Telemedicine is one of the most important new developments in medicine in the last decade. Online reviews are used by approximately 77% of patients in finding a new healthcare provider, according to Spectrio. However, since 2020, an increasing number of patients also book an online doctor appointment at least once a year to handle routine processes like medication updates. Therapy visits can easily be done virtually, with almost the same effectiveness as in-person visits. With all of this in mind, many people have questions about what they should do to prepare for virtual doctor appointments.

1. Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Before your visit, you need to make sure that your insurance covers it, just as you would in an in-person doctor appointment. If your insurance is not financially responsible for a doctor's visit, you will be. You'll need to make sure you know which is the case for you.

2. Have an Agenda Ready

You should have questions ready to go for your virtual doctor appointment. Doctors are unable to measure your vitals and other indicators of health during a virtual visit because you won't be physically present. Your health concerns are the reason why you initially scheduled this appointment. Make sure you bring them to the doctor at the right point in the visit and make sure that you have enough time for the doctor to understand the questions, and for you to ask follow-up questions. Make sure you're taking notes as the doctor talks. Many health practices offer doctor notes as part of patient records, but it's the patient's responsibility to take notes, too.

3. Get Your Device Set Up and Ready

This is the most obvious part, but be sure that you have your device ready to go before you start the conversation. If you're having your virtual meeting on a smartphone or tablet, make sure that it's set up before beginning the visit. It can be disorienting for the doctor's viewpoint to constantly shift with the phone in your hands or if you have connection issues.

Most people have hectic schedules, so relying on virtual doctor appointments is a newer way to take advantage of health resources. If you're ready to schedule a virtual visit, contact Ajitpal S. Tiwana MD to get started. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.