Steps to prepare for your first telehealth visit

1. Pre-Visit Planning– The day before your appointment a staff member from your doctor’s office will call to determine if a Telehealth Visit is right for you. If it is determined that it is appropriate, you will receive an invitation in your email.
   
2. Consider technical aspects– Whether you’re using a smartphone, computer or tablet, it’s recommended you become familiar with the Microsoft Teams App before the visit.

a. To open the meeting, click on the link in the email. If you don’t have the Microsoft Teams App installed on your device, you will be prompted to install it from either the iPhone App Store, or Google Play Store for an Android device.

b. During the installation, make sure to allow access to both the Microphone and Camera.

c. If you have issues with your setup or connection, click here for some basic troubleshooting questions.

1. Before Your Visit: Capture your vital signs and be ready to share them during your visit. These include; your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.  You can use a basic scale, thermometer, your watch and a home blood pressure cuff (if you have one) to gather this information.  If you don’t have this equipment at home, don’t worry, we can complete the visit without it!
2. Choose a private place– Choose a quiet room for your virtual appointment and ask your family or roommates to respect your privacy.
3. Prepare your medical history– Your telemedicine doctor may also ask you questions about your lifestyle, job and family life and, if appropriate, your mental health history. The purpose of the appointment is to provide you with the best possible care and treatment. Sharing personal details allows your doctor to diagnose and provide quality care.
4. Get your documents ready– Like any doctor’s appointment, you should be ready with the following pieces of information:
   1. Your list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements.
   2. Your pharmacy phone number and address.
   3. Insurance and/or credit card information.
5. Jot down questions to ask– While each person’s healthcare situation is unique, here are seven sample questions to get you started:
   1. What is the diagnosis?
   2. Will I need any medical tests?
   3. What can I do to get better?
   4. Do I need a prescription?
   5. What do I do if my symptoms continue? How can I access the information/treatment plan from today’s appointment?
   6. Can I contact you if I have follow-up questions?
6. Write down your treatment plan- Your treatment plan may be as simple as, “drink plenty of liquids and get some rest.” But in some cases, you may need to have a prescription filled or to make an appointment to see another doctor or specialist in person. If possible, take notes on the treatment plan and what your next steps are during the appointment.
7. Discuss follow-up care– In some cases, one appointment is all you need to diagnose and treat routine health conditions like a cold or the flu. But if symptoms persist or you need ongoing care to check chronic conditions, you may need follow-up care through another telemedicine appointment or in person. You may also need a prescription, so discussing the next step is helpful.