Telehealth benefits both the patients and healthcare providers in many ways that are yet to be fathomed. Research is underway to know how telehealth can benefit patients, may it be chronic illness patients, or anyone needing regular or routine care.

Telehealth care is a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals and patients. Deriving the best out of each virtual consultation is not only the responsibility of doctors. Patients also have to make a conscious effort and be aware of what they wish to achieve from the visit. So, plan ahead and do it so well that you make the most of your virtual consultations.

Preparing for Telehealth and Telemedicine appointments:

1.    Plan ahead:

It helps healthcare professionals to arrive at a diagnosis, treatment options and prescribe medicines when you have the medical history ready. If you have been taking any medications, keep that list ready as well. In case you have any allergies mention those in the list.

2.    Choose a peaceful place with enough privacy:

Whenever you have a telehealth appointment, ensure you have enough privacy. Ask your family members, roommate, kids to avoid interrupting you during the appointment. Search for a quiet place. You can use headphones to reduce the impact of outside noise during the call. Disturbances can distract your healthcare provider.

Make sure that there is enough light in the room so that the healthcare provider can see you clearly.

3.    Check the technology you use:

Telehealth appointments are primarily technology driven. So, to better assist your doctor, keep your cell phone, laptop or desktop computer fully charged. Always have a reliable internet connection. Ask your healthcare provider in advance if you need to download any app or software program. Set up an account in advance and keep the login information handy.

4.    Speak with your insurance company:

Speak with your insurance company and find out if telehealth appointments are covered. Despite the fact that some states have allowed insurers to cover telehealth visits during the coronavirus pandemic, not all insurance companies cover them.

Even if they offer coverage, you might have to pay a copay. So, list all your insurance related queries and have them cleared beforehand so that you don’t end up paying more.

Remember that all telehealth appointments get covered by HIPAA laws.

5.    Write down your symptoms:

Keep all the necessary information ready. Make a list of all your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing them. If you have a rash or fever, make a note for how long it’s been there. Its always better to write down the list of symptoms and share them.

6.    Note your treatment, medicines and test taken priorly:

Share your ongoing treatment, list of medicines and the tests taken priorly. It’s best that you keep these things ready with you before the appointment. These things are vital for your healthcare professional to arrive at the right treatment. Treat virtual appointment just like an in-person visit and be prepared with all the necessary information and details.

7.    Write your questions and queries / worries:

There might be something that is worrying you. There is a possibility that your queries, questions and worries might not be addressed if you don’t mention them. Write them on a notepad and keep them handy to be shared with your healthcare provider and record his/her response. Write down all the instructions and information shared by the provider so that you can refer to them later as well.

8.    Keep medical devices close to you:

Keep a thermometer, glucometer and the blood pressure monitor close to you. It is quite possible that your doctor/healthcare provider might ask you to check the current reading. So instead of searching for the devices during the call, keep them ready. Before you begin with the virtual appointment, record the reading and time so that you can discuss about these notes with the doctor.

9. Do you have any pre-existing conditions? Don’t forget to mention them:

Medical history is vital to decide the future course of treatment. So, keep the list of pre-existing conditions ready and how long they have been present. Make a note of any medication you have been taking for these. Mention additional medicines and supplements you are taking currently.

Be clear and share everything about your medical history and current health status to facilitate evaluation of your condition.

10. Be prepared for in-person or follow up visit:

Telehealth appointments are the best option these days as you don’t need to leave your home and you can avoid getting exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Even otherwise, it is an easy and convenient way to consult a doctor. But at times in-person visit becomes necessary. So, if the doctor guides you to visit the local doctor or if necessary, the local emergency room, then be prepared for it with all the notes you made and the advice you received during the virtual visit.

Lifecycle Health provides a telehealth platform that is easy and simple to use. We ensure patient-provider engagement and collaboration, which is imperative to make the most out of telehealth appointments.

Connect with Lifecycle Health team to know more about how we assist patients and providers to facilitate healthcare.