With the spread of Covid-19 across the country, more and more people are flocking to telemedicine to consult with medical professionals about various health concerns. If you’re exploring booking a telehealth appointment or have booked your telehealth visit and are wondering how to prepare, check out these tips on how to prepare for your first healthcare consultation via telehealth.
- Preparing Paperwork and Booking
There are lots of different telehealth systems available online, from pay per appointment to connecting with your local healthcare professional via a video platform. Because of the sheer variety of options, your best option first is to get in touch with a local healthcare clinic or family physician and discuss what their telehealth options are. This way, you will have reliable and professional staff supporting you with the booking process and walking you through any necessary pre-documentation. Staff will also be able to support you in downloading any applications or platforms that you need for your video consultation.
- Preparing Your Technology
The next step in order to prepare for your telehealth visit is to ensure that you have all of the proper technology in place. Make sure that you have downloaded any of the apps or platforms advised to you by your local clinic or office staff. You should also use a computer for the appointment if available as opposed to a cellphone as this will allow for a larger screen and greater visibility for your medical professional. Make sure that your computer is equipped with both a microphone and camera and double-check to ensure that you have a solid internet connection available. Finally, headphones will be a super valuable addition as they will help cut out any background noise and also allow for greater privacy during your appointment.
- Preparing Your Space
In order to have a successful telehealth visit, it’s important to do your best to make sure your space is prepared. Find an area with decent light to enhance visibility and do your best to limit noise and distractions during your appointment period. While it’s completely understandable that you might have children or family members in your vicinity, one important thing to note is that many appointments are timed, so it’s a good idea to limit distractions as much as possible so as to get the most out of your appointment.
- Be Ready for Follow-Ups
During your appointment, it’s important to remember to ask questions regarding any sort of follow-up or aftercare. If you need documents for prescriptions or insurance, make sure you are provided with instructions on how to receive those documents. For example, it might be through email or documents might be uploaded by your physician on the app. Be sure to check in regarding any after-care needs or follow-up appointments.
If you’re interested in booking a telehealth visit, we would be happy to support you in the process at Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena. Our highly trained and professional staff will ensure that you have everything you need for your telehealth appointment, and you’ll be able to discuss any health issues with a physician from the comfort of your own home. Contact us and book your telehealth appointment today!
