How to prepare for a virtual doctor’s appointment

 Article written by Francis Dunn, Miami, FL

Virtual doctor’s appointments are the most cost-effective, safe, and time-efficient way of meeting a doctor. Scheduling an appointment is easy with applications that allow you to upload your medical data, meet your doctor in real-time followed by a doctor-approved prescription for medication at the end of your session. But if you are new to virtual appointments you may be wondering how you should prepare. Here are some simple steps that will help you get the most from your virtual appointment:

1.       Download the App – Most reputed virtual medical applications are user-friendly and will guild you through the process of creating your account.

2.       Pre-visit questionnaire – Before you book your appointment, you will have to fill a pre-visit questionnaire that will help your doctor understand your concerns.

3.       Make time and prepare– Make time for your appointment and be ready at least 15-minutes before your scheduled time. Keep your current medications nearby with your most up-to-date medical reports.

4.       Keep your device on a leveled surface – Place your phone, tablet, or computer on a table so that your doctor has a clear view of your face and chest. It is best to stay upright as you would at a regular in-person visit.

5.       Well-lit room – Your room should be well-lit with the light source above or to the side of you. Avoid positions where the light is behind you as it will darken your profile. Make sure your shades are open to allow as much natural light.

6.       A quiet room – Avoid a room with a lot of background noise and make arrangements for your child/pet to be taken care of during your appointment.

7.       Keep a pen and paper handy – To make the most of the information you receive, keep a pen and paper handy and take notes while asking for clarification when necessary. It is helpful to have a flashlight on-hand so that you can spotlight areas on your body where you may have health concerns. You could also take a picture of the affected area and upload it to the chat section of the app.

8.       Audio delays – As there are audio delays on all virtual calls, focus on using short sentences and allow for pauses to maintain the flow of conversation.

Francis Dunn is from Miami Florida. He works as a data engineer and clinical analyst in the biotech industry. For the past 25 years he has focused on improving the world of healthcare using disruptive technologies. At DMDconnects, Francis Dunn discovered new ways to create revenue streams while managing enterprise clients. He was able to triple the size of client service teams while keeping the sales force motivated to win.