Getting The Most Out Of Your Online Doctor’s Appointment

According to the CDC, more than 40% of American adults have avoided medical visits during the pandemic due to health concerns regarding COVID-19. Out of these, 12% had even avoided or delayed emergency or urgent care.

In these trying times, modern telehealth solutions have emerged as a lifesaver, allowing patients to receive treatment and manage chronic issues without having to leave the comfort and safety of their homes.

Since the costs of virtual healthcare services are generally based on the duration of consultations, online doctor appointments are all about time management. The following are some tips on making the most of your telehealth visit.

Make Sure Your Tech Is In Order
Before your online doctor consultation, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, and that the device you’re going to use is charged and ready to go 20 minutes before the appointment. It’s ideal to have an additional device close by in case it’s needed.

Track and Record Your Vital Signs at Home
In order to make the most of your virtual visit, it’s vital to have heart rate, weight, blood pressure, and other vital information ready to go. Start maintaining a log of this information a few days before your appointment.

Write Down The Questions You Want to Ask The Doctor
This is something that all patients should practice, not only for virtual health check-ups and appointments, but for in-person ones as well. A prepared list of queries and questions will help ensure you get all your concerns addressed during the consultation.

Make Sure You Read Up On The Instructions Of The Virtual Visit
It’s best to go over any correspondence a few hours before the appointment is scheduled to go ahead. Like an in-person doctor’s appointment, it’s important to be on time for your virtual appointment as well.

Arrange a Private, Well-Lit Place For The Appointment
Many patients make the mistake of logging into their online doctor’s appointment from the office, their cars, or other public spaces. It’s important to arrange a private space for your virtual doctor’s appointment so any health concerns you may have can be discussed in a private setting.