What to Expect When You Connect to a Telemedicine Appointment

When you first connect to a telemedicine appointment , you may feel unsure about what to expect, which is normal. However, the more you understand telemedicine, the better prepared you will be for your appointment.

So, what is telemedicine, and what does a typical appointment look like?

What to expect during a telemedicine appointment

If you’ve never had a telemedicine appointment, you might question what to expect.

A telemedicine appointment uses telecommunication technologies, such as video conferencing and phone calls, to provide medical care from a distance. This type of appointment allows you to get the healthcare advice you need without leaving home.

Most telemedicine visits last around 15 minutes. During this time, the healthcare provider will try to understand your conditions and ask about any symptoms you may have, review your medical history, and discuss potential treatment options. They may also discuss lifestyle changes to help manage your conditions.

You can use telemedicine to connect with a provider in a variety of ways. Common methods include using your smartphone, tablet, computer or other device to chat with your healthcare provider.  Some different telemedicine approaches include:

• Virtual visits. Use your smartphone, tablet, computer, or other device to video chat with your healthcare provider.
• Chat-based. Use mobile apps to connect with your healthcare provider to share vital sign information or other personal health data. Your healthcare provider can use this information to inform your health plan or diagnosis.
• Remote patient monitoring. Use personal health devices like wearable sensors, implanted monitors, or your smartphone to collect and transmit your health information to your healthcare providers.

How to prepare for a telemedicine appointment

There are a few steps you can take to ensure you are adequately prepared for your telemedicine appointment, including:

• Check your email. You should receive an email or some form of communication from your healthcare provider’s office with instructions for connecting to your telemedicine appointment. If you have any questions about your telemedicine visit, contact your provider for more information.
• Choose your device. Will you connect with your smartphone, tablet, or computer? If you don’t have a device that will allow for the use of video, you can speak with your healthcare provider about audio-only options.
• Charge your device. To avoid interruptions or delays, fully charge your device prior to your telemedicine appointment.
• Test your device. Ensure your sound and video camera function properly before logging into the telemedicine appointment. This will save time during your session.
• Find a quiet spot. It’s best to find a quiet and private location so you can openly discuss your medical information with your healthcare provider.
• Prepare questions. Before your appointment, write down any questions you want to make sure you remember to ask your provider. You can also write down any information you think is relevant to your appointment, including the types of medications you’re on or any specific symptoms such as cold and flu symptoms

What ailments are treated in a telemedicine appointment?

While issues requiring a physical exam require an in-person visit, several non-life-threatening ailments can be treated in a telemedicine appointment, including minor functional movement injuries, bruises, scrapes, sprains, strains, rashes, burns and more.

Is a telemedicine appointment private?

If you are worried about the privacy of your telemedicine appointment, speak with your provider to better understand how they keep your personal information safe. For many telemedicine providers, privacy is a top priority and security software is used to protect your information and ensure privacy throughout the appointment.

Source

• American Telemedicine Association
• The Washington Post