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How to Get Ready for a Telehealth Appointment
Here are some tips on how to prepare:
- Double-check with your health insurance provider beforehand to see whether a telehealth visit will be covered.
- You'll need a smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam and a good internet connection.
- Make sure the device is fully charged or plugged in.
- If you haven't used video on the device before your appointment, test it to make sure the camera works well for the face-to-face conversation.
- For your telehealth appointment, you may need to use a patient portal, mobile app or website link to connect with your doctor. Please make sure you have access to the patient portal, app or link before your appointment and can comfortably use the telehealth technology.
- Make sure there's enough light for your health care provider to clearly see your face and any physical issues you want to discuss.
- Using headphones or earbuds can help you hear and give you privacy.
- Make notes ahead of time about any questions and/or issues you want to discuss.
- Be ready to say why you want to be seen and what your biggest priority for the appointment is.
- Make a list of the medications and supplements you take (prescription as well as over-the-counter).
- Consider recording your temperature and weight shortly before your appointment if a thermometer or scale is available.
- If you have a fever, what is your temperature and has it changed lately?
- If you have a blood pressure monitor, what is your latest reading?
- If you keep food, exercise or blood sugar (glucose) records, have them ready to share.
- Have any medical devices your health care team has prescribed or recommended you use with you for the appointment. These might include blood pressure monitors or glucose meters.
- Ask about managing your risks for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
- Be ready to make notes about what your health care professional recommends and ask questions if anything is unclear to you.
- Changes in your medical status. These may include explaining symptom changes, or reviewing blood pressure or blood glucose logs.
- Challenges or questions you may have.
- Your medications, when to take them and how to adjust them, if needed.
- Recent cholesterol numbers.
- Your meal plan and whether to adjust it.
- Actions you can take to be more physically active and manage your weight.
- How much sleep you get each night.
- Quitting smoking or vaping, if applicable.