Can I Book an Online Doctor Appointment? Your Questions Answered
In this article, we take you through the procedure for getting a virtual doctor appointment and what to expect, and give you tips on how to prepare for the consultation. Let’s get you started.
What is an Online Doctor Appointment and How is it Different from the Conventional In-Person Consultation?
It is a virtual consultation that uses remote video conferencing software like Zoom or Skype to connect both the physician and the patient. The physician isn’t able to physically examine the patient and cannot administer medicine. As such, the physician relies on photos sent by the patient, information given beforehand, answers that the patient gives on questions during the consultation, and the patient’s help to get a physical view of the condition.
The consultation takes place in a room where the patient has privacy, much like that of the physician’s room. The physician can still prescribe medicine, recommend a treatment plan, and schedule a follow-up in-person consultation.
With the conventional consultation, the patient goes to the medical practitioner’s rooms where the physician asks questions, uses information that the patient provides, and performs a physical examination. Where needed, tests are conducted to gain further insight into the cause of the condition and the severity level of it.
Because there are limitations to what the medical professional can do during the online consultation, it’s imperative that the patient schedules an in-person follow-up visit as soon as possible to confirm diagnosis or to determine the progress after having followed the treatment plan.
How to Make a Virtual Doctor Appointment
You can use the find facility at Intercare to locate the specific physician with whom you want to schedule the virtual consultation. Use the “Book Now” option in the Virtual section to make the doctor appointment. As an alternative, call to schedule the consultation.
What Makes the Intercare Virtual Consultation Different?
You can schedule the follow-up in-person visit with the same physician with whom you had a virtual consultation. The physician already has all the information at hand, and you have a doctor-patient relationship, meaning you don’t have to explain what has been done, why you had the virtual consultation, and what treatment was prescribed. It saves time and ensures optimal quality in care.
How to Prepare the Technical Aspects for the Online Doctor Appointment Before the Consultation
Here’s a basic summary of what to do to get ready before the consultation:
• Find a room in your home that’s quiet and private where you will not experience interruptions.
• Make sure the light is bright enough for the physical examination and there is no direct sunlight or artificial light shining on the camera lens.
• Choose the correct browser for the consultation – Google Chrome works best for Android, MacOS, and Windows while Apple Safari is best for your iPad or iPhone.
• Connect the computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone to a power point before the consultation.
• Set the communication device on a stand or a stable surface with the camera at eye level to ensure the physician has a clear and stable view.
• Perform a sound quality check before the consultation.
• Set a reminder on your device regarding the consultation.
• Connect and log in at the meeting room at least five minutes before the consultation, giving you time to make sure the microphone and video selections are on.
• Have the physician’s consultation room number at hand for in case there is a technical issue or interruption, and you have to continue the consultation over the phone.
• Dress the same way you would have done if you had to physically visit the medical practitioner’s consultation rooms.
Other than the technical aspects, get the following ready for the medical aspects of the online doctor appointment:
• List the medical issues for which you schedule the virtual consultation to ensure the time is best used and you don’t forget something.
• If it is possible for you to track your blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate at home, do so and have the information at hand to give to the physician.
• Make a list of the symptoms that you have experienced and still experience.
• Note the order in which the symptoms have become apparent.
• Note if the condition has become worse and over what period.
• Keep the medication you currently take and have taken for the condition at hand as you might have to give information about the medicine.
• Take photos of the condition as relevant and have these ready to share with the physician.
What to During the Online Doctor Appointment
It is still a physician visit, and the only difference is where it is and how the consultation is delivered. To this end, look into the phone or computer’s camera and sit close to the screen for optimal visibility and best sound. Due to bandwidth or latency issues, you might experience a slight delay between the person speaking and the sound reaching you. This can be the case for the physician as well. To prevent you both from speaking at the same time, wait a few seconds after the physician has spoken to answer, as well as wait a few seconds after you have finished a sentence before you speak again.
Have the information at hand regarding the medical condition, medication taken for it, or steps taken in treating the injury. Also be sure to ask the physician to repeat a sentence if you need clarity and to explain in more detail where needed. Ask the physician about lab tests that you might have to get done, whether you will need a follow-up online doctor appointment, and when and what you need to prepare. Also ask if you have to schedule an in-person visit and if any special precautions must be taken prior to visiting the doctor’s rooms.
How to Prepare for the Virtual Doctor Appointment if the Consultation is for a Physical Injury
In this instance, contact the medical practice if you are concerned about the severity and treatment. The medical professional will be able to decide on the best course of action. For an online consultation, it’s best to take photos to share and to schedule an in-person consultation as soon as possible. The physician will also recommend the best course of treatment and whether you need to visit the emergency room for the injury.
If you experience any of the symptoms or conditions below, it will be best to book a face-to-face consultation:
• Lumps in your breast
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness, pain, or swelling in your eye after a surgery
• Any type of menstrual abnormalities
• Coughing up blood
• Chest or excessive abdominal pains
• Blood in your urine or stool
• The onset of seizures
• Confusion
What to Do Next
View the Virtual Consultations FAQs for answers on any questions not covered here. Use the “Book Now” function to schedule the doctor appointment.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical care advice. As such, do not rely on the information herein to make a decision regarding your health. Please consult with an Intercare medical professional for any dental or health-related conditions.