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Making the Most of Your Virtual Visit: A Guide to Telehealth Appointments
Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare, providing convenient and accessible care from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re speaking with your primary care provider, a specialist, or a mental health professional, a virtual visit can be just as effective as an in-person appointment. However, to ensure you get the most out of your consultation, a little preparation goes a long way. Being ready can help you communicate your concerns clearly, save time, and leave you with a solid plan for your health.
This guide (updated for 2025) will provide you with a simple checklist to follow before, during, and after your telehealth appointment to ensure a seamless and successful experience.
Before Your Appointment: Preparation is Key
The most important part of a successful virtual visit happens before you even log on.
- Test Your Tech: At least 30 minutes before your appointment, test your internet connection, video, and audio on the device you’ll be using. Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in.
- Create a Private, Quiet Space: Find a well-lit, quiet area where you won’t be interrupted. A good light source is essential so your doctor can see you clearly. If you are having a skin concern, for example, a clear visual is vital.
- Gather Your Information: Have all relevant information ready in front of you. This includes:
- A list of your current medications and dosages (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements).
- Any recent test results or blood pressure readings.
- A concise summary of your symptoms: When did they start? How often do they occur? What makes them better or worse?
- Write Down Your Questions and Goals: Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor. What do you hope to accomplish during this visit?
During Your Visit: Tips for a Seamless Conversation
Once the call begins, these tips will help you communicate clearly and effectively.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Clarification: If your doctor uses medical jargon or gives instructions you don’t understand, simply say, “Can you please explain that to me in a different way?”
State Your Name and Date of Birth: Start the call by confirming your identity with your provider.
Be Direct and Concise: Start with a clear statement of your primary concern. For example, “I’ve been having headaches for the past two weeks, and I want to discuss a treatment plan.”
Hold Up Visuals (If Relevant): If you have a rash or a visible skin issue, hold it up to the camera. Use a good light source and a steady hand to give your doctor the clearest possible view.
Take Notes: Keep a pen and paper handy. Jot down key takeaways, new medication instructions, or follow-up steps. This helps with retention and ensures you don’t forget anything important.
After Your Visit: Following Up for Success
A telehealth appointment doesn’t end when the call does.
- Review Your Follow-Up Plan: Before you end the call, be sure you understand the plan. Ask:
- “What are my next steps?”
- “When should I expect my prescription to be ready?”
- “Should I schedule a follow-up appointment, and if so, when?”
- Schedule Any Necessary Tests: If your doctor ordered blood work or other tests, make a plan to get them done promptly.
- Check Your Patient Portal: Often, a summary of your visit, including notes and next steps, will be posted to your online patient portal. Review this to confirm you understood everything correctly.
Conclusions and Key Takeaways
- Telehealth provides a convenient way to access high-quality healthcare, but it requires patient participation.
- Proper preparation—checking your technology, gathering your information, and creating a private space—is key to a successful virtual visit.
- During the appointment, be direct, use visuals if necessary, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
- A clear follow-up plan ensures that your care continues seamlessly after the call ends.
Making the Most of Your Virtual Visit: Your Comprehensive Appointment Prep Checklist. DOWNLOAD HERE!
Trusted References
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). www.aad.org (For tips on virtual dermatology appointments.)
American Medical Association (AMA). www.ama-assn.org (For professional guidelines on telehealth.)
The Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org (Search for “telehealth” and “virtual visits.”)
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. www.hhs.gov (For public information on telehealth.)
About Umedoc Health Blog
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This article reviewed by Dr. Jim Liu, MD.
There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.
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