Telehealth
Connect with us virtually
Life is busy; it's hard to fit in a trip to the doctor—we get it! We have telehealth options so you can still meet with your provider—virtually—for nonemergent medical issues.
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
Safe, secure and simple to use
Using your computer, tablet or mobile phone at home, work, or simply while you're out and about, you can connect with us anywhere you have internet access.
Our telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant with a fully encrypted connection, giving you the confidence that your healthcare information is protected.
How does it work?
Prior to your appointment, your provider will send you an invite via email or text message. No need to download software or create an account, and we offer two convenient options to choose from for your visit with your healthcare provider—either live chat or video conferencing.
When to use telehealth
Virtual office visits with your healthcare provider are available for standard clinical care, specialty follow-up care, therapy appointments, professional consultations and more, including:
- Annual wellness visit
- Medicare well-check and other general Medicare appointments and screenings
- Cancer care
- Chronic care
- Dermatology
- Diabetes care and management
- Medication management
- Mental and behavioral health
- Neurological care
- Orthopedic care
- Physical, occupational and speech therapies
- Prenatal care
- Primary care
- Sleep medicine
- Urology
Telehealth FAQs
Telehealth is a simple and easy way to meet with your medical provider for general medical care, without the hassle of leaving your home!
If you have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer, then you have everything you need. Your smartphone can function off of your cellular data; a tablet or computer will require access to the internet.
Yes, the video platform our providers use to meet with you for a telehealth visits is secure and HIPAA-compliant.
No, all you need is to log in to our telehealth appointment software at your scheduled time.
Yes, this is a regular appointment with your doctor. Your insurance considers this an appointment and bills the same as any other face-to-face visit that you have with your provider in the clinic.
Await a text message or email link the day of your appointment inviting you to join your provider for a secure video meeting. Five minutes before your appointment time, click on the link, type in your name to "check in" and then you will be prompted to enable access to your camera. This will place you in a virtual waiting room so that your nurse and provider can connect with you as soon as they are available.
Await an email link the day of your appointment inviting you to join your provider for a secure video meeting. Five minutes before your appointment time, click on the link, type in your name to "check in" and then you will be prompted to enable access to your camera. This will place you in a virtual waiting room so that your nurse and provider can connect with you as soon as they are available.
You will need to have one of the following browsers available on your computer: Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
Await an email link the day of your appointment inviting you to join your provider for a secure video meeting. Five minutes before your appointment time, click on the link, type in your name to "check in" and then you will be prompted to enable access to your camera. This will place you in a virtual waiting room so that your nurse and provider can connect with you as soon as they are available.
How to schedule
- Call you healthcare provider's office and to make sure a telehealth appointment is right for your next visit or medical concern
- Email your provider's office to ask about telehealth options via our MyHealth patient portal.
- If you don't have a MyHealth patient portal account, sign up for one today.