Can you think of one thing that isn’t available on digital space today? Stuck pondering, aren’t you?
Anything you name today can be availed on your phone, PC, or laptop!
Want clothes? There is an abundance of websites; Want Groceries? Have them delivered right to your doorstep; Want to buy a house? Surf through brokers’ websites. Everything you can think of is available digitally today, and healthcare is no exception.
The Pandemic paused and transformed the world. People could no longer approach clinics and hospitals. Telemedicine gained a forefront to avoid transmission of the virus. Appointments were conducted on-screen, which ensured patients receive good treatment while being safe in their houses.
Telemedicine has existed since the 1950s. This came with a lot of advantages. Rural populations which could not reach urban doctors and get sophisticated treatments could utilize technology to connect with experts. It is cost-efficient, time-saving, and highly convenient.
Telemedicine works great with nasal issues, common fever, mental health therapies, and for almost all the treatments which do not require physical checkups.
But not all of us are experts when it comes to technology. Virtual healthcare might sound a little overwhelming sometimes. It’s natural to be skeptical about it. That is why we are here with a few tips on how to make your Virtual Healthcare Appointment. This will avoid hindrance while your treatment is in process and ensure you get a smooth treatment.
Check Your Insurance
Connect with your insurance provider and investigate your insurance and its applicability. Ask them if virtual appointment expenses will be covered by insurance.
Enquire
Questioning is almost always helpful.
- Booking your appointment can happen over a phone call or through portals. While booking your appointment, enquire what applications or programs will be required. Ensure you have them downloaded and have them prepared way before the appointment.
- If you’re not good with technology, you could ask for a contact to connect with if something with the ongoing meet goes wrong.
- Ask how much space will be required for your session. Choose the aptest place at your house. And, if you have to get additional instruments ready, like an oximeter, blood pressure machine, etc., keep them around. If you don’t have them, you can speak with your healthcare provider about other options.
Stable Connectivity
You cannot really control the weather and electricity. But you can definitely keep your device charged and have a backup in case something with the pre-planned setup goes wrong. Have a fully charged device, and connect it to a stable internet connection. If using wifi, disconnecting wifi on other devices might improve your speed.
Set Your Place
When living in a house, you might not have privacy everywhere. Choose a place that offers you sufficient confidentiality. Keep distractions like pets, television, etc. away, and try avoiding commotion. Keep the space clear, in case you are asked to move around.
Test
Test your setup before you begin the meet. Check if the webcam is good, the microphone functions well, the speakers are on. Choose a place with proper lighting. You could request a trial meeting to check the technicalities.
Gather Data
Keep your records well-arranged. This could include your health card, list of medications you take, blood pressure readings, glucose readings etc. Various web-based applications help upload information directly to the health care teams.
Make Notes
There are high chances of you missing out on a few queries you had. Keeping notes is always a good idea. You can jot down all your doubts and questions and ask them progressively.
Be Responsive
Your doctor needs you to be responsive to them while providing you treatment. The practitioners have access to physical cues when you meet them offline. Online treatment requires involvement from the patient’s side too. Be voluntarily involved, convey your feelings, and mention if you’re experiencing discomfort. There’s nothing wrong with asking for repetition if you miss out on anything.
You could request someone to accompany you while taking the online treatment. If you want your appointment in your native language, you can request that too. Patient requirements being fulfilled is the primary aim of doctors. Do not be hesitant and do not lie about anything when asked. Your doctor can give you the best only if you are crystal clear and honest with them.
Virtual healthcare just like normal medicine is supposed to cure you. With everything in the world getting digital, telemedicine/virtual healthcare is the future. There are chances that years later clinical appointments are no longer a thing. Hospitals might be approached only when circumstances get out of hand and require physical nursing.
Getting acquainted with telemedicine is therefore crucial in today’s technological world. There’s nothing daunting about it! It’s only your doctor, on your screen, and both of you at utter convenience.
