How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Exam

Your first telemedicine appointment is coming up. You’re excited about the convenience of seeing your doctor from home, but a little nervous about what to expect. 

At East Side Primary Medical Care on the Upper East Side of New York City, our primary care provider, Dr. Daniel Klein, has been seeing patients virtually for several years, but understands the concerns of first timers.

In this month’s blog post, we tell you how to prepare for your telemedicine exam so you get the most out of your appointment.

Setting up your space

Seeing your doctor from the comfort of your home has its perks. It saves money and time since there’s no need to travel to the doctor’s office. However, is your home ready for a virtual visit?

For a quality telemedicine exam, we need to see and hear you. This means you need an electronic device for video calls, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. You also need access to the internet.

Once you have your form of communication squared away, you need to find a private room. A benefit of telemedicine is the added level of privacy, since no one sees you going into the doctor’s office. To maintain your privacy, choose a space that allows you to speak openly and honestly with your doctor without fear of someone listening. 

And, choose a room that’s well lit so we can see you. 

Preparing for the exam

Before your exam, we may have you complete a questionnaire that asks about your symptoms and concerns so we know the reason for the visit. At the start of your virtual visit, we review your medical history and ask about medication, so get this information together so you have all the information in one location.

Writing down all your questions and concerns is also recommended when preparing for your telemedicine exam. 

During your visit

Right before your visit, we send a link that gives you access to our private telemedicine online meeting room. We recommend logging in about 15 minutes before your appointment time. Checking in early gives you a chance to test the video and microphone on your device to make sure they’re in good working order for your visit.

When Dr. Klein joins the telemedicine appointment, he asks specific questions so he can fully understand your concerns and provide the right recommendations. Listen to his questions and answer as you would during an in-person visit. Providing clear and accurate information improves Dr. Klein’s assessment and treatment plan.

You also want to review the notes you jotted down when preparing for your telemedicine appointment and ask those questions.

After gathering all the necessary information, Dr. Klein shares his findings with you and makes appropriate recommendations. Depending on the reason for your appointment, he may prescribe or refill medication, electronically sending the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. He may also email educational materials and instructions.

What happens next 

Dr. Klein explains the next steps at the end of your telemedicine exam. He may schedule a follow-up telemedicine appointment to monitor your health and treatment plan or suggest you reschedule an appointment as needed.

In some cases, we may need you to come to the office for an in-person visit if we need additional data to make a concrete diagnosis. At that visit, we may need to perform additional tests or a physical exam.

Virtual visits are a great tool for patients and doctors, improving connections and care. Preparing for your telemedicine exam can improve your experience.

We’re a primary care practice specializing in preventive healthcare. We manage general health needs, as well as unexpected illnesses and chronic health conditions like diabetes. We also provide concierge primary care for patients who need more frequent appointments for health management.

Call us at 680-206-2794 today or book an appointment online.