What to expect at your first online doctor’s appointment

If it’s your first time seeing a doctor online rather than face-to-face, here are a few things you can do to prepare and what to expect.

By Paula Kehoe

Let’s say you’re at home feeling nauseous and you’re not sure what’s wrong. The last thing you feel like doing is going to your doctor’s office. Would you consider telemedicine? About 69% of Canadians would consider a virtual visit for at least a few of their appointments with doctors, according to a 2018 survey by the Canadian Medical Association.

With social distancing rules in place, virtual care is becoming the norm. Whether you need a medical consult with a doctor, or physiotherapy for an injury, you can get the care you need virtually.

It’s natural to have some questions before your first virtual care appointment. Before you make an appointment to see a doctor online or by phone you can check if virtual care is right for you. Once you know, here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

Preparing for your initial online visit

It helps to know what to have ready in advance and what will happen during and after your appointment. We spoke with Antoine Bégin, Director of Business Development at EQ Care, a telemedicine service provider for his tips.

Plan ahead of time

Whether you’re seeing a family doctor or using a private telemedicine service provider, consider these nine tips to make sure you’re ready.

1. Sit in a quiet, private place so you can be a full participant without distractions.
2. Have the names and doses of your medications handy.
3. Have any other important information about your health, including allergies, dates and types of surgeries, and former hospitalizations.
4. If you have a health problem that is visible like a rash or swelling, take photos.
5. Wear loose clothing to make it easier to show wounds, skin outbreaks, inflammation or other conditions.
6. Have a small flashlight with you in case the doctor needs it to see something better.
7. Take your temperature if it’s relevant to your concern.
8. If you have a blood pressure cuff, use it to give the doctor a clearer picture of your health.
9. Be prepared to see a doctor in-person if you need to. Your online doctor can’t do hands-on exams or lab and imaging tests. Sometimes, it isn’t clear that you may need another level or setting of care until you’ve undergone an evaluation. As a result, your doctor may need to refer you to a specialist or even to the emergency room.

Book an appointment

Visit the online booking page of a health-care provider or call the doctor’s office to schedule a virtual appointment. Some will have apps for easy mobile access when you’re on the go. Sign in or, if you’re a new patient, register an account and create a profile.

Several provinces are now covering the cost for patients to see their family doctors virtually. For telemedicine service providers like EQ Care and paramedical providers like physiotherapists, payment is required if you don’t have employer or insurer coverage.

Consult with a doctor

You’ll connect to a doctor virtually through video or on the phone. Your consultation will generally take 10 to 15 minutes.

The doctor will ask you how you’re feeling and about your symptoms or concerns. They may ask you for assistance because they’re not there with you. Some examples of what they could ask include:

• take your temperature
• feel your neck for swollen lymph nodes
• open your mouth for a sore throat.

Get your diagnosis

After your assessment, the doctor may give you a diagnosis or suggest a treatment plan to help manage your symptoms. They may also prescribe any necessary medications, essential referrals or lab tests. If using a telemedicine service, at your request, a copy of your consultation can be sent to your family doctor.

Schedule a follow-up

What if the doctor decides you need in-person medical care? If the doctor feels they need more information or to a physical exam, they may want you to have a physical follow-up visit or refer you to a specialist in your area.

Can I get a prescription online?

Yes, doctors can prescribe most, but not all, medications virtually. For example, doctors can’t provide online prescriptions for narcotics, opiates or cannabis, Bégin says. If you need medicine, the doctor will submit a prescription electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. The doctor’s signature, licence number and contact information are on the prescription if your pharmacist has any questions.

Written in consultation with Antoine Bégin, Director of Business Development, EQ Care.

Originally published on Lumino Health.