Buzz
Telemedicine, though existing for years, has transformed from a niche healthcare alternative to a critical resource for many during the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you needed a virtual consultation to discuss possible COVID symptoms or your child developed pink eye during lockdown, telemedicine has rapidly become a widely accepted solution in just a few months.
Who Can Utilize Telemedicine Services?
Unfortunately, virtual doctor visits typically require health insurance. However, the positive aspect is that even the most basic Obamacare plans usually include telehealth benefits. To understand your coverage, visit your insurance provider’s website or log into your health insurance account for detailed information. They will guide you on the affiliated telemedicine provider and how to book an appointment. Be prepared to complete personal information forms on the telehealth platform during your first visit, which may take some extra time.
Once logged in, you typically have the choice to either book a virtual appointment for a later time or enter an online waiting room to consult the next available doctor. Wait times can vary widely. In April, I had two telehealth appointments. During the first visit, I waited nearly two hours in the virtual waiting room, but for the second visit later that month, the wait was only 10 minutes.
Maximizing the Value of Your Virtual Consultation
Prior to starting a telehealth session with a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, there are several steps you should take to prepare in advance. Both your time and the doctor’s are valuable, and these preparations will ensure you utilize it effectively.
Prepare Your Technology in Advance
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to ensure that the device you plan to use for your virtual visit is functioning correctly before logging in. Additionally, Dr. Sachin Nagrani, medical director at Heal (a telemedicine provider), advises testing your camera and microphone on your phone, tablet, or computer beforehand.
Choose an Ideal Location
If certain areas of your home have a stronger wifi signal, aim to conduct your appointment there. Nagrani also recommends selecting a spot with good lighting (no need for professional equipment, but ensure the doctor can see you clearly) and minimal noise. If you share your living space, consider finding a private area for your virtual consultation.
Check Your Temperature
If you’re consulting a doctor about flu-like symptoms, an infection, or a virus, they will likely inquire about your temperature, as Dr. Abe Malkin, founder and medical director of Concierge MD LA, explains to Mytour. Measure your temperature before the visit and keep your thermometer nearby in case the doctor asks for another reading during the session. If you own devices like a blood pressure monitor or pulse oximeter, Malkin suggests recording your vital signs beforehand.
Disclose Any Medications You’re Using
While you can sometimes schedule virtual visits with your regular physician, using a service like the one offered by your health insurance often pairs you with a random (yet qualified) doctor. This means they won’t be familiar with your medical history, including the medications you’re currently using.
To prepare, compile a list of all your prescription medications (including dosages) before the virtual appointment. Malkin also emphasizes the importance of mentioning any over-the-counter medications you’ve been using. “These details are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment,” he notes.
Document Your Symptoms
While this practice is also useful for in-person visits, Nagrani advises creating a list of your symptoms before your telemedicine appointment. Don’t rely on memory—when time is limited and the doctor is busy (especially during a pandemic), the situation can feel overwhelming.
In addition to listing your symptoms, Malkin recommends being prepared to describe their progression and duration. Since the doctor can’t physically examine you, it’s vital to clearly explain your condition and the reason for seeking their assistance.
Prepare a List of Questions for the Doctor
Along with documenting your symptoms, create a list of questions to ask the doctor during your virtual visit. Clarify why you’re seeking their advice and what specific concerns you want them to address. Providing detailed information will help the doctor offer the best guidance.
Jot Down Notes During the Appointment
Keep a pen and paper nearby to record important details. “Taking notes on the doctor’s advice ensures clarity and helps you remember after the call,” Nagrani advises. Even if you think you’ll recall instructions or medication dosages, writing them down serves as a reliable backup.
Not all conditions can be diagnosed or treated remotely, so the doctor might suggest an in-person visit or, in urgent cases, a trip to the emergency room. (For true emergencies, telemedicine isn’t the best option.) If necessary, doctors can prescribe medications following a virtual consultation.
