5 Tips to Prepare for Your First Telehealth Visit

The National Institute of Health defines telehealth as “the use of communications technologies to provide and support health care at a distance.” More plainly, telemedicine allows healthcare professionals and patients to connect through digital means. As more doctors’ offices move toward telehealth for appointments that can be held remotely, patients should know how to prepare for a virtual visit. Keep these tips handy for the next telehealth appointment that you or your loved one may attend from the comfort of your own home.

Essential Tips for Patients

1. Don’t let technology derail the visit

Make sure you have all the right software and/or hardware before the visit. Test technology ahead of time if possible and download/install any updates so you don’t lose precious face time with your caregiver. Also make sure that your devices are charged, volume is at an appropriate level and the microphone picks up your voice clearly. Ask a relative or friend for help setting up your computer, tablet or mobile phone if you don’t feel up for the task. Turn off other programs that might disrupt the visit with notifications.

2. Set the scene

Find a quiet place to talk that will allow you a measure of privacy and a secure internet connection. The area should be well-lit and allow you to have the camera at eye level, so you can have a direct conversation with your care provider as if you were in the same room. Although a wired internet connection is preferred, if the most private place in the house is a closet or pantry, make sure your Wi-Fi connection reaches that far and will support a video conference.

3. Prepare your information and take notes

Plan for your appointment like you would an in-person visit: Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing, make a list of questions you want answered and have your medical history readily available if this is a new caregiver or medical team you’re seeing. Remember to write down any directions or treatment plans the doctor shares. Since you won’t be handed a physical prescription at the end of the visit, you’ll need to have a pen and paper handy, or have access to your electronic medical chart, if available.

4. Provide feedback and be patient

Let the team know what went right, what could be improved and if there are any ways the team can support your future telehealth visits. Most importantly, have patience with the process! If you are not comfortable with technology or find that it’s difficult to communicate naturally with the care team, ask a trusted relative or friend to help troubleshoot any technical issues.

Understanding Telemedicine Channels

While modern telemedicine has been around for over a decade, there are generally four defined ways of conducting telemedicine:

• Live Video Conferencing (Synchronous): This type of telemedicine involves a real-time discussion between clinicians and patients. Typically, using two-way live video conferencing where patients can see, hear, and interact with clinicians.
• Store and Forward (Asynchronous): This describes the one-way transmission of medical or health information, such as an x-ray, lab result, or prescription, from one provider to another for consultation or interpretation.
• Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): This involves collecting, transmitting, evaluating, and communicating individual health data from a patient to the healthcare provider from a location outside a hospital or clinical office.
• Mobile Health: Commonly used to describe the practice of providing health services via a mobile device, mobile health is an evolving area where digital applications on smartphones can support patients between provider visits.

Telemedicine Case Count Comparison

To understand the efficiency of different channels, consider the following data provided in the research:

• Live Video Conferencing: A provider with a spare hour might be able to see four or five live cases.
• Asynchronous Telemedicine: This method may allow providers to increase that case count to 15 or 20 in the same timeframe.