In the space of a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust telemedicine to the forefront of medical care at the University of Maryland Medical System and many other hospitals throughout the country. Care visits conducted by video allow patients to practice social distancing by seeing their providers from the comfort of home. For many people, these visits come with a learning curve. These steps can help you get ahead of your appointment.
1. Pick a good place for your appointment.
It’s important for your provider to be able to hear and see you clearly during your video visit. Find a quiet room in your home where you won’t be disturbed during your appointment. Poor lighting can turn you into an on-screen silhouette. To avoid this, sit facing a window or with a lamp next to your face. Elevate your computer, tablet or smartphone so it’s level with your face.
2. Optimize your tech.
“Before your telemedicine visit begins, test your internet connection, ensure the device you’re using is fully charged or plugged in, test the lighting on your webcam and turn on your device’s volume,” says Todd J. Crocco, MD, FACEP, vice president of the Telehealth & Access Center at UMMS and interim chief clinical officer at University of Maryland Medical Center. “Have the Zoom meeting link available on your device, and keep the phone number to your provider’s practice handy in case of any technical issues or other problems.” Learn more about what technology you need to get started with telemedicine.
3. Don’t hold back.
If you’re new to video visits, don’t let their unfamiliarity intimidate you. In many ways, a video visit is just like an in-person visit with your provider, except he or she can’t perform a full physical exam in the traditional sense.
Before your appointment, jot down questions or issues that you want to bring up with your provider so you won’t forget to discuss anything that’s important to you. Most importantly, be forthcoming.
“Like an office visit, a video visit is your time to connect with your provider to discuss your health, so don’t hold back any details that will help your provider diagnose and treat you,” Dr. Crocco says. “Be clear and honest so your provider can help you make well-informed decisions about your health. Speak your mind and tell your provider how you feel, even if something seems embarrassing or unimportant. Always ask for more information if something isn’t clear to you.”
4. Part with clarity.
Before your video visit ends, make sure you know the next steps to take in your care, whether it’s filling a prescription, getting a lab or imaging test or taking self-care steps at home. Don’t conclude your visit with questions about how to move forward.