With telehealth steadily growing in popularity, it’s more important than ever to prepare properly for a virtual visit with a healthcare provider, especially if you’ve never done it before. These appointments can feel quite different from the traditional, in-person interaction many of us are used to, and it’s easy to get flustered if you’re trying to figure out how to navigate the whole thing on the day of your appointment.
With our readers in mind who are getting ready for their very first online doctor visit, here’s a walkthrough of what to expect from the experience and how to ensure you present your most urgent health concerns to your provider clearly and efficiently.
Step 1: Choose the Right Platform and Provider
Begin by verifying which telehealth platform your medical provider utilizes. This could be a dedicated application, a service that runs on the web, or a patient portal in a hospital or clinic. Ensure that the doctor you’re working with has the appropriate licenses for your state, especially if it’s a platform that serves a multitude of regions.
Step 2: Test Your Technology in Advance
One of the most frequent problems with online doctor visit is technical. About a day or two before your virtual appointment, check your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) for reliable internet connectivity, a camera, a microphone, and speakers. Make sure your device is fully charged and that you have installed and updated the necessary apps.
Step 3: Gather Your Medical Information
Prior to your appointment, prepare a list of the medications you’re currently taking, including the dosages and any supplements you use. Your provider will want to know the details of your medical history, including any significant past events like surgeries. They’ll also want to know about chronic conditions, serious allergies, and any recent test results that might be relevant to your current situation.
Step 4: Prepare Questions and Take Notes
Consider the topics you wish to cover during your appointment. Prepare a list of inquiries or issues to discuss in advance so that you have all your bases covered. Be sure to notate anything essential that your doctor tells you, especially crucial next steps or prescriptions that have been recommended.
Step 5: Check Insurance and Payment Details
Make sure your insurance policy includes telehealth as part of its coverage. Some policies charge co-pays for these services. If you’re using a plan that tends to be pretty vague about what’s included, it’s worth calling to see what’s covered, especially if you anticipate using telehealth frequently.
Follow the Preceding Steps to Have a Successful First Online Doctor Visit These steps will guide you in approaching your first virtual visit with a doctor. They will help you define your goals for the appointment and set you on a path toward achieving them. Online visits have the same potential as in-person visits for doctors to understand their patients – they just require a bit of preparation on your part. By following today’s guide, you too can learn why so many people now prefer this method of healthcare.
