If you’re thinking of trying virtual care, you may wonder how to prepare for your first telemedicine visit.
UPMC makes it convenient to use telemedicine services. Here’s how to prepare to meet with your doctor virtually instead of in person.
What Is Telemedicine?
A telemedicine visit, also called a video visit, is a virtual appointment with a health care provider.
Rather than meeting in an exam room, you and your provider connect using a computer, phone, or tablet. Through video, your provider can ask questions, assess your symptoms, and help determine the right care for you.
Telehealth vs. Telemedicine
Telehealth is a general term for a range of health-related services that happen remotely using technology. Telemedicine is one type of telehealth.
A good example of telemedicine is a video visit with your primary care provider (PCP).
Although telemedicine is technically a type of telehealth, it’s common to use these two terms interchangeably.
What Happens During a Telemedicine Visit?
Once your provider appears on screen, they’ll ask questions about what brings you “in” today — just as they would during an in person visit. They may also ask about your current symptoms, medical history, and any relevant family history.
You and your provider will work together to provide vital signs, using whatever home equipment you have. This includes a scale, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, or other wearable device.
To examine you, your provider might ask you to:
- Adjust your camera so they can get a closer look at a rash or certain part of your body, such as your throat if it’s sore.
- Feel, or palpate, the area on your body that hurts and describe how it feels.
- Perform simple movements to test your range of motion, such as stretching your arm or reaching for your toes.
- Show your current medications so they can review them with you.
How Long Does a Telemedicine Visit Take?
A video visit takes about the same amount of time as an office visit.
Your provider might run behind schedule, just as they might in office. If that happens, you may have to wait for a few minutes for them to join the video.
How to Prepare For Your Telemedicine Visit
There are a few simple steps you can take to make the most of your telemedicine visit.
First, choose the best room in your home for the visit. Pick a comfortable, quiet place to sit, such as a living room chair or sofa, an office chair, or even a kitchen chair.
Make sure the area is well lit. Consider moving a lamp near the chair or desk where you’ll be sitting. Avoid sitting in an area with a window directly behind you, because that can make it harder for your provider to see you.
Second, check your sound. Make sure your microphone works and that you can hear clearly. If you have headphones or earbuds, using them will give you the best sound quality.
Third, gather any monitoring equipment you have, such as:
- Blood pressure cuff.
- Pulse oximeter.
- Scale.
If you’ve been keeping track of readings at home such as blood pressure or weight, have those ready to share.
Finally, make a list of questions, concerns, or symptoms you want to discuss with your provider. This will help you make the most of your visit.
How to Schedule a Video Visit
Whether you’re new to UPMC or already have established care, you can schedule a video visit in a few ways:
- Current patients — Use your UPMC patient portal to schedule an appointment.
- New patients — Find and schedule care by visiting the UPMC provider directory.
24/7 Video Visits with UPMC AnywhereCare
If you need care right away and can’t get in to see your PCP, UPMC AnywhereCare offers 24/7 video visits for minor illnesses and injuries, including:
- Allergies.
- Cold and flu symptoms.
- Sinus infections.
- Tick bites.
- Yeast and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- And more.
All you need to start a UPMC AnywhereCare visit is a patient portal and a computer, phone, or tablet.
UPMC also offers walk-in care services if you’re dealing with sudden illness or injury. These clinics provide prompt medical care along with other services, such as physicals and vaccinations.