How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment: A Comprehensive Guide

Tips for a Successful Telehealth Visit

The advent of telehealth has revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering increased convenience, safety, and improved interactions with healthcare professionals. Whether you are a seasoned telehealth patient or a newcomer, proper preparation is crucial for a successful visit.

Preparation Before the Appointment

Test Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is vital for a smooth telehealth visit. Ensure you test your connection before the appointment to avoid any technical issues during the consultation.

Download the Video Platform: Familiarize yourself with the video platform you will be using, such as Zoom, Teams, or Skype, and download it in advance. This will ensure a smoother start to your appointment.

Sign in Early: Sign in to the platform 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives you time to troubleshoot any technical issues and get settled.

What to Bring and Prepare

Medications and Medical History: Make a list of all your current medications and any physical concerns or complaints you have. Also, include any ongoing issues you may have had. This concise list will help the physician diagnose you more efficiently during the limited visit. Additionally, jot down any questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.

Taking Vital Signs: It is essential to take your own vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration. If you require accurate readings, a nurse might assist you with this. Remember, even in telemedicine, a healthcare professional needs to be able to assess you comprehensively.

Prepare for Limited Time: Telehealth appointments are often time-limited. Prepare a list of questions to avoid going off-topic and ensure that all your concerns are addressed within the allotted time.

During the Appointment

Ensure Technology Functionality: Before the appointment, make sure your camera and microphone are on. Be prepared to have your video camera on for the duration of the visit, as this is necessary for a proper medical assessment. However, if the healthcare provider wants privacy or is working from home, they may have their camera off. Always be prepared for either scenario.

Stay Organized: Have your list of medications, questions, and previous records ready. Write down everything the doctor says, as it will be helpful if you need to reference or clarify it later.

Office Procedures: Your healthcare provider will follow the same procedures as in-person visits. Expect a reminder of the appointment via phone or mail, along with a link to the virtual meeting room. Download the necessary app in advance and be on time for the appointment.

Problems and Solutions

Technical Issues and No-Shows: If you encounter technical issues, contact the healthcare provider for assistance. Some providers may experience no-shows or cancellations, so be patient and expect these minor inconveniences.

Insurance and Billing: Insurance business can be conducted through online portals or with service representatives. Some providers may offer services such as medication refills or lab tests before the appointment, which can help streamline the process and save time for both you and the provider.

Profits and Billing: Telehealth visits may impact a provider's profits, especially if they have an in-house laboratory. Providers might choose to order tests during the first visit, making it billable time. However, you can still get your lab work done at any location, which saves time and increases efficiency.

Personal Presentation: While you do not need to get all spruced up for a telehealth appointment, it is important to present yourself in a way that is not overly worrisome. Ensure your environment is appropriate and your expressions can be seen clearly through the camera.

Continuing Medication Refills: Do not forget to request refills on your prescriptions, either during the virtual visit or online afterward.