It seems as though everything has gone digitally remote overnight. Family reunions are being held over a zoom call, our favorite TV hosts are speaking from the comfort of their home, and even the spelling bees have gone online this year!
So, it’s no surprise that the majority of health offices are now offering remote telehealth appointments. From the comfort of their own home, patients now have the ability to video call doctors to ask for medical advice.
Yet, in this brave new world, many patients can feel uncertain as to what the new protocol is. Especially for some technically-challenged seniors, these appointments can seem particularly daunting.
Luckily, we’ve managed to put together some pointers for tackling the remote doctor’s visit. The following article will provide a guideline on how to make the most out of your telehealth appointment!
Set the Stage
A great way to ensure a successful telehealth appointment is to set your device up in a quiet, private space. Your goal is to find somewhere that is secluded, with very good lighting, and not prone to interruptions. This way your appointment can become a safe space for you to communicate with your doctor.
If you cannot find a space that satisfies the previously stated constraints, do your best to find the next best alternative!
Test Your Technology
The best way to get the most out of your telehealth appointment is to test your technology before the meeting. This will allot you time to troubleshoot any possible problems and become comfortable with any new apps or video platforms. If this is your first time using the technology, you can enlist a family member or a home health aide, to help you get the hang of it.
By becoming acquainted with the technology beforehand, you can save yourself any potential technical difficulties. Thus, you can dedicate the appointment to your healthcare, instead of wasting precious time trying to unmute yourself!
Prepare Your Notes
If you have an upcoming appointment, it’s helpful to compile notes that you can refer to. As many telehealth appointments are only 10-15 minutes long, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of what you want to convey.
Organize your notes in a way that is legible to you, and also pinpoints the exact information that you want to communicate. Check in with those in your caregiver network to ensure that everything is accurate and you haven’t missed anything!
