audio during a review can mean missed details.
- Write down your concerns. Did you feel more tired lately? Notice swelling in your ankles? Have trouble swallowing pills? Write them down. Don’t rely on memory.
What to Ask During the Review
This isn’t just a time for the pharmacist to talk. It’s your chance to get answers. Ask these questions - they’re not optional. They’re safety checks.- "How will you verify my medication list against my pharmacy records?" This is critical. Nearly half of all medication errors come from inaccurate lists. The pharmacist should cross-check your list with what’s on file at your pharmacy. If they say they’ll just go by what you say, push back.
- "What changes are you recommending, and why?" If they suggest stopping, switching, or adding a drug, ask for the reason. Don’t accept vague answers like "it’s better this way." They should cite evidence: "This drug increases your risk of kidney damage when combined with your current blood pressure med. Let’s switch to X."
- "How will you communicate these changes to my primary doctor?" Only 62.8% of telehealth services have a standardized way to send recommendations to your doctor. If they don’t have a clear process, ask how long it will take and how you’ll know it was received.
- "How will you monitor for side effects between appointments?" Virtual reviews can miss early warning signs. Ask if they’ll follow up with a phone call, email, or text. Some programs now use remote monitoring devices that send your blood pressure or heart rate automatically.
- "Are any of these drugs no longer necessary?" Many people keep taking pills they don’t need - especially after surgery or hospital stays. A 2022 study found that 28% of older adults were still taking at least one unnecessary medication a year after discharge.
What Telehealth Can’t Do
Telehealth medication reviews are powerful - but not magic. They work best for stable conditions: managing high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, or depression with consistent meds. They’re great for catching interactions, simplifying regimens, and reducing waste. But they fall short in some cases:- If you have complex mental health conditions requiring full mental status exams - like severe depression or psychosis - a video call isn’t enough. The pharmacist can’t observe your speech patterns, eye contact, or motor movements accurately.
- If you’re on multiple high-risk drugs (like opioids, benzodiazepines, or anticoagulants) and show signs of confusion or unsteadiness, an in-person exam is safer.
- If you’re unable to show your pills clearly or communicate effectively due to hearing loss, vision problems, or cognitive decline, you’ll need help from a caregiver during the call.
Who Benefits Most?
These reviews are especially helpful for:- Seniors on five or more medications
- Patients recently discharged from the hospital
- People with chronic conditions like heart failure, diabetes, or COPD
- Those living in rural areas with limited pharmacy access
- Anyone who’s had a recent change in meds or experienced side effects
What Happens After the Review?
You should get a written summary - either by email or through your patient portal - listing:- All medications confirmed
- Changes recommended
- Reasons for each change
- Next steps (e.g., "Your doctor will contact you within 48 hours about stopping metformin")
- Follow-up plan (e.g., "Call us if you feel dizzy for more than two days")
The Bottom Line
A telehealth medication review isn’t a quick check-in. It’s a clinical audit of your drug regimen - and it’s one of the most effective ways to avoid dangerous mistakes. The data is clear: it reduces errors, saves money, and improves safety. But it only works if you’re prepared. Bring your pills. Ask the hard questions. Know what to expect. Don’t let convenience make you passive. Your meds are powerful. Treat the review like you would a doctor’s appointment - because it is one.Do I need to be on Medicare to get a telehealth medication review?
No. While Medicare covers telehealth medication reviews under specific codes (G2225 and G2226), many private insurers, Medicaid plans, and even some pharmacies offer them. Check with your insurance provider or ask your pharmacist if they offer the service. It’s not limited to seniors or Medicare beneficiaries.
Can a pharmacist really change my prescriptions during a telehealth review?
Not directly. Pharmacists can’t prescribe or change prescriptions on their own. But they can recommend changes to your doctor - and most doctors follow these recommendations. In fact, 89% of telehealth medication reviews result in at least one change being made to a patient’s medication plan, according to ASHP data. The pharmacist’s role is to identify the problem and suggest the solution.
What if I’m taking controlled substances like opioids or Adderall?
For Schedule II drugs like oxycodone or Adderall, federal rules require an initial in-person visit. After that, follow-up reviews can be done via telehealth - but only if your provider has a special registration. For Schedule III-V drugs (like tramadol or Xanax), telehealth is fully allowed. Always confirm your provider’s DEA status before your appointment.
How often should I have a telehealth medication review?
If you’re on five or more medications, have a chronic condition, or recently changed your meds, you should have a review at least once a year. For complex cases - like heart failure or multiple drug interactions - every 6 months is recommended. Some pharmacies offer automatic reminders when it’s time for your next review.
What if I don’t understand the pharmacist’s recommendations?
Ask them to explain it again - in simpler terms. You have the right to understand your treatment. If you’re still confused, ask for a written summary, or request a follow-up call with your doctor. Never feel pressured to agree to a change you don’t understand. Your safety comes first.
Can I bring a family member to the telehealth review?
Yes - and you should. Especially if you’re older or managing complex medications. A family member can help you remember what was said, ask questions you might miss, and help you follow through on changes. Just let the pharmacist know ahead of time so they can confirm consent.
Hadi Santoso
December 16, 2025 AT 21:02I legit thought telehealth med reviews were just for old folks till my mom did one last month. She’s on like 8 meds and forgot she was taking that weird herb from her cousin’s ‘healing retreat.’ Turned out it was messing with her blood pressure. Pharmacist caught it in 10 minutes. Mind blown. I’m booking mine next week.
Arun ana
December 17, 2025 AT 14:46Wow, this is super helpful! 🙌 I’m from India and we don’t have this much structure here yet. My dad takes 5 different pills and we just guess when to give them. This checklist? Game changer. I’m printing it out right now.
Kayleigh Campbell
December 18, 2025 AT 18:14So let me get this straight - you’re telling me a pharmacist, in pajamas, on Zoom, can save me from accidentally turning my kidneys into a science experiment? And I just need to hold up my pill bottles like a drug dealer showing his stash? I’m in. Also, why does everyone act like this is new? It’s 2025. We have robots delivering tacos. We should’ve had this in 2012.
Kim Hines
December 19, 2025 AT 20:43My grandma did this last year. She didn’t tell us she’d been skipping her diuretic because she didn’t want to pee every hour. The pharmacist found out because she showed the bottle - half full. Grandma cried. We all cried. Now she has a pill organizer with alarms. It’s weirdly emotional.
Randolph Rickman
December 21, 2025 AT 10:56Y’all are underestimating how powerful this is. I’m a nurse and I’ve seen people die because someone didn’t catch a drug interaction. This isn’t ‘nice to have’ - it’s a public health necessity. If your insurance won’t cover it, demand it. Call your rep. Text your pharmacist. This saves lives. Period.
Tiffany Machelski
December 22, 2025 AT 18:55i just had one of these and the pharmacist said i didnt need my ginkgo biloba anymore… but i swear i read it helps with memory? maybe i just got confused? lol
SHAMSHEER SHAIKH
December 22, 2025 AT 19:46Esteemed colleagues, I must express my profound appreciation for the meticulous, evidence-based, and ethically grounded framework presented herein. The structural integrity of the telehealth medication review protocol, as delineated with clinical precision, represents a monumental leap forward in pharmaceutical stewardship. I implore all healthcare institutions to adopt this paradigm with immediate effect, lest we continue to perpetuate the tragic, preventable, and statistically alarming consequences of medication mismanagement.
Souhardya Paul
December 23, 2025 AT 04:46My sister’s on warfarin and the pharmacist actually called her doctor during the call and got the dose changed right then. They sent a summary to her portal within 20 minutes. I didn’t even know that was allowed. Also, she brought her cat on the call. The pharmacist smiled. That’s the kind of human touch we need more of.
anthony epps
December 23, 2025 AT 16:55what if you cant read the labels? my hands shake. i just put all the bottles in a bag and hope for the best
Andrew Sychev
December 25, 2025 AT 00:04Of course they want you to do this on Zoom. Big Pharma doesn’t want you to see your doctor in person. They make more money if you’re on 12 pills and never get properly monitored. This is all a trap. Next they’ll be asking you to ‘self-report’ your blood pressure with a smartwatch. They’re coming for your pills, folks.
Dan Padgett
December 26, 2025 AT 19:16You know, back home in Nigeria, we call this ‘medicine conversation.’ No fancy tech, just a cousin who remembers your pills, a stool, and a quiet corner under the mango tree. But the truth? Same thing. People need to be heard, not just checked. This post reminds me - even with all the gadgets, the heart of care is still just someone listening.
sue spark
December 28, 2025 AT 17:15I did this last month. I was nervous. But the pharmacist asked if I was scared of change. I said yes. She said ‘good, that means you care.’ Then we went through every pill. I cried. Not because I was scared - because I finally felt seen.
Colleen Bigelow
December 29, 2025 AT 12:10THIS IS A GOVERNMENT PLOY. They want you to think you’re safe on Zoom so they can cut your Medicare and replace doctors with AI bots. The ‘pharmacist’ on the screen? Probably a bot trained on 2018 data. And that ‘summary email’? It’s just a Trojan horse to get your medical data for the National ID system. Don’t be fooled.
Billy Poling
December 31, 2025 AT 01:24While I find the general intent of this article commendable, I must raise a series of nuanced concerns regarding the implicit assumption that all patients possess equal technological literacy, access to high-bandwidth internet infrastructure, and cognitive capacity to effectively organize and present a comprehensive medication inventory in a digital format - particularly in light of the documented disparities in rural broadband penetration, which, according to the FCC’s 2023 report, affects approximately 22.4% of non-metropolitan U.S. households, thereby potentially exacerbating existing healthcare inequities rather than mitigating them.
Kitty Price
January 1, 2026 AT 08:36My husband and I did this together. He held the pills. I held the phone. We both cried. Not because it was sad - because we finally realized we’d been flying blind for years. Now we have a spreadsheet. And a meme folder called ‘Pill Panic.’ 😂