Before your visit

The most productive telehealth visits are the ones where the patient comes prepared. You don't need to do a lot — but a few minutes of prep will make the conversation significantly more useful.

• List your current medications. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Include the dosage if you know it. Your clinician needs a complete picture to prescribe safely.
• Document your symptom timeline. When did this start? Has it gotten better or worse? Does anything make it better or worse? Specific, time-anchored information helps your clinician much more than "I've felt off for a while."
• Note your questions ahead of time. It's easy to forget your questions once the visit begins. Write them down. Rank them so you get to the most important ones first.
• Know your health history. Relevant past diagnoses, surgeries, or hospitalizations are useful context — especially if you're a new patient.
• Set up your space. Find a private, quiet location with good lighting. Test your internet connection. Close other applications so your video is smooth.

During your visit

Your clinician will lead the conversation, but there are ways to make the exchange more productive from your side.

• Be specific about your symptoms. "Sharp pain in my lower right side that started Tuesday and is worse when I stand" is much more useful than "my stomach hurts." Precision helps your clinician narrow their assessment.
• Ask for clarification when something is unclear. You don't need to nod along. If you don't understand a diagnosis, a medication name, or an instruction — say so. A good clinician will explain it differently until it makes sense.
• Ask about side effects. Before you agree to a new medication, ask what to expect. Ask what's normal, what's a reason to call, and what's a reason to stop. You have a right to that information.
• Be honest about what you will and won't realistically do. If your clinician recommends something you know you won't follow through on — tell them. There may be an alternative approach that fits your life better.
• Confirm next steps before you leave. What happens now? Are you getting a prescription? Do you need follow-up? When should you reach back out if things don't improve?

When to seek emergency care

Telehealth is convenient, but it is not the right tool for every situation. If you experience any of the following, do not book a telehealth visit — get emergency help immediately.

• Chest pain or pressure, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to your arm, jaw, or back. Call 911.
• Signs of stroke: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes, sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 immediately — time matters.
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): throat tightening, inability to swallow, hives with difficulty breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call 911.
• Suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis. You are not alone and help is available right now. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. If you are in immediate danger, go to your nearest emergency room.
• Uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns, suspected broken bones, or any injury requiring immediate physical intervention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

A telehealth clinician who sees warning signs in your visit will tell you to seek emergency care. Please listen if they do.