Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance about your health concerns.
Why Telehealth Preparation Matters
Telehealth has transformed how we access healthcare, making it possible to connect with your provider from the comfort of your home. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, following up after a procedure, discussing new symptoms, or seeking care for your child, virtual visits offer convenience without sacrificing quality care.
However, a successful telehealth appointment doesn't happen by accident. Just as you wouldn't show up to an in-person visit unprepared, virtual appointments require some thoughtful preparation to ensure your provider can address your concerns effectively and you get the care you need.
The good news is that preparing for telehealth is straightforward. With a little advance planning, testing your technology, gathering relevant information, and creating an appropriate environment, you can have a productive virtual visit that's just as effective as an in-person appointment. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make your telehealth experience smooth and successful.
Understanding What Telehealth Can and Cannot Do
Telehealth works well for many types of healthcare visits, but it's helpful to understand its capabilities and limitations. Knowing what to expect helps you make informed decisions about when virtual care is appropriate and when an in-person visit is necessary.
Telehealth works well for: follow-up appointments after procedures or hospital stays, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, discussing lab or test results, medication management and prescription refills, mental health counseling and therapy, minor illness evaluation (colds, flu, urinary tract infections, rashes), well-child checks for certain age groups, nutrition counseling, physical therapy instruction and follow-up, discussing symptoms and determining next steps, preventive care discussions, and health education.
In-person visits are better for: situations requiring physical examination of specific areas, procedures that need hands-on intervention, conditions where your provider needs to feel, listen to, or closely examine something, emergencies requiring immediate intervention, initial evaluations where physical findings are crucial, vaccinations and injections, certain diagnostic tests, and situations where you or your provider prefer in-person interaction.
Your provider will help you determine whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific situation. If during a virtual visit your provider determines you need an in-person examination, they'll guide you on next steps. Many healthcare concerns can be effectively addressed through telehealth, especially when you're well-prepared.
Technical Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Technology issues are the most common source of telehealth frustration, but they're also the most preventable. Taking time to test your setup before your appointment saves stress and ensures your visit stays on track.
Check your device and internet connection at least a day before your appointment, not minutes before. Telehealth works on smartphones, tablets, and computers with cameras and microphones. Verify that your device is charged or plugged in as dying batteries mid-appointment disrupt care. Test your internet connection by streaming a video or making a video call to a friend. If your connection is unreliable, consider moving closer to your router or connecting via ethernet cable if possible. Cellular data can work for mobile devices, but WiFi generally provides more stable connections.
Download and test the required platform your healthcare provider uses. Common platforms include Zoom, Doxy.me, Epic MyChart video visits, or proprietary telehealth systems. If your provider sent you a link, click it beforehand to ensure the platform opens correctly and any necessary software downloads. Some platforms work through web browsers without downloads, while others require apps. Don't wait until your appointment time to discover you need to download something.
Test your camera and microphone using your device's settings or the telehealth platform's test feature. Make sure your camera shows a clear image and isn't obstructed. Check that your microphone picks up your voice clearly and isn't too sensitive or too quiet. If using headphones with a microphone, test those too because they often provide clearer audio than built-in speakers.
Ensure adequate lighting so your provider can see you clearly. Face a window or light source rather than sitting with bright light behind you, which creates a silhouette effect. Natural light works well, but if your appointment is in the evening, use lamps positioned in front of you at eye level or slightly above.
Have a backup plan in case technology fails. Save your provider's office phone number in your phone. Know whether to call the office, wait for them to call you, or try rejoining the video link if your connection drops. Many providers will switch to a phone call if video isn't working, which still allows for effective communication.
Close unnecessary applications on your device before your appointment. This frees up processing power and internet bandwidth, making your video connection more stable. Turn off notifications that might interrupt your visit or display private information on screen.
Creating the Right Environment
Your physical environment significantly impacts the quality of your telehealth visit. Creating an appropriate space ensures privacy, minimizes distractions, and allows your provider to see and hear you clearly.
Choose a quiet, private location where you won't be interrupted or overheard. This is especially important when discussing sensitive health information. If you live with others, let them know you have a medical appointment and need privacy. Consider putting a sign on the door or moving to a room away from common areas.
Minimize background noise by closing windows, turning off televisions and music, and silencing your phone notifications. Background noise makes it difficult for your provider to hear you clearly and can be distracting for both of you. If you have pets, consider putting them in another room during your appointment.
Position yourself appropriately on camera. Sit at a comfortable distance where your provider can see your face and upper body clearly. Being too close makes you appear distorted, while sitting too far away makes it hard for your provider to see details. Position the camera at eye level—propping your device on books or a stand works better than looking down at a device on a table.
Have good lighting on your face so your provider can observe your appearance, skin color, and facial expressions. These visual cues provide important clinical information. Avoid sitting in front of windows or bright backgrounds that create backlighting and make you appear dark.
Keep the space tidy and professional in the background. While your provider isn't judging your home decor, a cluttered or chaotic background can be distracting. Some platforms offer virtual backgrounds or blur features if you're concerned about what's visible behind you.
Consider accessibility needs. If you use assistive devices or communication aids, have them ready. If you need a family member present to help with communication or translation, arrange that in advance. For children's appointments, have age-appropriate distractions ready for waiting time but ensure you can focus during the actual appointment.
Gathering Important Health Information
Preparing relevant health information in advance
makes your appointment more efficient and ensures your provider has everything they need to address your concerns comprehensively.
Create a current medication list that includes the name, dosage, and frequency of all medications you take may it be prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Having pill bottles nearby can be helpful if you're not sure about exact names or dosages. Your provider may ask to see medication bottles through the camera.
Document your symptoms or concerns in detail. Write down what you're experiencing, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life. Be specific about timing, frequency, and severity. If you're having pain, note its location, quality (sharp, dull, burning), intensity on a scale of 1-10, and what triggers or relieves it.
Record vital signs if possible and appropriate for your condition. If you have equipment at home, take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or blood sugar readings before your appointment. Having current readings is especially valuable for managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
Track relevant patterns by keeping a diary if you're managing ongoing symptoms. For example, track headache frequency and triggers, blood sugar readings throughout the day, mood patterns for mental health visits, or symptom flare-ups for chronic conditions. This information helps your provider identify patterns and adjust treatment plans.
Gather recent test results or medical records from other providers if you've seen specialists, visited urgent care, or had emergency room visits since your last appointment. If you have physical documents, keep them nearby during your visit so you can reference dates, findings, or recommendations. Many patients take photos of documents to have them readily available on their device.
Prepare your medical history including surgeries, hospitalizations, significant illnesses, allergies (especially to medications), and family health history if relevant to your current concern. For new providers, having a concise medical summary is invaluable.
Write down questions you want to ask. It's easy to forget questions once the appointment begins, especially if you're discussing unexpected information or receiving new instructions. Prioritize your questions in case time runs short, putting the most important ones first.
Physical Preparation for Your Appointment
Depending on what your visit is addressing, some physical preparation helps your provider assess your condition more effectively through the screen.
Dress appropriately for your type of visit. Wear clothing that allows your provider to see the area of concern if you're discussing a rash, injury, or specific body part. For example, wear a short-sleeved shirt if discussing an arm rash or sleeveless top for shoulder issues. This seems obvious, but many patients realize mid-appointment that they can't easily show what they're describing.
Be prepared to demonstrate movement if discussing pain, injury, or mobility issues. Your provider may ask you to show them your range of motion, demonstrate how you walk, or perform specific movements. Make sure you have enough space to stand and move safely if needed.
Have relevant tools nearby such as a flashlight if your provider needs to see inside your mouth or a skin concern up close, a measuring tape if discussing wound size or swelling, a thermometer for fever verification, or any medical devices you use (blood pressure cuff, glucometer, pulse oximeter).
Clean the area of concern if you're showing a wound, rash, or skin condition. Remove bandages if appropriate so your provider can assess the area. Good lighting and close camera positioning help your provider see details.
Consider your comfort by having water nearby, sitting in a comfortable chair that provides good support, keeping tissues handy if you're dealing with cold symptoms or emotional topics, and positioning yourself where you can easily reach anything you might need during the appointment.
Special Considerations for Pediatric Telehealth Visits
Telehealth appointments for children require some additional preparation to keep young patients engaged and help providers assess them effectively.
Prepare your child by explaining in age-appropriate language that they'll talk to the doctor on the computer or tablet. For young children, frame it as a video call with their doctor. Let them know they might need to show the doctor something or answer questions. Practicing beforehand with a pretend video call can help anxious children feel more comfortable.
Have two adults present if possible, especially for younger children. One person can hold the device and communicate with the provider while the other helps position the child, shows areas of concern, or keeps the child engaged and cooperative. Solo caregivers can absolutely manage, but having help makes things easier.
Keep children in view of the camera so your provider can observe their appearance, behavior, breathing, and overall condition. Visual assessment provides important clinical information. For infants, having them in a well-lit space where the provider can see their chest movement and breathing pattern is particularly valuable.
Have distraction tools ready for waiting time, but minimize distractions during the actual appointment so the provider can assess your child's attention, responsiveness, and interaction. Have favorite toys or books nearby to help demonstrate developmental milestones if your provider asks.
Be prepared for cooperation challenges. Young children may be uncooperative with showing symptoms or following provider instructions. This is normal. Your provider is experienced with pediatric telehealth and will work with your child's developmental level and temperament.
Having snacks, a favorite toy, or another caregiver to help can improve cooperation.
Take developmental notes for well-child visits. Write down milestones your child has reached, concerns about development, behavior patterns, eating and sleeping habits, and questions about upcoming developmental stages. Providers rely heavily on parent observations during virtual well-child checks.
What to Expect During Your Telehealth Appointment
Understanding the flow of a typical telehealth visit helps you feel more confident and prepared. While each visit varies based on your needs, most follow a similar structure.
Join the appointment on time, just as you would arrive on time for an in-person visit. Some platforms allow you to log in a few minutes early to a virtual waiting room. Others provide a link that activates at your appointment time. If you're having technical difficulties, call the office immediately rather than continuing to troubleshoot alone.
Verify your identity and location. Your provider will confirm who you are and where you're located. Location matters for medical licensure and emergency purposes. Have your current address ready if it's different from what's in your records.
Expect similar structure to in-person visits. Your provider will ask about your chief concern, current symptoms, relevant medical history, and medications. They'll conduct a visual assessment, observing your general appearance, breathing, skin color, and specific areas of concern. They may ask you to demonstrate movements, show specific body parts up close to the camera, or take your pulse while they observe.
Participate actively by speaking clearly, describing symptoms thoroughly, and asking for clarification if you don't understand something. If you can't hear or see your provider clearly, let them know immediately. Technical issues are common and easily addressed when communicated promptly.
Show rather than tell when possible. If you're describing a rash, position yourself so the provider can see it clearly. If discussing mobility limitations, demonstrate the problem. Visual information greatly enhances telehealth effectiveness.
Take notes during your appointment about instructions, treatment plans, medication changes, or follow-up recommendations. It's easy to forget details after the appointment ends. Some platforms allow appointment recordings, but confirm this with your provider and understand that recordings are part of your medical record.
Discuss next steps before ending the appointment. Clarify whether you need in-person follow-up, when to schedule your next appointment, what symptoms should prompt you to seek urgent care, and how to contact the office with questions. Understand how prescriptions will be sent and when you should pick them up.
After Your Telehealth Appointment
Your telehealth visit doesn't end when the video
call disconnects. Following through on recommendations ensures you get the full benefit of your virtual visit.
Review the visit summary and instructions that many providers send through your patient portal or email. Read through everything carefully and note any action items. If anything is unclear, contact the office for clarification rather than guessing.
Fill prescriptions promptly if your provider ordered new medications or changed dosages. Delays in starting treatment can prolong symptoms or allow conditions to worsen. Contact your provider's office if prescriptions don't arrive at your pharmacy within the expected timeframe.
Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended before your next appointment slips your mind. Whether it's another telehealth visit, an in-person appointment, or laboratory work, getting it on the calendar ensures continuity of care.
Complete any recommended tests or consultations such as lab work, imaging, or specialist referrals. These are essential parts of your treatment plan, not optional suggestions. If barriers prevent you from completing recommendations, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.
Monitor your symptoms according to your provider's instructions. Know which changes should prompt you to call the office, seek urgent care, or call 911. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're unsure—your provider would rather answer a question than have you wait too long to seek needed care.
Keep a record of what was discussed, any diagnoses made, medications prescribed, and follow-up plans. This information is valuable for tracking your health over time and for sharing with other providers if needed.
Provide feedback if your healthcare system requests it. Your experience helps improve telehealth services for everyone. If you encountered technical difficulties, mention them so the system can address common issues. If something worked particularly well, share that too.
Troubleshooting Common Telehealth Challenges
Even with good preparation, issues can arise. Knowing how to address common problems helps you stay calm and get your appointment back on track.
If video isn't working: Switch to audio-only rather than canceling the appointment. Much of healthcare communication happens through conversation, and a phone visit can still be highly effective. Your provider can always ask you to send photos of visual concerns through your patient portal if needed.
If audio is poor: Try turning off your video to improve audio quality because video requires more bandwidth. Use headphones if available, as they often provide clearer sound. Move to a different location with better internet connection if possible.
If you can't hear your provider or they can't hear you: Check that your volume is up and your device isn't muted. Verify that the telehealth platform has permission to access your microphone and speakers. Exit and rejoin the call if problems persist.
If you get disconnected: Try rejoining using the same link. If that doesn't work, call the office immediately. Many providers will call you to continue the visit by phone or reschedule if needed. Don't simply wait but reach out so you don't miss your appointment time.
If your child is uncooperative: Let your provider know what's happening. They're experienced with this and can adapt their approach. Sometimes taking a short break, changing position, or having another person help can improve cooperation. Your provider may decide to gather information primarily from your observations and reports.
If you realize you need supplies you don't have: Mention this to your provider immediately. They can either adapt their approach or ask you to gather items and call you back, or they may determine an in-person visit is necessary.
If privacy is compromised unexpectedly: If someone enters your space or you need to relocate, tell your provider you need a moment. It's better to pause briefly than to discuss sensitive health information with others present unintentionally.
If you feel rushed or have unaddressed concerns: Speak up during the appointment rather than leaving dissatisfied. Say something like, "I have one more important concern to discuss before we finish" or "Can you help me understand this better?" Your provider wants to address your needs but may not realize you have additional questions unless you express this clearly.
Partnering With Your Provider Through Telehealth
Effective telehealth requires active partnership between you and your healthcare team. Your engagement and preparation directly impact the quality of care you receive virtually.
Communicate openly about what's working and what isn't in your telehealth experience. If you found an appointment less helpful than expected, explain why. If certain approaches worked well, mention that too. This feedback helps your provider optimize future virtual visits.
Be honest about your symptoms, medications you've missed, lifestyle factors affecting your health, and challenges following treatment plans. Your provider can only help with problems they know about. Telehealth sometimes makes people feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, since you're in your own environment rather than an exam room.
Ask questions until you understand. If medical terminology confuses you, request plain language explanations. If treatment instructions aren't clear, ask your provider to walk through them step by step. If you're uncertain whether symptoms warrant concern, voice your worry and get guidance.
Express preferences about communication style, follow-up methods, and care approaches. Some patients prefer detailed explanations while others want concise recommendations. Some appreciate frequent check-ins while others prefer more independence. Helping your provider understand your preferences leads to better-personalized care.
Recognize when in-person care is needed. If during a telehealth visit you sense something needs hands-on assessment, say so. Trust your instincts about your body or your child's condition. Your provider may agree and recommend an in-person visit, or they may explain why virtual care is sufficient and what concerning changes should prompt in-person evaluation.
Maintain regular follow-up whether virtual or in-person. Chronic condition management, preventive care, and ongoing health monitoring require consistent engagement. Telehealth makes it easier to maintain regular contact with your provider, reducing gaps in care that can lead to problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is telehealth as good as in-person appointments?
For many types of healthcare visits, telehealth is equally effective. Research shows that patient satisfaction with telehealth is very high, and outcomes for conditions like diabetes management, mental health care, and follow-up visits are comparable to in-person care. Telehealth excels for discussion-based visits, medication management, reviewing test results, and monitoring chronic conditions. However, some situations require physical examination that can only happen in person. Your provider will help determine which format best suits your specific needs. Many people benefit from a combination approach, meaning some appointments virtually, others in person based on what each visit requires.
Q: What if I'm not comfortable with technology?
You don't need to be tech-savvy to use telehealth successfully. Most platforms are designed to be user-friendly, and office staff can walk you through the process. Call your provider's office before your appointment and ask for help testing the system. Many offices offer technical support specifically for patients new to telehealth. Having a family member or friend help you set up for your first few appointments can build your confidence. Remember, millions of people who had never used telehealth before now do so regularly, and it becomes easier with practice.
Q: Can my provider prescribe medications during a telehealth visit?
Yes, in most cases providers can prescribe medications through telehealth just as they would during in-person visits. They'll send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy. However, regulations around controlled substances (like some pain medications, anxiety medications, and stimulants) vary by state and have changed over time. Your provider will explain any limitations relevant to your medications. If you need a prescription for a controlled substance, you may need an in-person visit depending on current regulations.
Q: What happens if my provider determines I need to be seen in person?
Your provider will explain why in-person evaluation is necessary and help you schedule an appropriate appointment, whether same-day, next-day, or routine scheduling based on urgency. They'll provide guidance on what to do in the meantime, what symptoms should prompt you to seek urgent care, and whether you should take any actions before the in-person visit. Many telehealth appointments serve as efficient triage, determining whether and when in-person care is needed, which is valuable in itself.
Q: Is telehealth private and secure?
Healthcare providers use HIPAA-compliant platforms specifically designed to protect patient privacy and secure health information. These platforms encrypt your video and data transmission. However, your responsibility includes choosing a private location for your appointment, using a secure internet connection (avoid public WiFi for health appointments), and protecting your device with passwords or biometric security. Never share your appointment links with others or allow unauthorized people to join your medical appointments.
Q: Will insurance cover my telehealth appointment?
Most insurance plans now cover telehealth visits, though coverage details vary by plan, state, and type of visit. Many insurers cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. Check with your insurance company about your specific coverage, copays, or deductibles. Your provider's office can also verify your insurance coverage before your appointment. If you're uninsured or have concerns about costs, discuss this with your provider's billing department; many offer payment plans or sliding fee scales.
When to Choose Telehealth vs. In-Person Care
Understanding which format suits different healthcare needs helps you make appropriate choices about how to access care.Consider telehealth for: follow-up appointments when your condition is stable, medication refills and management when no physical examination is needed, mental health therapy and counseling, discussing test results or treatment plans, minor illnesses where visual assessment and history are sufficient, chronic disease monitoring and management, nutrition counseling and lifestyle coaching, certain pediatric visits like sick visits for simple concerns, preventive care discussions and health education, and determining whether symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
Choose in-person visits for: new concerning symptoms requiring physical examination, situations where your provider needs to listen to your heart or lungs, conditions requiring procedures or hands-on treatment, comprehensive physical examinations, vaccinations and injections, situations where laboratory tests or imaging need to be ordered and reviewed immediately, emergencies or urgent concerns, times when you or your provider prefer face-to-face interaction, and evaluations where physical findings are crucial for diagnosis.
Seek immediate in-person care or call 911 for: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, sudden severe headache, confusion or altered mental status, high fever in infants under 3 months, or any symptom that feels like an emergency.
When uncertain about which format is appropriate, call your provider's office. Staff can help you determine whether telehealth meets your needs or whether an in-person visit is better. Starting with a telehealth visit often helps clarify whether further in-person evaluation is necessary.
What You Can Do Right Now
Taking action prepares you for successful telehealth appointments both now and in the future.
Test your technology by clicking through to your provider's telehealth platform if you have an upcoming appointment, or exploring the platform your provider uses. Verify that your device, camera, and microphone work properly. If you don't have an appointment scheduled, bookmark your provider's telehealth instructions for easy reference when needed.
Update your patient portal information including current medications, allergies, emergency contacts, and insurance details. Having accurate information on file streamlines virtual visits.
Create a "telehealth kit" with items you might need during virtual appointments: medication list, thermometer, blood pressure cuff if you have one, notepad and pen for taking notes during appointments, device charger, and your provider's office phone number saved in your phone.
Identify a good location in your home for telehealth appointments with adequate privacy, good lighting, strong internet connection, and minimal background noise. Knowing where you'll take calls eliminates last-minute scrambling.
Save your provider's telehealth links and instructions in an easily accessible place. Many people create a folder in their email or save links in their browser bookmarks.
Schedule any overdue appointments, whether you prefer telehealth or in-person format. Don't let discomfort with technology prevent you from accessing needed healthcare.
Moving Forward With Confidence
Telehealth has become an integral part of modern healthcare, offering convenience and access without compromising quality. By preparing thoughtfully (testing technology, organizing health information, creating an appropriate environment, and actively participating), you ensure your virtual visits are productive and efficient.
Remember that telehealth is simply a different way to connect with your trusted healthcare providers. The care, expertise, and partnership remain the same whether you're sitting in an exam room or joining from your living room. Your provider brings medical knowledge and clinical experience; you bring essential information about your symptoms, concerns, and lived experience with your health.
Like any skill, telehealth becomes easier with practice. Your first virtual visit might feel awkward or unfamiliar, but subsequent appointments will feel increasingly natural and comfortable. Many patients discover they prefer telehealth for certain types of appointments, appreciating the elimination of travel time, waiting rooms, and schedule disruption.
Don't hesitate to ask for help from your provider's office staff, lean on family or friends for technical support during your first appointments, or request accommodations if you have specific needs. Healthcare providers want telehealth to work well for you and are committed to making these visits successful.
Your health matters regardless of how you access care. Telehealth removes barriers that might otherwise prevent you from getting timely attention for health concerns. By embracing this tool and preparing effectively, you're taking an active role in maintaining your health and wellbeing.
Ready for your next telehealth visit? Schedule an appointment with your Nestwell Health provider and experience convenient, high-quality care from wherever you are.
References
American Medical Association. "AMA Quick Guide to Telemedicine in Practice." AMA-Assn.org. www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/telehealth
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Using Telehealth to Expand Access to Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic." CDC.gov. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/telehealth.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. "Telemedicine and Well-Child Care." Pediatrics Journal. AAP.org. www.aap.org
Health Resources and Services Administration. "Telehealth Programs: Best Practice Guidelines." HRSA.gov. www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/telehealth
American Telemedicine Association. "Telehealth Basics and Patient Resources." AmericanTelemed.org. www.americantelemed.org