Have a virtual doctor's visit coming up? Follow these tips to make the most of it.
The universal response to the COVID-19 virus we have seen by medical providers involves converting many face-to-face appointments to virtual or telemedicine appointments.
Telemedicine (also known as telehealth) substitutes a direct, face-to-face visit with your doctor with a virtual visit with your doctor.
Do you have a telemedicine appointment coming up? Here are some tips to help you make the most of the virtual meeting.
Make Your Appointment
Many doctors, especially the providers who are associated with larger institutions use a special website or App to request an appointment or to set up an interaction. Call their office and ask what is the procedure they are using. If they do have aspecial way to connect to make an appointment ask them to send you the details; this will likely be an email with a link to click or phone number to call.
Check Your Tech
Once you have the app or software on your computer, you may need to register or create an account. Have your insurance identification (ID) number handy – you might need it.
You may be able to enter some health information before your appointment, if you are asked go a head and be as complete as you can.
You should also take a moment to figure out the best position for your computer or mobile device so that you and your doctor can see and hear each other clearly during the upcoming appointment. Be aware of the lighting and try to be sure your face is illuminated.
Spend a Few Minutes Getting Ready
In order to utilize all your time on the call with your doctor come prepared with the standard things you will probably be asked about before you can discuss your specific concerns— so, write it down before your visit:
Names of all the medicines you take.
The actual dosages and timing.
How often you take the medicine.
The doctor who prescribed the medicine.
The date of next refill.
Any issues you are having around the medications.
Include on your list all the natural supplements or vitamins you take even if they don’t require a prescription.
Then jot down:
Any chronic conditions or major events from your medical history, such as surgeries or any reason you were in the hospital.
Allergies and reactions you have experienced.
How you’ve been feeling lately, both physically and emotionally.
Any symptoms to talk about? When did they start and how often do they happen?
The rest of the questions or concerns you have.
Having this information in writing will help make sure your appointment is a success and you cover all your concerns.
Set the Scene
Remember, your family members might be going in and out of the room while you are on your call. It is best to find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable sharing information and questions with your doctor. Tell anyone else in your home that you will be on the call and ask them to be as quiet as possible and try to avoid coming into the room or interrupting.
Wrap It Up Before You Disconnect
Look over your list of questions to be sure you got everything answered and you understood everything that was explained.
Check your medicine list and ask the doctor about refills.
Let the doctor know if you had any difficulty on the call and need anything repeated or cleared up.
Ask if you should schedule a follow-up visit (either in-person or virtual).
Thank the doctor for their time and their consideration.
