Many health appointments are now virtual, or telehealth, appointments. Telehealth appointments allow you to meet with your doctor or provider from your own home, or wherever you happen to be, either on a video call or an audio-only phone call. While telehealth appointments can be quite convenient, they require some extra preparation to make sure the appointment goes as smoothly as possible. Read more to learn how to prepare and what to expect during your appointment to make sure it is easy and stress-free.

Preparing for a telehealth appointment 

Before starting your telehealth appointment, review this checklist to make sure you have everything you need. 

• • The first thing you will need is a phone, tablet, or computer with a microphone. If your telehealth appointment is a video call, make sure your device has a camera. Make sure you charge your device ahead of time or keep it plugged in during the call.  
  • Second, you will need to make sure you have a reliable connection, whether that is through your phone service, internet service, or a stable wi-fi connection. Having a proper connection ensures that the call or video will be clear and not cut out or stop. 
  • Third, make sure you have a quiet, private space to take your call. If you are at home, this may mean being in a room alone or asking other residents to wear headphones while you are on your call. If you are in a public area, try to find a space where there is not a lot of noise and where you feel comfortable discussing potentially private details about your health. 
  • Next, it is always a good idea to have a pen and paper, or another way to take notes, handy. You will be ready to write down any important information your doctor or provider shares with you.  
  • Finally, make sure you know how to access the system that the appointment is on. This could just be a phone call, an app you already use to talk with family and friends, or a new app that you need to download. Your clinic will have more information. 

What to expect at your telehealth appointment 

After going through the checklist, you should be ready when your telehealth appointment time arrives. Here’s what will happen on the day of and during your appointment. 

• • Log on or sign in to your appointment early. Each telehealth appointment will require you to log in to a secure system, likely through a website. Some providers recommend 15 minutes early. This allows you to contact your clinic if you have trouble getting into your virtual appointment waiting room. 
  • During the appointment, you will talk to your provider just like you would during an in-person visit. They’ll give recommendations and let you know what to do next as well as answer your questions. 
  • It’s normal if you have technical issues. Let your provider know if you can’t see or hear them.

Telehealth appointments can be a convenient and easy way to meet with your doctor or provider. If you need additional support to prepare for a telehealth appointment, Link to Care WA hotline staff are available to help you Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at 866-757-1832. Please call for one-on-one support.