How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment

Proper preparation can transform a telehealth appointment from stressful to seamless. Whether you're seeing a therapist, primary care doctor, or specialist virtually, this guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your appointment.

One Week Before Your Appointment

Gather Your Medical Information

Compile these documents and have them ready to reference:

• Current medications: List names, dosages, and how often you take them
• Medical history: Previous diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalizations
• Family medical history: Conditions that run in your family
• Allergies: Medications, foods, or other substances
• Previous test results: Recent lab work, imaging, or other results
• Insurance information: Card, policy number, and group number

Confirm Your Appointment Details

• Verify the date, time, and time zone
• Check which platform or app you'll use
• Note any pre-appointment forms that need completion
• Understand the cancellation/rescheduling policy

Two to Three Days Before

Technology Preparation

Don't wait until the last minute to test your setup:

• Download required apps: Many platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, or Amwell have dedicated apps
• Create accounts: Set up login credentials and verify your email
• Test your camera: Make sure it works and shows a clear image
• Test your microphone: Check that your voice comes through clearly
• Check internet speed: Video calls need at least 10 Mbps for reliable streaming
• Charge devices: Ensure your laptop or phone is fully charged

Complete Pre-Appointment Paperwork

Most telehealth visits require forms submitted in advance:

• Medical history questionnaires
• Insurance verification
• Consent forms
• Symptom checklists

The Day Before

Prepare Your Questions and Concerns

Write down everything you want to discuss:

• List your symptoms in order of importance
• Note when symptoms started and any patterns
• Write specific questions you need answered
• Track relevant data (mood logs, pain levels, blood pressure readings)
• Note any changes since your last appointment

For Mental Health Appointments

Consider tracking these in the days leading up to your session:

• Mood patterns and triggers
• Sleep quality and duration
• Significant events or stressors
• Medication effects (if applicable)
• Goals or topics you want to explore

Day of Your Appointment

Set Up Your Space (30-60 Minutes Before)

• Find a private location: Where you won't be overheard or interrupted
• Good lighting: Face a window or light source so your face is visible
• Neutral background: Avoid distracting or cluttered backgrounds
• Comfortable seating: You may be sitting for 30-60 minutes
• Minimize distractions: Turn off TV, close unnecessary browser tabs

Gather Your Materials

• Your prepared questions and notes
• Medication bottles (in case you need to reference them)
• Insurance card
• Pen and paper for notes
• Water or other beverage
• Tissues (especially for therapy appointments)

Final Technology Check (15 Minutes Before)

• Plug in your device to avoid battery issues
• Close unnecessary applications
• Silence phone notifications
• Log into the platform and wait in the virtual waiting room
• Have a phone number handy as backup if video fails

During Your Appointment

Communication Tips

• Speak clearly: Articulate your concerns thoroughly
• Make "eye contact": Look at the camera, not the screen
• Be patient: There may be brief delays due to connection
• Ask for clarification: If something isn't clear, speak up
• Take notes: Write down important information

Be an Active Participant

• Describe symptoms in detail
• Ask about alternatives if you have concerns about recommendations
• Confirm you understand next steps
• Ask when and how to follow up
• Request written instructions or summaries if needed

If Technical Issues Occur

• Stay calm—technical problems are common
• Try refreshing the page or restarting the app
• Switch to phone audio if video is problematic
• Have the provider's phone number ready as backup

After Your Appointment

Immediate Follow-Up

• Review and organize your notes while fresh
• Schedule any follow-up appointments
• Fill prescriptions if applicable
• Complete any lab orders or referrals
• Set reminders for any homework or tasks

Record Keeping

• Save or print your visit summary
• Note any medication changes
• Update your personal health records
• File any receipts for insurance purposes

Telehealth Preparation Checklist

Use this quick checklist before your appointment:

1. Medical information gathered and accessible
2. Questions and concerns written down
3. Technology tested (camera, microphone, internet)
4. Required app downloaded and account created
5. Pre-appointment forms completed
6. Private, quiet space arranged
7. Good lighting set up
8. Device charged or plugged in
9. Notifications silenced
10. Backup phone number available

Platform-Specific Preparation

Different platforms may have unique requirements:

• BetterHelp: Works through web browser or app; offers video, phone, and messaging
• Talkspace: Primarily app-based; complete intake questionnaire thoroughly
• Teladoc: Often used for primary care; have insurance card ready
• Cerebral: Combines therapy and psychiatry; have medication list current
• Headway: Insurance-based; verify your coverage details

Special Considerations by Appointment Type

Primary Care Visits

For general medical telehealth appointments:

• Vital signs: If you have a blood pressure cuff, thermometer, or pulse oximeter, take readings beforehand
• Physical symptoms: Be prepared to show affected areas on camera if relevant
• Medication reconciliation: Have all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Pharmacy information: Know your preferred pharmacy for any prescriptions
• Lab results: If you have had recent tests, have results accessible

Therapy and Mental Health Sessions

For counseling or therapy appointments:

• Privacy is paramount: Ensure complete privacy where you can speak freely
• Emotional preparation: Give yourself buffer time before and after
• Journaling: Consider keeping notes between sessions about what you want to discuss
• Comfort items: Have a blanket, stress ball, or other comforting objects nearby
• Grounding techniques: Know a few techniques if you become overwhelmed

Psychiatric Medication Management

For medication review appointments:

• Medication list: Current doses, when you take each medication, and any recent changes
• Side effects: Note any side effects you have experienced
• Effectiveness: Be ready to discuss how well medications are working
• Refill needs: Know when your prescriptions will run out
• Pharmacy details: Have your pharmacy name and phone number ready

Specialist Consultations

For appointments with specialists:

• Referral paperwork: Have your referral information from your primary care doctor
• Previous records: Gather relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
• Symptom timeline: Document when issues started and how they have progressed
• Questions for the specialist: Write down specific questions about your condition
• Treatment history: What has already been tried and what were the results

Preparing Different Age Groups

Preparing Children for Telehealth

When your child has a telehealth appointment:

• Explain the process: Help them understand they will talk to a doctor on the screen
• Practice beforehand: Do a test video call with a family member
• Gather comfort items: Have a favorite toy or stuffed animal nearby
• Plan for engagement: Younger children may need activities to stay focused
• Parent involvement: Decide if you will stay on camera or just nearby
• Timing: Schedule during times when your child is typically alert and cooperative

Preparing Teens for Telehealth

Adolescents may have unique needs:

• Respect privacy: Especially for mental health appointments, give them space
• Discuss confidentiality: Help them understand what is private and what parents might be told
• Technology comfort: Teens are often tech-savvy but may need help with platform specifics
• Communication: Encourage them to speak openly with providers
• Follow-up plan: Agree on how you will discuss the appointment afterward

Preparing Older Adults for Telehealth

Seniors may need additional support:

• Technology assistance: Help set up devices and practice using the platform
• Written instructions: Provide step-by-step notes for joining the call
• Larger text: Adjust device settings for easier reading
• Hearing considerations: Use headphones or external speakers for better audio
• Caregiver involvement: Decide if a family member should join the call
• Backup plan: Have a phone number ready if video technology fails

Managing Anxiety About Telehealth

It is normal to feel nervous about virtual appointments, especially if it is your first time. Here are strategies to help:

Before the Appointment

• Practice with the technology: Familiarity reduces anxiety
• Write everything down: Knowing you have notes reduces worry about forgetting things
• Visualize success: Imagine the appointment going smoothly
• Prepare your environment: A calm, organized space helps you feel in control
• Deep breathing: Practice calming techniques you can use if needed

During the Appointment

• Remember it is a conversation: Your provider wants to help you
• Take your time: It is okay to pause and think before answering
• Use your notes: Reference your written questions and concerns
• Ask for clarification: If something is unclear, say so
• Technical issues are normal: Stay calm if something glitches

If Technology Feels Overwhelming

• Phone-only option: Ask if you can do an audio-only call
• Get help: Have someone tech-savvy assist with setup
• Start simple: Begin with messaging-based care if available
• Practice calls: Video chat with friends or family to build comfort

What to Wear for a Telehealth Appointment

While telehealth allows you to stay home, what you wear can affect your experience:

• Dress comfortably: You should feel at ease, but avoid pajamas if it makes you feel less focused
• Consider accessibility: If the provider might need to see something (like a rash), wear appropriate clothing
• Solid colors work best: Busy patterns can be distracting on video
• Professional enough: You do not need to dress up, but being somewhat put-together can help you feel more present
• Layers: Temperature changes can occur during longer sessions

Involving Family Members or Caregivers

Sometimes having someone else in your appointment is helpful:

When to Include Someone

• If you have memory concerns or cognitive issues
• When discussing complex treatment decisions
• If you need translation or communication support
• For emotional support during difficult conversations
• When the family member has relevant information to share

How to Involve Them

• Ask permission first: Check with your provider if it is okay
• Define their role: Will they participate or just listen?
• Technical setup: Ensure they can be seen and heard if needed
• Privacy boundaries: Decide what topics are okay to discuss with them present
• Remote participation: Some platforms allow additional participants to join from different locations

Related Guides

• Your First Online Therapy Session: What to Expect
• Telehealth Technology Setup Guide
• Telehealth Privacy & Security
• What Is Telehealth? A Beginner's Guide
• How to Choose an Online Therapy Platform

Important Reminder