Oswego Health provides virtual visits! We hope this eases our community's mind and helps with social distancing too. You now can see your physician in the comfort of your home and not worry about missing your appointment.
What to expect from a virtual visit
A virtual visit is much like an office visit. You'll have an appointment time to check in, by way of a mobile device or computer. When the provider is ready to see you, you'll be connected through a video link. The provider will have your chart in front of them.
Your provider might have you take your temperature. They might also talk you through taking your pulse. Your provider will ask you about your symptoms.
You can help your visit go more smoothly by following these steps:
- Use a good webcam. Your computer probably came with one and most smartphones have one.
- Set the camera at eye level.
- Make sure your volume is turned on.
- Try out your microphone before the visit.
- Use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi, if possible.
- Close other computer programs you won't need during the visit.
- Find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted.
- Have your provider's phone number with you in case your connection goes down.
Contact your physician today to see if a virtual visit is a possibility.
Reviewed 10/14/2022
Telehealth: Tips for a great video visit
Telehealth is a convenient way to visit with your doctor from home using your smartphone or computer.
If you haven't tried a video visit with your doctor yet, here are some tips to help you have a successful first appointment.
CHOOSE YOUR DEVICE
You can use a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer for your visit. You may need to download an app for your smartphone or software for your computer. Ask what programs you'll need when you call to make the appointment.
Also ask for a contact number you can call in case there's a problem during your video visit. That way you can continue your visit over the phone, if necessary.
CHOOSE A QUIET, WELL-LIGHTED SPACE FOR YOUR VISIT
Find a private area in your house to visit with your doctor. Look for a place free of distractions and interruptions. Light should be coming from overhead or in front of you. You want to avoid glare from light behind you.
PREPARE PAPERWORK AHEAD OF TIME
Your doctor may send forms over for you to complete before the visit. They may ask for things such as:
- Your medical history.
- What medications you take.
- Your pharmacy phone number.
- Insurance information.
TAKE ANY VITAL SIGNS YOU CAN
Your doctor's office can tell you what information they need. They may ask for things like your weight, temperature and blood pressure (if you have a home monitor).
FIND OUT ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE
Check with your insurance provider to make sure you understand potential costs, including co-pays, ahead of the visit.
WRITE DOWN QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR VISIT
You may be distracted by the new technology and not remember everything you wanted to ask your doctor. So write down your questions beforehand.
TEST YOUR CAMERA AND AUDIO SETTINGS
Set your camera at eye-level. Be sure your microphone is turned on and working and that your volume level is up so you can hear. Use headphones or earbuds to ensure that you hear clearly and have the privacy you need. You may also want to try having a video chat with a family member or friend a few days before your appointment to test your equipment.
PLUG IN IF POSSIBLE
If you're using a smartphone for the visit, make sure there's a strong Wi-Fi or mobile signal where you'll be sitting. If you're using a computer, consider plugging directly into the internet instead of using Wi-Fi.
Either have your device plugged in or choose a spot near a power source to ensure that you don't run out of battery in the middle of the visit.
CLOSE ALL OTHER PROGRAMS
Having unnecessary programs running on your device can lower the quality of your video chat.
TAKE OUR TELEHEALTH QUIZ
Virtual visits can be useful for a number of health concerns. Test your knowledge and find out how much you know!
Sources: AARP; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Heart Association
Sources
- AARP. "How to Connect With Your Doctor Virtually." https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/connecting-virtual-doctor-visits.html.
- AARP. "How to Get Started With Telemedicine." https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/get-started-with-telemedicine.html.
- American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology. "10 Tips to Help You Master Your Telemedicine Visit: A Patient Guide." https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/10-tips-telemedicine.
- American Academy of Family Physicians. "Telemedicine." https://familydoctor.org/telemedicine/.
- American Heart Association. "COVID-19: Telehealth Tips for Heart Valve Patients." https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/heart-valve-disease/telehealth-tips-for-heart-valve-patients.pdf?la=en.
- American Telemedicine Association. "Telehealth: Defining 21st Century Care." https://www.americantelemed.org/resource/why-telemedicine/.
- eVisit. "Telemedicine Visit: Technical Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Visit." https://evisit.com/resources/technical-tips-for-a-successful-telemedicine-visit.
- Federal Communications Commission. "Telehealth, Telemedicine, and Telecare: What's What?" https://www.fcc.gov/general/telehealth-telemedicine-and-telecare-whats-what.