Telemedicine visits have become a vital part of how healthcare is provided, especially during the pandemic when many patients were unable to attend physical doctor's appointments. If you have lupus or another autoimmune disorder, you may be extra cautious about your health because you are at high risk of severe disease if you develop COVID. Telemedicine visits are a great way to meet with your doctor without having to leave the comfort of your home, especially if you are meeting with your doctor for a follow-up or something minor. While telemedicine appointments are extremely beneficial, you may have some questions about how they work or how you should prepare for your upcoming appointment. We've got you covered with everything you'll need before and during your telemedicine appointment.
Setting up for your appointment
Before you even schedule your telemedicine appointment, it is a good idea to check with your insurance to make sure you are covered for telemedicine appointments. Many insurance companies have recently agreed to cover these appointments, however, it is still wise to be sure.
Another thing that is essential to a successful appointment is having the proper equipment. Do you have the necessary technology needed to participate in an appointment (laptop/desktop, tablet, or smartphone)?
The directions for setting up your appointment depend on the type of device you are using. A day before your appointment, try a test run to make sure everything is running smoothly.
You can also check with your physician’s office to find out if you need to contact their IT (Information Technology) specialists ahead of time.
If you need additional help, ask your physician’s office for a “helpline” phone number if one is available.
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Getting the most out of your appointment
Now that you know exactly how to log into your appointment when it's time, don't forget to go the extra mile to ensure that you get the most out of your appointment.
How is your Wi-Fi? Do you have good sound and lighting? Try to find a place in your home where you can be comfortable speaking out loud and the internet connection is good.
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Make sure there are no visual or sound distractions in the background that would make it hard for you and your provider to focus. You may want to wear headphones or earbuds to optimize sound quality.
It’s important to make sure that you have proper lighting so the doctor can see you clearly – the light source should be in front of you.
If you live with people, you may want to ask them to avoid going on the internet so your Wi-Fi connection is as good as possible. Consider closing any other programs or applications so your Wi-Fi isn’t over-taxed.
Last, but not least, make sure the device you are speaking on is fully charged before you start. Test out the audio and video before you get on. Be aware that you may need to “turn on” the audio and video after you are connected and in the meeting by clicking on icons, depending on the system and setup.
How to effectively communicate with your doctor
Now you're all set up and ready to go, but the real question is how do you effectively communicate what you are experiencing so that you can get the proper care if you aren't physically in the office?
One way you can do this is by taking pictures of any visible symptoms you are experiencing so you can show your doctor. In most cases, these can be uploaded through the patient portal you use to communicate with your physician. If you are experiencing rashes as a result of your lupus, this is a good idea because rashes are often more easily seen in photos than “live” during the video appointment, The Lupus Research Alliance notes.
Another way to effectively communicate what is going on with you is to write down all your questions /concerns in advance so you can get them answered during the appointment.
If you are having trouble easing into the idea of a virtual appointment, try treating it the same way you would if you were physically in your doctor's office.
Sit down and remain seated. Try to block out distractions and don’t try to do two things at once like washing the dishes or wiping down groceries.
Remember to make “eye contact” with your healthcare provider’s face. Talk directly to him or her. This is important even if you aren't actually face-to-face.
It may also be helpful to have a close friend or family member sit in with you to listen and take notes during your appointment so that you don't miss any vital information.
After your appointment, your doctor may want you to come into the office at a later date for lab tests, checking vitals, etc.
We hope these tips help you make the most of your time with your healthcare provider during your telemedicine appointment.
