how to do virtual dr visit

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What should I know before my telehealth visit?

Learn tips to help your telehealth visit run smoothly.

Know the costs. Before the visit, ask how much it will cost. If you can’t afford the visit or do not have health insurance, your health care provider may have local resources.
Ask for help if needed. Let your provider know if you need support like a screen reader, closed captioning, a translator, or other help.
Check your visit details. Your health care provider will remind you about your visit. They may send you a text, email, call, or message in the patient portal (video). Sometimes there are forms to fill out or directions on how to start your telehealth visit.
Find a good spot. Choose a quiet place with good access to the internet. Make sure you are comfortable and can talk openly.
Test your technology. Make sure your internet and the device you are using for the visit works well. Sometimes, a member of your health care provider’s team will help you test. If you have technology problems, look at these technology trouble shooting tips .

Learn what you need and how to start your video visit.

There are many tools or apps for telehealth video visits. They might look a little different from each other, but they all work in similar ways. After you log in, here is what to look for:

This button controls your camera. When you see a slash through it, that means your health care provider cannot see you.

This button controls your microphone. When you see a slash through it, that means your health care provider cannot hear you.

When you click this button, a chat box will open up. The chat box lets you type and send messages to your health care provider.

This button is usually red. Clicking on it will end your telehealth video meeting.

Once you are logged in to your appointment, you should:

Adjust lighting. Make sure your health care provider can clearly see you.
Steady camera. Keep your device stable. Put your computer on a desk or table or use something to hold up your phone or tablet.
Be centered. Sit so your face is in the middle of the screen and the camera is at the same height as your eyes. Remember, how you look on the screen is how your health care provider will see you.
Check sound. Make sure you can hear well. Test your speakers or earphones and adjust the volume if needed.
Close extra stuff. Shut down other things on your computer or device. This can make your internet faster and you won't get distracted.

Learn about features you may use during your telehealth visit.

Feeling prepared and knowing what to expect will help you have a successful visit. Some tips for success include:

Sign on early. If something goes wrong or you can't get the video to start, you can message your provider or call their office.
The medicines you are taking and how much
Any problems, worries, or questions you want to discuss
Your temperature, weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar level
Allergies to food or medicine.
Stay on track. It is best not to eat or drink during a telehealth visit. And always be safe — do not have a telehealth visit while you are driving or running errands.
Be patient. Sometimes health care providers are running late, just like in a regular provider office. Be patient if you have to wait.

Confident means that you have the information and ability to speak for yourself during your health care visits. In order to feel confident in your telehealth visit, you should:

Learn how telehealth works. It is okay to ask your provider how the telehealth visit will work and what to expect.
Share your name and pronouns. Tell the provider the name you like to be called and your pronouns. They should respect your preferences.
Take your time. This is your visit. You shouldn’t feel rushed or like you can’t speak up.
Pick a good provider. Find a health care provider who really listens to you and what you are feeling.
Ask questions. If something isn’t clear, ask your provider to explain it. Make sure you understand their answers.
Get a summary. After the visit, ask the provider to send you a summary or notes. This can include answers to the questions you asked.
Only share what makes you comfortable. You decide what you want to tell your health care provider. If you don’t want to answer something, it is okay to say so.
Know your rights. Understand what information your provider can share and what they can’t. Learn how your personal health information is kept safe during your telehealth visit and what you can do to protect your privacy .

More information:

5 Tips to get health care from anywhere (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration

Navigating Your Patient Portal (video) — Health Resources and Services Administration

What Do You Need to Use Telehealth? (video) — Health Resources and Services Administration

What do I need to use telehealth?

For most telehealth visits, you need internet and a device like a smartphone, computer, or tablet.

What if I'm having trouble using telehealth?

Find tips on how to prevent problems and what to do if you experience technical issues.

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Virtual visits for members with plans through work
Virtual visit checklist

Virtual visits

Talk to a health care provider from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

What is a virtual visit? It may be a term you’re hearing more often. That’s because the use of virtual visits, also known as telehealth, has expanded recently, offering people more ways to connect with a health care provider from home or work. During a virtual visit, you use digital technologies, like your smartphone, tablet or computer, to talk with a provider. You can get treatment options and even prescriptions for medications, if needed.

UnitedHealthcare offers members options for virtual visits with local providers or by using UnitedHealthcare’s preferred national providers. For benefits coverage information, please sign in to your health plan account . Let’s go over some of the basics about virtual visits and how they work.

Are virtual visits covered?

Virtual visits may be covered by your health insurance in a similar way to an office visit with your doctor. Depending on your benefit coverage, you may be able schedule a virtual visit with a local provider or have a virtual visit for primary care, therapy, specialty care or 24/7 with a national provider for urgent care or when your provider is not available. Sign in to your health plan account or call the number on your member ID card to check your benefits for virtual visit coverage. Below are some options that may be available, based on your health plan.

Virtual care may include in-network virtual visits for medical, mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic, home health, vision, hearing and dental services.

Virtual visits for mental health

If you need care for mental health issues, local health care providers may be able to provide virtual visits. Coverage may depend on your health plan benefits, so sign in to your health plan account or call the number on your member ID card first to learn what benefits may be available to you.

Emotional support by phone or mobile app

Some emotional support programs may be included with certain health plans. Sign in to your health plan account to learn if the following benefits may be available with your health plan.

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With Talkspace online therapy, you can regularly communicate with a therapist, safely and securely from your phone or desktop. No office visit required. Talkspace is convenient, safe and secure. Simply register (first visit only) and choose a provider and message anywhere, anytime. Eligible members can visit talkspace.com/connect to get started.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Telemedicine

How to get ready for your first virtual visit with a doctor.

woman sitting on the sofa while talking with her doctor over a laptop.

One of the challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that social distancing and stay-at-home orders have made it more difficult to have a face-to-face meeting with your doctor.

For many physicians and patients, the remedy is increasingly telemedicine: the ability to remotely connect with a health care provider in real time, often over video, and sometimes via telephone, email, app or online patient portal.

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While telemedicine isn't new — it's been deployed, for example, to connect rural patients with distant health care services or providers or to monitor ongoing conditions like diabetes — its use has spiked dramatically during the current crisis.

Telemedicine or telehealth — the terms are often used interchangeably — isn't a perfect solution for every wellness-related scenario. A medical emergency or a case too difficult to diagnose from afar still requires a visit to the doctor or hospital. “But to me this is going to be a very desirable thing for patients,” says Stephen Schloss, a urologist at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts, whose office uses a telemedicine solution called doxy.me. “They love it. They didn't have to drive, they didn't have to park, they didn't have to go through all the hassle to go see a doctor."

The protocol for arranging telemedicine sessions varies by location, by practice specialty and by your ongoing history with a physician. Here are some common steps and tips to prepare for such a virtual visit.

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1. Make sure you are tech-ready. You will need a decent smartphone, tablet or PC for a remote consultation, along with a reliable broadband or cellular connection to the internet, especially for video.

2. Check your insurance. Not every private insurer will cover telemedicine sessions in every locale, and the type of coverage varies among those that do. States have different regulations. Consult your provider to find out what's covered under your plan.

Medicare can pay for telehealth services to treat COVID-19 and “other medically reasonable purposes,” from common office visits to mental health consultations. Typical coinsurance and deductibles apply, though some providers are reducing or waiving them for such services.

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3. Make an appointment. Call your doctor's office or visit the practice's patient portal (a portal is a website that provides 24/7 access to your personal health information) or app to make a virtual appointment. The office may have you download an app, and/or will email or text you a link to click on about 10 minutes before your designated appointment time. In advance of the virtual visit, you may also have to digitally sign HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and other consent forms on the screen, though regulations have been relaxed during the pandemic, and some providers may just ask you to verbally agree.

If you do not have an established provider, companies such as Teladoc Health, Amwell, PlushCare, Doctor On Demand and MDLIVE offer virtual visits. Be prepared to wait because of the excess demand.

4. Describe your symptoms. Depending on the app, you may be asked to fill in or check off symptoms.

5. Practice good security. Ask your medical provider about the steps taken to ensure your privacy. Choose a unique password that cannot be easily guessed and is not the same as you use elsewhere. “Approach it like how you protect your financial information,” says Mei Wa Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy. If possible, go someplace private in your home during the session.

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) says covered health care providers may use Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts, Zoom or Skype during the crisis, while having providers notify patients of any privacy or security risks.

"Don't be afraid to say to the doctor, ‘I am very comfortable using FaceTime [or whatever favorite you have]. Would you be?'” says Joe Kvedar, a Boston-based dermatologist and president-elect of the American Telemedicine Association.

6. Be prepared to wait. You may be placed in a digital waiting room before the session with a doctor begins. (Bring your own magazine.)

7. The doctor is in. When your appointment begins, the doctor will be seen on the screen (or heard on a phone) and will ask questions like in a typical examination.

8. Video can help virtual exam. With video a doctor can have you stick out your tongue, walk around and so on. Kvedar asks patients to upload pictures of skin conditions so he can have a look. And while having a phone call with a mental health professional can be beneficial for a patient suffering from anxiety, using video may help the psychologist observe body language or other visual cues.

9. You still may need to be seen in person. Only so much can be done remotely. Do you need blood drawn, an X-ray, biopsy or strep test? “If we need more information than we can glean from you over this medium,” we may ask you to come in, Kvedar says. But given the risks during the crisis, “we're making some very thoughtful trade-offs of who we invite into the office or lab."

10. Get prescriptions filled. Based on the virtual session, your provider can call in a prescription or refill to your pharmacy and follow up as needed.

How to get the most from your virtual doctor's visit

Wherever the wifi signal is best is where I'll be

Dr. Michael Sherman is chief medical officer and senior vice president of health services for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care in Wellesley, Mass. He’s also a parent, so when his 10-year-old daughter Lila recently needed a checkup for her asthma , he decided to try a virtual doctor’s visit .

He and his family connected with Lila’s doctor through video — Lila took the lead, with Sherman and his wife in the background.

“They asked questions about her breathing, symptoms and medication use,” Sherman said. While Lila will have to hold off on some in-person testing until restrictions lift, Sherman said he was very satisfied with the experience.

“I admit as a parent, I was wondering, ‘Is this going to be quite as effective?’ I was happily surprised,” he said.

Sherman and his family are part of a skyrocketing number of people seeking care through virtual doctor’s visits these days. With the pandemic shutting down in-person appointments at medical offices nationwide, most primary care doctors and specialists have ramped up their telemedicine capabilities in the last couple of months. Sherman said his company saw online doctor’s visits climb 8,000% from February to April this year.

How do virtual doctor’s visits work?

With a virtual doctor’s appointment, you connect with a doctor over secure video. Typically, your doctor’s office will send you a link, or you download an app. Once you click on the link or open the app, you’ll likely answer some questions about your condition and then you’ll connect with your doctor for a conversation and evaluation.

Outside of procedures like surgeries and biopsies, you can schedule a virtual doctor’s visit for just about anything you would see a doctor in-person for

routine follow-up care
prenatal care
annual wellness exams
minor injuries
symptom evaluation

“For most adult patients who have a chronic disease and see their doctor two, three or four times a year, telehealth has been a great way to accomplish some of those interval check-ins,” said Dr. Ethan Halm, head of COVID-19 telehealth for internal medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “You can do about 70 to 80% of what you can do in the office for most patients.”

How to make your virtual doctor’s visit go smoothly

If you haven’t tried a virtual doctor’s appointment yet, you might be apprehensive. These seven tips can make it less intimidating. Here's how to do a virtual doctor visit and make the most of it.

1. Try to schedule your visit with your regular doctor. Your doctor knows your medical history and medications. But if your doctor doesn’t have convenient time slots, an insurance company like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna or United Healthcare, or a pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS might offer virtual appointments.

2. Use a phone or a tablet if you can. Halm said that these devices tend to have fewer problems with connectivity compared to laptop or desktop machines. Plus, if your doctor wants a closer look at something — a rash or a swollen ankle, say — it’s easier to move the phone or tablet than to try to position yourself in front of a fixed computer camera.

3. Bump up your lighting. You want something brighter than that soft, flattering lighting you’re using for your Zoom meetings. Sherman said your doctor will want to get a good look at you, try to gauge your mood, and maybe estimate your breathing rate.

4. Find a private, quiet space. Your doctor may ask you sensitive questions or need you to undress. Dr. Ronald Tamler, director of digital health implementation for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, said a lot of patients go into the bathroom for their visits.

And Dr. Tania Elliott, the co-chair of the Virtual Health Clinical Task Force at New York University Langone Health and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, likes wearing headphones: “It reinforces the privacy piece — no one else is hearing what you’re saying.”

5. Log in 15 or 20 minutes before your virtual appointment time. You’ll need some time to fill out your online paperwork and to make sure your technology is working properly.

Health & Wellness Worried about coronavirus symptoms? A virtual doctor can see you now

6. Gather medications and information. Have your pill bottles nearby so your doctor can review them. Elliott said sometimes people will request refills on blood pressure medication when in fact it’s their cholesterol medication that’s running low.

If you track your blood pressure or blood glucose, have those details ready to share with your doctor. And it’s a good idea to have a handy way to take notes during the appointment.

7. See if you can loop in other people. Ahead of time, find out if multiple people can log in. Virtual visits are a great opportunity for people to join in with their aging parents or with their young adult children to help monitor their care.

Additionally, said Elliott, “It’s very easy with video to coordinate appointments with a couple of different doctors.” So you might be able to arrange to have, say, your cardiologist or endocrinologist join in on your virtual visit with your primary care doctor to better coordinate your care.

Stephanie Thurrott is a writer who covers mental health, personal growth, wellness, family, food and personal finance, and dabbles in just about any other topic that grabs her attention. When she's not writing, look for her out walking her dog or riding her bike in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.

IMAGES

A Beginner’s Guide to a Virtual Doctor’s Visit
A guide to virtual / online doctors: AXA
Virtual Doctor's Guide, Online Doctors Visit Beginner's Guide
What Is a Virtual Doctor Appointment, and How Does It Work?
How Do Virtual Doctor Visits Work?
Virtual Visit (Telehealth) at Orlando Health

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COMMENTS

Virtual Doctor's Guide, Online Doctors Visit Beginner's Guide ...
Avoid positioning yourself in front of a bright window, as that obscures the view the provider will have of your face. Position your device so that your face is centered in the middle of the ...
What To Expect During a Virtual Doctor Visit
Online, caregivers can provide consultation to people who have a number of express care concerns and injuries. These conditions include: Fevers. Rashes. Cold and flu. Sleep apnea and other sleep ...
How to Conduct a Virtual Physical With Your Doctor - AARP
Alternatively, you might need to tap your health system's app or the MyChart app on your smartphone or tablet and log in with your ID and password. Next, you'll tap on Appointments, then the video visit appointment button. Then you'll click on Begin Visit. Zoom will launch, and you'll click on Open This Page in Zoom.
What should I know before my telehealth visit? - HHS.gov
Before the visit, ask how much it will cost. If you can’t afford the visit or do not have health insurance, your health care provider may have local resources. Ask for help if needed. Let your provider know if you need support like a screen reader, closed captioning, a translator, or other help. Check your visit details.
Virtual Visits | Cleveland Clinic
If insurance covers your visit, there may be a copay that’s determined by your plan. Before your appointment, it’s best to check with your insurance company to see if they cover virtual visits. Even if your insurance plan doesn’t cover virtual visits, they may still be an option for you. The cost of an express care virtual visit is $65.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Doctor's Visit | U.S. News
Maximize your audio. Often, using head phones or earbuds can make it much easier to hear the person on the other side of the call. Wearing these devices also helps improve the privacy of the ...
Virtual visits | UnitedHealthcare
During a virtual visit, you use digital technologies, like your smartphone, tablet or computer, to talk with a provider. You can get treatment options and even prescriptions for medications, if needed. UnitedHealthcare offers members options for virtual visits with local providers or by using UnitedHealthcare’s preferred national providers.
How Do Virtual Doctor Visits Work? - K Health
Virtual visits with your provider usually take place in one of three ways: Video call. Phone call. Email or messaging. The type of visit depends on the platform you are using, the services you are requesting, and the state you are in. Like any visit with your provider, you’ll need to make an appointment ahead of time.
Patient Tips for Successful Virtual Health Care Visits - AARP
6. Be prepared to wait. You may be placed in a digital waiting room before the session with a doctor begins. (Bring your own magazine.) 7. The doctor is in. When your appointment begins, the doctor will be seen on the screen (or heard on a phone) and will ask questions like in a typical examination. 8.
Virtual doctor visits: Get the most from online appointments
5. Log in 15 or 20 minutes before your virtual appointment time. You’ll need some time to fill out your online paperwork and to make sure your technology is working properly. 6. Gather ...