Virtual consultation is an emerging trend in Australia that has completely changed how we access healthcare. Australian government agencies have made multiple rules and regulations to make online doctor’s appointments safe and easier for their people to talk to a licensed general physician without spending time and money travelling to a doctor’s clinic for even minor issues.
Besides, online consultation has various benefits and comforts, but people usually get confused before their first experience and make mistakes. To prevent these mistakes and get full benefit from their online doctor meeting, they need to prepare before. But what preparations should one make before an online consultation? In this piece of writing, we will learn about the preparation that will make your first virtual session the best one.
1. Get Your Technology Ready for a Smooth Experience
The first and most important thing for virtual consultation is an internet connection, a good device, and familiarity with the platform. This will avoid interruption and ensure a good experience.
Check Your Internet Connection
Test your wifi connection before the session for a good and uninterrupted healthcare online consultation. A wired connection is preferred as this provides continuity. But if you have a wifi connection instead of a wired one, you can make it more useful by sitting near the router. Moreover, try to minimise other internet activities on the same connection, like heavy downloads that can interrupt your session.
Test Your Device
Your device must be in good working condition for an elevated experience of online doctor’s discussion. To check your device, the best way is to call your sibling or friend to make sure the camera, speaker, and microphone are working well and both the participants can hear each other. Also, choose the device with which you usually make video calls that will make you more confident during the session.
Familiarity with the Platform
Download the app your healthcare provider suggests and practice it to become familiar with it. You should know about each required button, including which button to use on and off the camera, mute or unmute yourself, and login and log-out methods. You can get help from your friends, online tutorials, FAQs section, or the app’s customer support team.
2. Set Up the Perfect Space for Your Session
After a stable internet connection and a good device, a peaceful environment helps you to tell your doctor about your condition and listen to his advice carefully.
Find a Calm and Private Location
Select a place where you can find complete silence and consult your doctor. That place must also be private so that you can talk confidently about your private health information.
Optimise Lighting and Camera Angle
Choose a room that has a source of natural light, like big windows or other openings. Once you have a good light, now set your camera. Your camera must be at the equal level of your face, and your face must be in the middle of your screen. Your devices must be in a fixed position because a stable angle creates a better connection with your doctor.
Minimise Distractions
Turn off any apps or devices that could interrupt your session. Keep the TV, music, or other background noise off to stay focused.
3. Gather Essential Information Before Your Consultation
In a doctor’s appointment, you do not have a complete hour to discuss your symptoms and problems. That’s why being organised and having all your conditions written helps you share everything in less time.
Write Down Your Medical History
Prepare a summary of your health history, including past surgeries, allergies, and current medications. If you have recent test results, keep them nearby to share with your doctor.
List Your Symptoms
Most of the time people are confused during their first session and forget to tell about some of their symptoms that can affect their medical diagnosis and then prescription. To avoid this, make a list of all your symptoms, conditions, and what things affect them. Include any remedies or over-the-counter medicines you have tried.
Have Medical Devices Ready
If you have tools like a thermometer, blood pressure monitor, or glucometer, keep them nearby. Your doctor may ask for these readings during the appointment.
4. Be Financially Prepared
Understanding the financial aspects of your consultation beforehand can save you unnecessary stress.
Verify Costs and Coverage
Contact your healthcare provider or insurance company to check the consultation cost. Ask if telehealth visits are covered and if there are co-pays. Having all the information about the cost will help you make an appointment.
Understand Healthcare Policies
Some healthcare systems require that licensed practitioners conduct consultations. Verify that your doctor meets these criteria to avoid complications.
5. Stay Calm and Confident Throughout the Visit
If you stay calm and confident during your meeting, you can make your virtual doctor meeting more beneficial. Being prepared makes you confident and elevates your experience.
Take Your Time
You should remember that you have taken a specific time from the doctor, which is your time. Do not be in a hurry, and talk calmly. Consume the time properly and discuss every small thing that is in your mind.
Have Patience
Despite checking all the devices and internet connection, technical errors can happen. In such a situation, be patient and have a backup plan. For example, you should keep your phone near you if you have to switch to an audio call.
6. Follow-Up and Feedback
Just having a successful online meeting is not enough. There are some steps you should follow after your consultation to make it more effective.
Request a Summary
After the virtual consultation, ask for a summary that contains the diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up steps. It helps you stay organised and follow your healthcare plan.
Provide Feedback
You should give the telehealth service and your doctor feedback and tell them their positive points and shortcomings. It will help them to improve their services.
7. Tips for a Successful Consultation
After learning all the important information about preparing for your first virtual consultation, here are the top tips that will make your experience better.
Log In Early
Sign in 10-15 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to handle any technical issues and ensures you are ready when the session begins.
Take Notes
Keep a notebook or use an app to note treatment plans and recommendations. Also, confirm where your e-prescription will be sent to avoid confusion later.
Ask Questions
Write down any questions before the appointment, and do not hesitate to ask them. At the end of the meeting, you should have all points cleared.
Wrap Up
Virtual consultation has introduced new and more comfortable ways to get healthcare services. However, you just need a little preparation before your session to make your online meeting smoother and hassle-free.
Following the steps in the blog will make you more confident that it will positively affect your online meeting. Moreover, preparing before a virtual meeting also helps your general physician to know your condition in a better way and helps you to take care of your health.
