Follow these steps to ensure your virtual visit is just as successful as an in-office appointment.
Have your health information available, including:
- Your current symptoms, when they started and how severe they are.
- Any chronic conditions you have.
- Medicines you are currently taking.
- Data from any app or device like a blood pressure cuff or peak flow meter you may use to track your health.
- Questions you have for your doctor.
- Contact information for your preferred pharmacy.
Prepare your space and device.
- Find a quiet, private space for your appointment.
- Be sure your phone, tablet or computer is charged or plugged in.
- Make sure you have good lighting and that your camera is set at eye level (if you’ve blocked your camera for privacy reasons, you will need to unblock it).
- If you receive a phone call from an unknown number close to your visit time, please answer. It could be your physician.
Communicate clearly with your provider during your visit.
- Have paper and pen ready to take notes of the doctor’s recommendations during the visit.
- Talk and share with your doctor just as you would during an in-person visit.
- Give the visit your full attention. Avoid side conversations, phone calls or checking email while the provider is connected. Treat the visit as you would an in-person appointment.
- Answer the doctor’s questions as clearly and to the point as possible.
- Ask questions if something is unclear.
Know what to expect.
- You may experience some lag time during the visit, depending on your internet connection.
- Your provider may need to glance away from the screen to take notes or look something up in your chart. Know that he/she is still listening and giving you his/her full attention.