How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit
Now more than ever, it’s important to take charge of our own health and well-being. While that means prioritizing nutritious, healthful foods, proper rest, and regular exercise—we also need to ensure we’re making time for well visits with healthcare providers, and not putting off care if we feel sick.
If it is not comfortable, practical or convenient for you to schedule an in-office appointment, more doctors than ever before are conducting telehealth visits—allowing you to meet in a virtual setting, either face-to-face on a screen or via phone. It’s safe, simple, and most importantly, a critical tool in helping you take care of yourself.
“Regular healthcare visits can help identify serious health issues and prevent them before they begin,” said Mikhail Varshavski, DO, a board-certified family physician also known as “Doctor Mike” to his more than 9 million social media followers.
Don’t visit us only when you’re sick. DOs are your partners in prevention.
The new health care environment presents both challenges and opportunities for getting the care you need. Telehealth visits allow you to stay in conversation with your healthcare providers, without leaving home. Some advance preparation will ensure a successful visit each time.
3 Tips for Great Virtual Visits
To make the most of your virtual doctor’s visit, Doctor Mike shares these three tips:
- Prioritize your health: Preventative care is an important piece of your healthcare puzzle. Staying on top of your regular visits can help stave off illness or keep a previous diagnosis in check. Doctor Mike urges patients to stay on schedule, making appointments before health issues arise.
- Be honest: “As an osteopathic physician and a committed partner in your care, my goal is to help you achieve optimal health—but I can’t do it alone,” said Doctor Mike. “Every relationship, especially the doctor-patient one, requires communication, honesty, and dedication to be successful.”
- Come prepared: Before your appointment, take some time to get organized, listing your current medications and health history to help your doctor understand the big picture. “I love when my patients come fully engaged so that we can work together as a team,” said Doctor Mike.
In addition, it’s a good idea to be in a quiet place, free from disruptions; arrive early; and be clear about the technology platform or phone number the physician will use to contact you.
