How to Prepare for Your First Telemedicine Visit
Key Takeaways
- If you’re not sure if your needs fit a telehealth visit, contact your provider’s office. Virtual medicine tools can treat and diagnose more than people typically think.
- Your doctor needs to hear and see you clearly, so test your video and audio before joining the appointment.
- It’s still a doctor’s visit, even if you’re not at the office. Be prepared to move closer to your screen or demonstrate a range of motion if your symptoms require more than a conversation to reach a diagnosis.
FAQs
Are telemedicine and telehealth the same thing?
Telemedicine and telehealth are not the same, but technically telemedicine is a telehealth subset. Telehealth also includes non-clinical uses of telecommunications technology such as self-monitoring, provider and patient education, and medical records management. Telehealth is an effective way to monitor and engage your health goals between doctor visits.
Is the quality of a virtual visit the same as an in-person visit?
Telemedicine is a handy resource for delivering the same quality of care as an in-person visit. Research and outcomes support the quality of telemedicine.
Is telemedicine private and secure?
Yes, but you should never participate in an appointment on consumer apps like Facebook or a platform you don’t trust. Your provider should hold virtual meetings using an encrypted platform designed for security. If you plan to see a new doctor virtually, you can ask what platform they use and research its security levels. Nearly all providers use some form of encrypted platform to provide the highest levels of privacy and security.