What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of videoconferencing (live video on computer) for appointments with your provider when they are at a different location than you. This technology allows you and your provider to discuss and share health information and images without the need for you to travel to a clinic. Laws that protect privacy and confidentiality of health information also apply to telehealth.
What should I expect from the telehealth appointment?
Before the appointment
- Make a list of questions that you have for your provider that relate to your care.
- Log in to your Patient Portal 10 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Complete and submit all necessary forms in the Patient Portal.
- Verify, enter and submit your health insurance information in the Patient Portal by clicking on the Insurance tab. If the current information is correct, upload the image of the front and back of your insurance card. If there is no information on file, enter the information and upload an image of the front and back of your insurance card.
- Test your connections prior to your appointment.
During the appointment
- Interact with your provider the way you would in a traditional appointment.
- Share any concerns or issues you are having understanding the provider.
- Ask your provider for a care plan, identifying next steps, if one is not provided.
After the appointment
- Schedule a follow-up appointment, if necessary.
- Fill your prescription, if one is prescribed.
- Follow any additional steps suggested by your provider.
What should my provider expect of me during a telehealth appointment?
- Be on time and prepared for your visit. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Treat the telehealth appointment the same way you would an in-person appointment. This means you should wear appropriate attire while on camera with the provider.
- You should be able to give your provider your full attention during the appointment. Avoid distracting activities such as cell-phone use, moving around the room, and interacting with other people. Do NOT engage in a telehealth visit if you are driving or riding in a vehicle.
- You should be in a quiet, private space for your visit, and in general, friends and/ or roommates should not be present. If you would like to have a friend or family member assist you during the visit, please make sure to tell your provider they are present or listening in.
What equipment do I need?
To participate in telehealth appointments from your home, you need one of the following devices:
- Desktop computer with a webcam and speakers
- Laptop computer with built-in webcam and speakers
- Tablet device with built-in webcam and speakers
- Smartphone
Where is the best place to do a video call?
When deciding the best place in your home, you will want to choose a space that is private and away from household members, coworkers, pets or any other potential distractions. Here are some additional recommendations:
- Adjust your light. Some small lighting tweaks that can have a huge impact include placing a lamp or other light source behind your monitor, pointed toward you. Also, make sure you don’t have too much light behind you. If you’re on a laptop, make sure the camera is at eye level and not pointing up at the ceiling lights, or down at the floor.
- Choose a quiet, private location. Identify a suitable room that is quiet, private, and free of distractions. To keep background noise to a minimum, close any doors and shut any windows.
