With the ongoing pandemic, a telemedicine appointment (or online doctor’s appointment) has become the go-to choice. Countless medical specialists are now tailoring their services towards these kinds of virtual visits to provide optimal patient care.  But, because of its relatively new nature, not many patients know how to use telehealth to its full potential. That’s why we decided to make the ultimate guide on tactics that can help every patient navigate their way through a virtual appointment. 

What Is Telemedicine?

Before you can book an appointment, you need to know precisely what you are investing in. Telemedicine companies rely on technology to connect doctors with patients. Many specialists, physicians, nurses, therapists, and health providers use telehealth to help their clients.  It is a much cheaper alternative than having to travel to a healthcare centre. Plus, it doesn’t expose people to COVID-19, and it can be booked from the comfort of your home, explains the University of Kentucky. 
Woman doctor at work having video call with Man and son on laptop.

How Do I Do a Virtual Visit With My Doctor?

Most virtual appointments are accessible via a link. A doctor can send you an e-mail or text message with a link attached to it. You would need to press that link to get access to the video conference directly. In other cases, you will need to log in or create an account to start the appointment.

4 Tips to Take Full Advantage of Your Telemedicine Appointment

Booking your first telemedicine appointment might seem too overwhelming. Patients have no idea what to expect with an online consultation. Many tend to forget what they are going to say, which makes the whole virtual appointment less efficient. But, there are a few methods that can help you make the most of it. Here is how. 

1. Prepare Beforehand for Telemedicine Appointment

Telehealth services usually end quicker than a regular consultation service. You might be tempted to communicate about personal issues. But, with the ongoing crisis, time is critical. That’s why it’s best to make preparations beforehand. 

How Can I Prepare for Telemedicine Appointment?

The first thing you have to do is write down your goals. Prepare all the things you want to ask your doctor. To do that, take a piece of paper and list the following factors:
  • The symptoms you are experiencing.
  • Your needs for seeing the doctor.
  • Discuss your prescriptions or test results.
  • Any questions you might have.
Once you sort things out, you can use this list to organize the appointment precisely the way you want to. Start reading the questions you wrote down one by one, and you will cover every detail you need. This makes the whole interaction a lot more productive and efficient. With proper communication and a sufficient strategy, it is easy to work out the details.

2. Make Sure the Medical Devices You Are Using are Nearby

If you have any underlying condition and you need to monitor your health regularly, it will be a good idea to have that device at hand.  For example:
  • Blood pressure monitor
  • Thermometer
  • Blood sugar measuring tools
  • Scale
  • Heart monitor
All of these devices can come in handy when planning the appointment. Your doctor might request you do a reading while on call to make sure you are all right. If the medical device is not next to you, you will waste valuable time searching through the house when you can dedicate it to your appointment. 

3. Stay Away From Any Distractions

Every patient needs a quiet room where they can do their virtual visit. This is essential since no noise will interrupt the session. Plus, you will hear clearly during the appointment, which is critical if you don’t want to misinterpret your doctor’s advice. So, try to keep the noise to a minimum and pick a private setting during the video conference.  Tip: Try wearing headphones or earbuds when on call. It will be much easier to hear and control the racket in the background. That way, no disturbances will get in the way of your virtual appointment. 

4. Consult With Your Insurance Company

When planning a virtual visit, patients need to think about two things: copays and coverage. Some telehealth services are not covered by insurance companies. If you don’t check beforehand, a lot of unexpected bills will start piling up.  Because of the coronavirus, most states are requiring insurance companies to cover telehealth visits completely. Since these services have become a necessity to curb the pandemic, your insurance might cover it as well.  But, check the limit of your coverage to make sure you don’t need to pay extra. This is important for those who want to manage their budget efficiently and still get the treatment they need.   How do I do a virtual visit with my doctor

When to Visit a Local Healthcare Center?

While a virtual visit might seem like the most convenient approach, at times, you will need to book an in-person appointment. Don’t be surprised if your doctor has recommended you go to a local healthcare centre after the virtual visit. That would mean you need a follow-up appointment, and your condition needs to be taken care of properly. The doctor will do a physical examination and determine whether or not you need a change of medications.

Final Thoughts

Virtual visits are very convenient, particularly with the ongoing pandemic. It’s a good approach that can solve numerous health issues. But, for people who’ve never tried it before, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  With the tips listed here, you can learn how to make the most of the virtual appointment even as a beginner. The examination is super easy to manage and quick to get used to. This handy strategy can help turn your brief selection into a worthwhile procedure. Was this guide helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.