We offer two types of telehealth visit options for our patients who are looking for a safe, quick, and convenient alternative to an in-person visit. Patients can talk with their clinician over the phone for a telephonic visit, or they can see each other over video in a televideo visit. To have a televideo visit, all you’ll need is a smartphone, computer or tablet with an internet connection, camera, and microphone.
On this page:
- Getting Comfortable with Telehealth
- Preparing for Your Virtual Visit
- Permission for Telehealth Visits
Getting Comfortable with Telehealth
If you’ve never had a health care visit that wasn’t in-person, it might be hard to picture what the visit will be like. A video visit is the closest option to an in-person visit. And the goal is to make the telehealth visit as much like an in-person visit as possible.
Preparing for Your Virtual Visit
If you’re using video to talk with a doctor, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to help the visit run smoothly.
- Choose a spot with plenty of light. If you’re using the camera on your phone, try turning on the flash if necessary.
- Make sure the camera is steady. This will be easier if you’re using a computer or laptop. To keep a phone steady, prop it up on a desk or table.
- Get comfortable. You’ll have an easier time focusing on the visit if your body is comfortable. This is another reason to prop up your phone — your arm will get pretty tired if you’re trying to hold the phone out in front of you the whole time!
- Wear loose clothing. If you’ll need to show the doctor something on your skin or a specific part of your body, wear something that’ll be easy to move so that the doctor can see clearly.
- Reduce background noise. This can be tricky when there are a lot of people in the house! But if you can, find a quiet activity for the kids — or your roommates — in a separate room.
- Close other applications. Some applications will slow down your internet connection. And even if they don’t, closing them will cut down on distractions.
Permission for Telehealth Visits
Before you can start your telehealth visit, you must read the Permission for Telehealth Visits form and agree to its terms. A visit coordinator or call center representative will record your consent in your medical record before the start of your visit.
You can view the form here: Permission for Telehealth Visits / Permiso para consultas de telesalud
