Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit
Virtual Appointments
To create a positive experience for virtual visits, it is necessary to prepare for this unique experience. We encourage the patient to identify questions that they would like to ask during the visit and write down those questions before the virtual visit. The appointment is going to be just like a visit to the office in a quiet, private, distraction-free environment. Here are some tips to help prepare for your appointment and enhance your telemedicine experience:
Please check to see if your equipment is working properly and is going to connect with the doctor’s telemedicine program. For webcams or smart phones, please check your camera and microphone, this can be done at anytime by going to doxy.me/dratwal.
At the time of your appointment, set the camera and screen so it is facing you. This is commonly referred to as “selfie mode”.
It is also important to check that your battery is sufficiently charged, especially if you are using a smartphone.
The video and audio quality will be improved if you use the smartphone on a WiFi network. This may require a family member or friend to help with the equipment or audiovisual connections.
During the appointment, Dr. Atwal will be reviewing personal medical information so a private space to have your virtual visit is recommended. Try to select a quiet, private, well-lit room for your visit.
Patients should avoid having their back to a bright window or other distracting backgrounds, and avoid backlighting as this will make their image look dark.
If the appointment is over a mobile phone rather than computer, you may want to find a solid surface to place the device on for stability. To avoid distortion, it is a good suggestion to set the camera at eye level. Please try to minimize the amount of movement of the camera during the visit unless you are asked to.
Turn off other devices that may cause distractions during the visit such as landline phones, TV’s, radios, including household appliances.
If you have family members or guests in the house with the patient, ask them in advance to limit conversation during the virtual visit.
Driving while having your virtual visit is highly discouraged and dangerous.
Genetic consults through telemedicine is almost identical face-to-face visits without all the negative wait times and travel restrictions. It is the future of medicine and can be very productive for both patients and doctors.
Here are some browser recommendations:
Windows – Firefox, Chrome (Note: Microsoft Edge and InternetExplorer are not supported currently)
Apple OSX – Firefox, Chrome, Safari 11+*Chrome OS – Chrome phones/Tablets:
Apple iOS – Safari 11+
Android – Chrome
