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.
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