Before your telehealth appointment, it’s best to make sure your technology works and set up a private space to talk with your healthcare professional.

While a telehealth appointment may be similar to an in-person appointment, it may require a few different steps so it goes as smoothly as possible. Preparing your device and space in advance can help prevent technological hiccups.

Whether your appointment is for physical or mental health, you can take steps to ensure it goes smoothly and that you get the care you need.

Telehealth appointments can be a convenient and flexible way to get care without having to visit a healthcare professional’s office in person. This can be especially helpful if you live far away or if you’re experiencing symptoms that make travel difficult.

Keep reading to learn some steps to take ahead of your telehealth appointment.

Before your appointment, make sure telehealth is covered under your insurance plan. You can usually do this by reviewing your plan’s documents or by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

Like in-person healthcare, your plan may only cover telehealth for in-network providers.

Your insurance coverage may also differ for mental health care compared to physical healthcare.

Note that Medicare plans are only required to cover telehealth appointments through September 2025. After that point, telehealth may only be covered under certain circumstances. It’s best to check with your plan administrator for more details specific to your plan.

To make sure you’re ready for your appointment, try to check your device in advance.

Depending on how comfortable you feel with the technology, this may mean checking whether the telehealth platform works 15 minutes or even a few days before your appointment and troubleshooting any issues.

Make sure the device you’re using for the telehealth appointment works with the software your healthcare professional’s office uses. This may involve updating your browser to the latest version, if necessary. You can usually connect to video platforms using a:

  • smartphone
  • tablet
  • laptop

Many telehealth platforms provide a link to test whether the audio and video work with your device. Some options may include:

  • Zoom for Healthcare
  • Doxy.me
  • Amwell
  • Teladoc
  • Healthie

If you’ve never used a telehealth platform on your device before, you may want to check in the days before your appointment to see if it works. That way, you can troubleshoot or ask for help before your appointment time. You can usually contact your healthcare professional’s office if you have an issue accessing the platform.

Some providers may charge you for an appointment you do not attend, even if you miss it because of technology issues.

What if your connection drops during a telehealth appointment?

If your internet stops working during a telehealth appointment, you can try:

  • refreshing your browser window and rejoining the appointment
  • joining from another device, such as a smartphone
  • restarting your device
  • restarting your router if Wi-Fi isn’t working
  • joining over your phone’s data plan rather than your Wi-Fi, if you can
  • checking for an internet outage
  • using a wired connection by plugging your computer into your router

If the connection seems slow but is still connected, you can try:

  • turning off your camera
  • closing other applications or browser windows
  • moving closer to your router

Headphones

If you want to use headphones, you’ll want to check that they work as well.

You may have to manually switch the audio input in your telehealth window to select your external headphones and microphone. If you don’t, the audio may come out of your device speakers and use the device’s built-in mic instead.

Make sure your volume settings are at an appropriate level.

Accessibility features

You can enable or request accessibility features during your telehealth appointment. This can include:

  • turning on captioning
  • using a screen reader
  • requesting interpreter services

If you do not have the capabilities for a video telehealth appointment (or your healthcare professional’s office doesn’t), you may have the option to receive care over the phone.

It’s best to double-check the time and set an alarm so that you’re ready a few minutes before the call.

Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare professional’s office, and be sure to find out:

  • if they’ll call you or if you’re expected to call the office
  • the number you should call or the one they’ll be calling from

If the office plans to call you, consider adding the number to your device’s phonebook so you can recognize it.

Plan where you’re going to take your appointment. If possible, it should be in a place that’s:

  • quiet
  • free from distractions
  • private
  • well-lit, if on a video call
  • close to your router for a stronger internet connection

You may want to have a piece of paper and a writing tool to take notes, if needed.

Telehealth appointments are private and protected by HIPAA. You can take steps to protect your own privacy by selecting a location where others cannot overhear you. However, you can have another person present during your appointment if you choose to.

You can usually follow an appointment link about 15 minutes before your appointment to access a virtual waiting room.

The software may let your healthcare professional know that you’re ready.

Signing on early can also help ensure everything is working properly. If you have a problem, be sure to contact your healthcare professional’s office.

You can use this time to gather your documents and check your audio and video.

You may also want to make preparations similar to the ones you might make for an in-person appointment. This can include preparing:

  • a list of health concerns you’d like to discuss, including symptoms you’re experiencing
  • a list of questions you’d like to ask your healthcare professional
  • your health history, including the dates of any surgeries or health conditions
  • a list of your current medications
  • paper and a writing tool to take notes

Taking time to prepare yourself and your device for a telehealth appointment can ensure you “arrive” on time and don’t experience technical issues.

Otherwise, you can prepare for a telehealth appointment similarly to any other appointment for your physical or mental health. This could be noting what you want to discuss with your healthcare professional.

After your appointment, follow the healthcare professional’s instructions regarding any follow-ups. This may include:

  • scheduling tests
  • picking up prescriptions
  • scheduling an in-person appointment
  • reviewing your after-visit summary