Telehealth has transformed from a niche convenience into a healthcare mainstay. 80% of consumers have used telemedicine at least once, and as of early 2024, 54% of Americans have engaged in telehealth, with 38% using it for medical/mental health needs. Whether you're a first-time user or looking to optimize your virtual visits, understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference in the quality of care you receive.

What Is Telehealth and Why Does It Matter?

Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services remotely using digital technologies. While often used interchangeably with telemedicine, telehealth is actually a broader term that encompasses all remote health services, while telemedicine specifically refers to remote clinical services like virtual doctor visits.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption dramatically. The US showed a 154% increase in telehealth usage in the first quarter of the year 2020, and the use of telehealth has increased 38 times since before the pandemic. But this isn't just a temporary trend—80% of physicians plan to continue utilizing telehealth services, cementing its place in modern healthcare.

The Benefits of Telehealth Consultations

Virtual healthcare visits offer numerous advantages that make them an attractive option for patients and providers alike:
Time Savings: Telehealth eliminates the traveling time, and waiting time by 31%. No more sitting in waiting rooms or fighting traffic to make your appointment on time.

Increased Access: For rural communities, telehealth is a game-changer. 73% of people who live in rural areas use telemedicine, bringing specialized care to areas that traditionally lack healthcare resources.

High Satisfaction: Approximately 83% of patients expressing contentment with the telehealth experience, with many appreciating the convenience and quality of care received.
Cost-Effectiveness: Telemedicine has also been associated with a 67% reduction in emergency department visits, highlighting its effectiveness in managing health conditions and reducing unnecessary healthcare utilization.

What To Expect During Your Telehealth Visit

Understanding the flow of a virtual appointment can help ease any anxiety about the process.

Before the Appointment

You'll want to log in about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Being early will help sort out any technical difficulties. Most healthcare providers will send you appointment reminders via email or text with login instructions.

During the Appointment

After joining the virtual waiting room, your provider will invite you to start the video visit when they're ready. Just like an in-person visit, you can discuss your healthcare concerns, symptoms, and any questions you have with your provider.

The structure mirrors traditional office visits, typically including:

Provider introductions and identity verification
Review of your medical history
Discussion of current symptoms or concerns
Visual examination (if applicable)
Treatment recommendations

After the Appointment

As your visit draws to a close, your provider will explain any next steps—prescriptions, additional testing, or follow-up appointments. Many telehealth platforms allow providers to send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy electronically.

How To Prepare For Your Telehealth Consultation

Proper preparation ensures you get the most value from your virtual visit.

1. Set Up Your Technology

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. Test your device's camera, microphone, and speakers in advance.
Choose a quiet place with good access to the internet. Make sure you are comfortable and can talk openly.

2. Optimize Your Environment

Find a quiet, private space with good lighting. Position yourself so that the main light source is in front, lighting up your face. Set your camera at eye level. This will make it easier for the doctor to see and engage with you.
Keep your device stable. Put your computer on a desk or table or use something to hold up your phone or tablet. Sit so your face is in the middle of the screen and the camera is at the same height as your eyes.

3. Prepare Your Medical Information

To make the most of your visit, be prepared by writing down your symptoms and questions before the call. Have the following

information ready:

List of current medications (or the actual bottles)
Relevant medical history
Insurance information
Names and contact information of other healthcare providers
Recent test results or medical records (if applicable)

If the appointment is related to urgent symptoms—for example, you're feeling feverish or experiencing signs of the flu—take your temperature a few minutes beforehand. And be prepared to tell the provider how long it's been since you last ate or had a drink of water. If you have devices at home like a blood pressure cuff or a pulse oximeter, go ahead and take those readings ahead of your appointment so you can share the results with the provider.

4. Document Your Concerns

Before your appointment, make a list of the questions you have for the doctor along with any issues you want to talk about. It's easy to forget or get sidetracked during a virtual visit, so have your questions ready beforehand and write down any symptoms you're experiencing.

5. Minimize Distractions

Shut down other things on your computer or device. This can make your internet faster and you won't get distracted. Turn off the TV or radio, and let family members know you need privacy during your appointment.

Common Telehealth Use Cases

Telehealth works well for many types of healthcare needs. 61% of patients prefer to use telemedicine for prescription management and to receive care for minor illnesses (51%).

Virtual visits are particularly effective for:

Follow-up appointments after procedures or hospitalizations
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or mental health disorders
Minor illnesses and infections
Prescription refills
Mental health counseling and therapy
Routine check-ins with your primary care provider

However, some situations require in-person care, such as procedures requiring blood draws, X-rays, biopsies, or physical examinations that cannot be conducted remotely.

Addressing Privacy and Security Concerns

All information you share during your appointment falls under HIPAA laws and will be kept confidential. Reputable telehealth platforms use encrypted, secure connections to protect your health information.

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.

The Future of Telehealth

The telehealth industry continues to grow at an impressive rate. The global telemedicine market size is expected to be worth around USD 590.9 Bn by 2032. The global telemedicine market is growing at a CAGR of 25.7% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are enhancing telehealth capabilities, making virtual care even more comprehensive and effective. Integration with wearable health monitors and remote patient monitoring devices allows providers to track vital signs and health data in real-time, enabling proactive care management.

Tips for a Successful Telehealth Experience

To maximize the benefit of your virtual healthcare visit: Test your technology early – Don't wait until appointment time to discover technical issues Choose a private, well-lit space – Good lighting and privacy enhance communication Have your information ready – Medical history, medications, and questions should be at hand Be on time – Log in 15 minutes early to handle any last-minute issues Treat it like an in-person visit – Dress appropriately and give your full attention Take notes – Write down important information during the visit Ask for clarification – If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask your provider to explain Follow up – Complete any recommended tests, pick up prescriptions, and schedule follow-up appointments as needed

Conclusion

Telehealth consultations have become an integral part of modern healthcare, offering convenience, accessibility, and quality care from the comfort of your home. With proper preparation and the right technology setup, virtual visits can be just as effective as traditional in-person appointments for many healthcare needs.
As healthcare continues to evolve, telehealth will likely play an even more significant role in how we access medical care. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can take full advantage of this convenient healthcare option and ensure you receive the best possible care—no matter where you are.

References

Market.us. (2025). Telemedicine Statistics and Facts. https://media.market.us/telemedicine-statistics/

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). The State of Telehealth Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9035352/

Health Resources and Services Administration. (n.d.). What should I know before my telehealth visit? https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/what-should-i-know-before-my-telehealth-visit

Mastermindbehavior.com. (2024). Telehealth Statistics. https://www.mastermindbehavior.com/post/telehealth-statistics

Doximity. (2024). State of Telemedicine Report. https://www.doximity.com/reports/state-of-telemedicine-report/2024

Telehealth Consultations: What To Expect And How To Prepare