A telehealth visit lets you meet with a clinician from home using your phone, tablet, or computer. MedlinePlus notes that, just like an in-person visit, it is important to be prepared and to communicate well with your provider. A little planning can help you make the most of your time together. Here is a simple checklist to use before your next video visit.
Before the day of your visit
Check your coverage and costs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suggests making sure a provider takes your coverage, and notes that you may still have a copay or deductible. If cost is a concern, ask before your visit.
Make a list of your medicines
MedlinePlus recommends listing any allergies and all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take. A review of telemedicine guidelines in Frontiers in Medicine also advises having an up-to-date, complete list of your active medications. CMS suggests keeping your medicine bottles nearby so your provider knows what dose you take.
Write down your questions
MedlinePlus suggests making a list of the questions and concerns you want to talk about. It also helps to describe your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better, and what makes them worse. Put your most important question at the top so it does not get lost.
Know your health history
CMS recommends knowing your family health history and having your medical records handy if you have them.
Gather what you need
- Photo ID and insurance card. CMS notes you may be asked for an insurance card and a photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Your medication list. Include allergies, vitamins, and supplements.
- Your questions. Written down so you do not forget them.
- Home readings, if you have them. The Frontiers in Medicine review notes that a blood pressure cuff, glucose meter, or scale can help you share basic readings. If your clinician asks, have recent logs of your blood pressure, blood sugar, or weight ready.
- Pharmacy information. Keep the name, address, and phone number of your preferred pharmacy nearby so you do not have to look it up during the visit.
- Paper and a pen. MedlinePlus suggests taking notes about what your provider tells you.
Set up your space
- Find a quiet, private spot. Choose a place where you feel comfortable talking openly about your health and where you are less likely to be interrupted.
- Light your face from the front. The Frontiers in Medicine review advises sitting in a well-lit room and avoiding light sources behind you, which can turn you into a silhouette on screen.
- Dress for the visit. If your clinician may need to see a certain area, the same review suggests wearing loose clothing so that area is easy to show.
- Charge your device. Plug in or charge your phone, tablet, or laptop ahead of time.
Test your technology
MedlinePlus notes that technology problems can happen with telehealth. You might lose the connection or run into a software issue. To lower the chances, the Frontiers in Medicine review suggests making sure your devices work before the visit, for example by video chatting with a friend or family member to check your camera and microphone.
- Log in a few minutes early.
- Close other apps you do not need.
- Keep a phone nearby in case you need to reconnect.
Consider bringing a helper
MedlinePlus and CMS both note that a trusted friend or family member can offer support and help you talk with your provider or take notes. The Frontiers in Medicine review adds that a helper can assist with parts of a physical exam during a video visit.
During your visit
- Be honest. MedlinePlus encourages sharing what is really going on with your health and habits, not what you think your provider wants to hear.
- Ask until you understand. If something is unclear, ask questions until it makes sense.
- Ask for written instructions if they would help you remember next steps.
Keep in mind that telehealth has limits. MedlinePlus explains that in some cases a provider may not be able to make the right diagnosis without examining you in person, or may need you to come in for a lab test.
After your visit
CMS suggests following your provider's instructions, filling any prescriptions you were given, and scheduling a follow-up visit if you need one. Before you end the call, make sure you know what to do if questions come up later.
Talvi offers video visits with licensed clinicians. At Talvi, a licensed clinician reviews your health history before anything is prescribed, so having your medication list and health history ready is a good idea.
Questions to ask your clinician
CMS suggests you should be able to answer questions like these before your visit ends:
- How is my health, and what can I do to stay healthy?
- What do I do next? Do I need blood work or another test?
- When and how will I get my results?
- What are my options, and what are the benefits and concerns of each?
- Do I need to see a specialist or get a referral?
- When do I need to come back?
- What do I do if I have questions when I get home?
When telehealth is not the right choice
Telehealth is not for emergencies. CMS advises using the emergency department for life-threatening situations. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
The bottom line
A few minutes of prep goes a long way. Gather your ID, medication list, and questions, set up a quiet and well-lit space, and test your device before the visit. Then you can focus on what matters most: a clear conversation with your clinician.