Telehealth appointments have become increasingly popular, offering a convenient way to access therapy with a psychologist. Whether you’re new to telehealth or a seasoned user, preparing for your telehealth appointment is very important. This guide provides essential tips to help you get ready for your next telehealth visit.
Before your telehealth session, it’s important to be prepared and make sure everything is in order. Unlike an in-person appointment, telemedicine requires some additional considerations to ensure a smooth experience. If you’re not familiar with telehealth, take the time to get comfortable with the technology before your appointment to ensure everything runs smoothly.
One of the benefits of offering telehealth is the convenience of receiving care visits from the comfort of your own home. To make it easy for yourself and your provider, consider the lighting and background noise in the room where you’ll be taking the call. It’s also a good idea to have a list of questions or topics to discuss based on your last visit.
When you receive an email confirming your telehealth appointment, take note of any specific instructions or requirements, such as using headphones for better audio quality. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a successful and productive telehealth session.
How to Schedule Your Telehealth Appointment
Booking your telehealth appointment is the first step in the process. Contact your healthcare provider’s office to schedule a time that works for you. Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the virtual visit. Make sure to arrange a convenient time that allows you to be in a comfortable and private setting for your session.
Preparing for your telehealth visit
Creating a comfortable telehealth environment is crucial for a productive therapy session. Find a quiet and well-lit space in your home where you can focus without distractions. Before the appointment, ensure that your telehealth technology, whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, is working smoothly. Following a checklist can help you stay organised and make the most out of your appointment.
Getting Familiar with Telehealth Services
Understanding how to connect with your provider via video call is essential for a seamless experience. Telehealth offers various benefits over in-person visits, including convenience and flexibility. Familiarise yourself with the prescription and care plan process in telehealth to make the most of your virtual session with the psychologist.
Telehealth Technology
To be able to access telehealth appointments, you will need to have a suitable device available along with a good internet connection.
A computer with a camera, microphone and speakers are idea, but you can also use an iPad or a tablet, or a smart phone. You will need to be comfortable with the device and ensure that the software you are using for the call is installed and ready to be used. You may be required to set up an account with the online platform being used. It this is needed, it is important to do this before your scheduled appointment,
Simple telephone calls can also be used for telehealth appointments.
Online Platforms
Examples of technologies that could be used include Teams, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime. we suggest you use the platform you are most comfortable with for your scheduled appointment.
Checklist to Prepare for Your Telehealth Session
- Have a device (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone) with a camera, speaker, and microphone
- Check your device is fully charged or plugged in ready for use.
- Have a stable internet connection and a compatible browser (such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Opera)
- Have your appointment details and instructions on how to connect, which should be provided by the clinic
- Have any relevant medical information with you, such as your current medications list or test results
- Be in a quiet and private location, free of distractions
- Connect to your appointment a few minutes before the scheduled time
Troubleshooting Common Telehealth Issues
If you encounter internet connection problems during your appointment, try moving closer to your router for a better signal. Optimising your device settings can also improve the quality of the video call, whether you’re using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Minimise distractions in your surroundings to maintain focus during the telehealth session.
Contacting Us for Any Telehealth-Related Queries
Feel free to reach out for additional information before your telehealth appointment if you have any questions or concerns. Discuss the allied health services available through telehealth and seek assistance in setting up your online platform for the virtual visit. Our team is here to support you in making your telehealth experience as smooth as possible.