Can you see a doctor in a different state?

Asked by: Else Effertz DVM  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (12 votes)

Yes, with one caveat: If you have an HMO or a policy with a strict provider network, you might need a referral. Your insurance might have a preferred provider network. Some state Medicaid programs limit coverage to that state. Having said that, I have traveled out of state for medical care a few times without problems.

Can a doctor see a patient in a different state?

Some states have temporary practice laws to support existing provider-patient relationships. This allows a provider to practice for a limited time in another state their patient is visiting.

Can you be treated by an out of state doctor?

With limited exceptions, doctors can practice medicine only in states where they are licensed and where their patients are physically present.

How to see a doctor when out of state?

Where do I get care while I'm traveling?
  1. Advice hotlines. Many insurance providers include access to a 24-hour hotline that you can call for medical advice. ...
  2. Virtual care. ...
  3. Walk-in clinics at drugstores. ...
  4. Urgent care centers.

Does my doctor have to be in my state?

Although federal standards govern medical training and testing, each state has its own licensing board, and doctors must procure a license for every state in which they practice medicine (with some limited exceptions for physicians from bordering states, for consultations, and during emergencies).

Find a Doctor tutorial: For out-of-state members

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Can a doctor prescribe in any state?

One of patients' most common questions is whether doctors can write prescriptions across state lines. The short answer is yes, you can prescribe various medications across state lines—at least temporarily.

Does my doctor have to be local?

You do not need to register with a GP surgery in the area you live. The surgery will decide if they can accept you as a regular patient or accept you without home visits.

Will my insurance cover an out-of-state doctor?

Some plan types, like PPO or OAP plans, allow for full access to any and all participating providers in that carrier's network, regardless of which state you reside in. Other plan types, like HMO or POS plans, will cover emergency services anywhere in the country but may not cover routine care in another state.

How do I see a doctor while traveling?

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers maintains a network of physicians, hospitals, and clinics that have agreed to provide care to members. Travel agencies, hotels, and credit card companies may also provide information on local health care resources.

How do I find a doctor in a new state?

  1. Get a recommendation from your former primary care doctor. ...
  2. Find health care providers through your insurance provider. ...
  3. Use the American Medical Association's DoctorFinder tool. ...
  4. Search the U.S. News Doctor Finder. ...
  5. Ask new friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Can I get my prescription filled in another state?

When you fill a prescription in a different state, be sure to look for a pharmacy in your network. Otherwise, you'll have to pay the cost out-of-pocket. If you don't have insurance, ScriptSave WellRx can save you money on out-of-pocket drug costs.

Can a doctor work in another state?

However, states such as California, Texas, and Florida are still not part of the IMLC, and physicians licensed in these states are only allowed to practice medicine within their home states.

Can doctors make out of state referrals?

For example, in many jurisdictions an out of state provider can consult with a provider in another state on that local doctor's existing patient. According to the law, the patient is still receiving medical advice from their local doctor.

Can a doctor order labs out-of-state?

Who Can Order Labs in All 50 States? Certain practitioners, such as Medical Doctors (MD), Osteopathic Doctors (DO), Dentists (DDS/DMD), Podiatrists (DPM), and Optometrists (OD), are able to apply for professional licensure in all 50 states. These practitioners can apply for multiple state licensures if desired.

Can a doctor refuse to see you as a patient?

A doctor might not accept someone as their patient if: The patient asks for services outside the doctor's specialty: For example, if you ask a pediatrician to treat your arthritis, they are likely to refuse to treat you. The patient wants a treatment that won't help their condition or is not scientifically proven.

Can I see a psychiatrist in another state?

They can be licensed in more than one state, but in order to see you they actually need to be licensed in the state you're physically in, not just where you call home. If you're on vacation in another state where your psychiatrist is licensed, no problem. If they're not licensed there, they won't be able to see you.

What if I get sick out of state?

If you become sick or injured while traveling, it's important to seek help immediately. In the United States, head to your nearest urgent care or emergency room, depending on your medical issue. When abroad, contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of trusted local providers and medical facilities.

What to do if your doctor is on vacation?

While there is no law mandating a physician provide "back up or cross covering" care when he/she is unavailable, most physicians do have emergency coverage available when they are unavailable, whether it be with another physician or directing the patient to Urgent Care or to a hospital's emergency department.

Can I use UnitedHealthcare out of state?

United Healthcare: United Healthcare has a national network so members can see in-network doctors throughout the United States. Additionally, there is an out-of-network option which allows participants to access care from non-participating providers, however, out-of-network deductibles and coinsurance apply.

What happens if you see a doctor outside of your network?

If you see a provider outside of your HMO's network, they will not pay for those services (except in the case of emergency and urgent care). The doctors and other providers may be employees of the HMO or they may have contracts with the HMO.

How to see a doctor while travelling?

7 Tips for Finding a Doctor While On Vacation
  1. A Doctor Search. This depends on whether you're overseas or local. ...
  2. Check With Your Plan. ...
  3. Online Visits & Telemedicine. ...
  4. Ask Locals. ...
  5. Online Reviews. ...
  6. Through Apps. ...
  7. Plan Ahead.

Does my medical insurance work in other states?

not every plan is available in every state, so check with your insurance company if its coverage extends to the place you're visiting. You may still be covered even if it doesn't contract with providers in that state, but your costs may be different.

Can you have doctors in different states?

Yes. In the US, it is 100% legal to seek medical care from a doctor that lives in another state. It is also legal to not have a primary care doctor at all.

What do I do if I can't get an appointment with my doctor in the UK?

If you're struggling to make an appointment, contact your GP surgery directly. Details of the complaints process and surgery management team will usually be on the surgery website. If you're not comfortable raising a complaint directly or do not feel you've had a satisfactory response, you can complain to the NHS.

Do you have to live in the same state as your doctor?

Physicians need not reside in California, as long as they have a valid, current California license. Physicians using telehealth technologies to provide care to patients located in California must be licensed in California.