Online doctor visits – also known as telehealth or telemedicine – have become a trusted and reliable access point for medical care from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re using the service to check in on a chronic condition, seek advice about new symptoms, or following up on test results, video appointments save time and make healthcare more accessible.
But to ensure your virtual doctors visit is just as effective as an in-person appointment, you must first guarantee your technology is ready. Here are some practical tech tips to help you get the most from your next telehealth visit.
1. Use a Reliable Device
Select a device conducive to video conferencing. The vast majority of smartphones, tablets, and laptops work well, but newer models tend to have better cameras and audio. If you’re using a desktop, make sure it has a webcam and a microphone. Before the appointment, check to ensure that the device functions properly and that all the components that you’re using work well together.
If you’re not familiar with the telehealth platform, consider doing a test run to avoid any technical hiccups that might disrupt the flow of the visit.
2. Ensure a Strong Internet Connection
For a seamless virtual doctors visit, a reliable internet connection is essential. If you’re using a desktop computer, try to use a wired connection, or if you’re using a mobile device, make sure that your Wi-Fi is strong and stable.
You should be able to sit close to your router, and if your appointment is during a time when you would normally use large amounts of data (like streaming), you should definitely avoid that during the appointment.
3. Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Environment
Choose a tranquil place of respite. This should be a room in which you can be without interruption, where you can be far away from TVs and the like, and away from small children, pets, and other bustling activity. You will also want to be in good lighting so that your image is bright and clear, in case the doctor requires a look at something on your face or body.
4. Position the Camera Correctly
Set your device up so that it is at eye level with the doctor. This allows them to see your face clearly. If you need to demonstrate a specific area of your body, such as a rash or injury, practice with the camera on your device. Use the rear-facing camera for better clarity. Hands-free positioning of your device using a stand may also be beneficial for the call.
A Virtual Doctors Visit Can Be Set Up in Minutes
If you take a few minutes to set up your technology, your virtual visit with the doctor can be all of these things: productive, efficient, and stress-free. Closing with one final non-tech tip – being prepared in the digital realm is also very beneficial; submit the required paperwork beforehand; keep a file with your medication list and current health information; and write down any symptoms, questions, or concerns you have in a notetaking app.
