Get the Most Out of Your Video Visit
12 tips to making your telemedicine appointment a success
12 tips to making your telemedicine appointment a success
During the COVID-19 crisis, many of your health care needs can be met through a Video Visit with your Scripps provider, from wellness visits to follow-up care.
Scripps HealthExpress also offers telemedicine visits for minor illnesses and injuries seven days a week. Video Visits with HealthExpress can be scheduled online through MyScripps or can be conducted “on demand.” Video Visits with primary care doctors and specialist must be scheduled directly with the physician’s office.
Whether this is your first time having a medical appointment by video or you’re a veteran, here are some tips to help ensure your visit goes smoothly. Provided by David Wetherhold, MD, an internal medicine physician and chief medical information officer at Scripps Health, follow our tips for a successful video visitation:
1. Check Wi-Fi
Call from a quiet place that has good phone and Wi-Fi service. Remember to turn off background noise from the television or radio.
2. Find a private place
Set up in a private area, so you can discuss personal medical information.
3. Prepare your questions
Write down questions you have in advance for your provider before the video visitation.
4. Get good light
Make sure there is plenty of light. Face a window or light if possible. You want to avoid sitting with your back in front of a window or other bright light as this will make it difficult for the provider to see you.
5. Hold your device horizontally
If using a mobile device, orient your phone or tablet horizontally and not vertically.
6. Provide good view of yourself
Your provider wants to see you! Make sure your face and upper body are in the video and not just the top of your head.
7. Consider getting camera help
You may be asked to move the camera to assist in evaluating a problem. Consider if you will want help in holding the camera if you are asked to perform physical exam maneuvers.
8. Test your device
Log in to your online patient portal and test your device before the visit to troubleshoot any technical issues. Ensure that you are not on mute and that the microphone and camera on your device are enabled. At Scripps, the online patient portal is MyScripps.
9. Check in early
Start your visit check-in process at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
10. Silence your phone
If you are using your mobile phone, don’t be on a phone call when the visit begins.
11. Tap to hear better
If you can’t hear the audio, tap the screen and then press the microphone button twice.
12. Be ready to take notes
Have pen and paper to write down information.
Schedule a Video Visit
Call your doctor to see if a Video Visit is right for you. If you are experiencing a life-threatening condition, such as chest pain or a broken bone, always go to the emergency room or call 911.
- Health and Wellness
- Family Medicine
- Coronavirus