How to Prepare for a Virtual Doctor's Appointment

Skip in-person trips to the office with telemedicine tech tools.

Preparing for your virtual doctor’s visit
- Note crucial information
- Inquire if you need an interpreter
- Read and understand instructions
- Reduce background noise
- Close applications and block distractions
Get your camera ready
Troubleshooting telemedicine equipment
Telemedicine privacy
Paying for your virtual doctor visit
Getting prescriptions

Telemedicine, which is the use of digital information and communication technologies to remotely access and manage health care services, is increasingly becoming popular in recent times. Through virtual doctor's appointments, patients conveniently access health care from the comfort of their homes. These virtual visits eliminate the need to travel and limit the risk of exposure to disease-causing organisms like viruses.

Ranging from phone calls and emails to video consultations and web-based patient portals, various telemedicine options exist to suit your specific requirements. The vast range of home health care services that medical professionals may offer virtually includes primary care, urgent care, prenatal care and mental health care. Are you planning for a telehealth appointment soon? It's crucial to ensure your appointment feels as much like an in-person visit as possible for success. These tips can help you learn how to prepare for a virtual doctor appointment..

Prepping for your virtual visit.

The most common mode of communication in telemedicine is video. Intricate planning is necessary for a successful virtual doctor's visit. The following tips will help you get ready for your telehealth session and explain how a virtual doctor's appointment works.

Note crucial information. Just like in-person visits, you need to write down important information to best use the time allocated for your session. List all your current medication, symptoms and concerns that you may want to address. Have information, such as temperature readings and weight, ready for easy history taking. Be sure to keep writing materials close by to take notes from your doctor during the e-visit.
Inquire if you may require an interpreter. Call the doctor's office in advance to determine whether you will need an interpreter for your virtual visit. This will ensure stress-free communication and save time.
Read and understand instructions. Most health care providers send details, such as login credentials and time, about the upcoming appointment. To answer the question "how do I set up a virtual doctor visit?", review and understand any email or other communication from your doctor's office regarding the virtual visit.
Aim to reduce background noise. Do you have many people in the house? Try to find a quiet place to sit during the virtual appointment and remind the adults in the house to speak in low tones. If you have children, consider engaging them in a quiet activity in a separate room. Use earphones or earbuds for crystal clear communication.
Close other applications or block distracting programs. Smartphones, computers and tablets often have many apps that may interfere with your internet connection and bandwidth. Close them to cut down on distractions and enhance focus.

Get camera ready.

Once you have prepped adequately for the virtual visit, select a spot to sit where you’ll have plenty of light, such as near a window. If you're using your phone's camera, you can turn the flashlight on for optimal visibility, or add a ring light accessory. Are you planning to use your desktop computer or laptop? Ensure that your webcam is steady. You can also prop your smartphone or tablet on a table or desk to get it to eye level. Get comfortable and wear something that is easy to move in case the doctor needs to visually assess any part of your body. To make the best of your virtual visit, make it a priority to avoid eating or drinking during the session.

Troubleshooting telemedicine equipment.

Are you facing difficulties logging in to your telehealth appointment or experiencing issues with telemedicine technology? Here are a few tips to help solve technical issues:

Restart your computer or smart device.
Ensure that mobile devices or computer accessories and peripherals have power.
Check your internet connection and confirm whether the signal is strong enough.
Close all other running applications.
If the telemedicine platform is web-based, update your web browser.
Try connecting with a different device.
Call the doctor's office for further technical assistance.

Remember to be flexible and patient throughout your appointment. If the audio lags or screen freezes during your session, politely inform the doctor and remain calm.

Telemedicine privacy.

Do you need to address a sensitive topic during your virtual doctor appointment? If so, select a private location for your e-visit. If you're worried about other people eavesdropping on your conversation, you may opt for other telemedicine options like email, text or chat features on hospital web portals. Accessories like headphones or a sound machine placed outside your door ensure that your communication remains private.

Paying for your virtual doctor visit.

Telehealth insurance varies from state to state. Most private insurance companies cover virtual doctor appointments with the same benefits as in-person visits. Consult your insurance company beforehand about coverage and copays to avoid unexpected bills.

Getting prescriptions.

Doctors can often order the same medications and therapies through telemedicine services. However, some controlled substances may have restrictions that prohibit doctors from prescribing them without an in-person visit. Receiving medication via mail largely depends on your insurance and pharmacy.

Now that you know all about telehealth and virtual doctor visits, explore the vast range of digital tools to enhance your home health care and telemedicine experience.

Additional information:

These statements and any information contained herein are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. Carefully review product labels for instructions and important safety information and consider consulting with a health care professional regarding your use of health and wellness products.