Get Most Out Telehealth Visit: 12 Tips

To get the most out of a telehealth visit, treat it like an in-person appointment: prepare your information, test your technology, and list your concerns beforehand. This article explains exactly what to do before, during, and after a video or phone consultation so you leave with clear answers and a practical plan.

Formula

The calculator above estimates how much of your telehealth appointment is actually spent on your questions, after subtracting the time you spend on setup and small talk. The key formula is:

Minutes per question = (Visit length − Prep time) ÷ Number of questions

Where:

• Visit length (minutes) – the scheduled duration of the telehealth call.
• Prep time (minutes) – time spent on tech checks, paperwork, or reading notes before the call.
• Number of questions – how many distinct concerns or topics you want to cover.

The second output, prep share, is simply prep time divided by visit length, shown as a percentage. It tells you how much of the appointment is eaten by preparation rather than actual discussion.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: prep time = 15 minutes, visit length = 20 minutes, questions = 3.

1. Subtract prep from visit: 20 − 15 = 5 minutes of actual question time.
2. Divide by number of questions: 5 ÷ 3 = 1.67 minutes per question.
3. Prep share: 15 ÷ 20 × 100 = 75%.

So with 15 minutes of prep and a 20-minute visit, you only have about 1 minute 40 seconds per question, and three-quarters of the appointment is taken up by preparation. That is a strong signal to either reduce prep time or book a longer visit.

Why Telehealth Visits Feel Rushed

Telehealth appointments are often shorter than in-person ones. A typical follow-up might be 15–20 minutes, while a new-patient visit could be 30–40. The video format also adds friction: connection delays, muting/unmuting, and the lack of physical exam means the clinician may need to ask more clarifying questions. A 2022 survey by the American Medical Association found that most physicians felt telehealth was efficient for follow-ups but less so for new complaints. The result: you have less time than you think, so every minute needs to count.

Another factor is that you are not in a clinic room with a nurse who takes your vitals and history beforehand. In person, a medical assistant often collects your chief complaint, medication list, and vital signs before the doctor walks in. With telehealth, that data collection happens during the visit, eating into your face-to-face time. Knowing this, you can pre-enter information through the patient portal or have it ready on paper.

Before the Visit: What to Prepare

Good preparation is the single biggest lever you have. Here is a checklist to run through 24 hours before your appointment:

• Test your device and connection – check your camera, microphone, and internet speed. Most platforms have a “test callâ€� feature.
• Download the app or update your browser – do this at least a day ahead, not five minutes before.
• Write down your symptoms – include when they started, what makes them better or worse, and severity on a 1–10 scale.
• List all medications – include over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins, with doses.
• Gather your vitals – if you have a home blood pressure cuff, thermometer, or glucose meter, take readings that morning.
• Prepare your questions – write them in order of importance. If you have more than three, consider sending them via the patient portal beforehand.
• Have your insurance card and ID handy – some platforms ask for verification.

Also think about privacy. Find a quiet room where you will not be overheard. If you are at work, book a conference room. If at home, let family members know you are on a call.

During the Visit: How to Communicate Effectively

Once the call starts, you have a limited window. Here are practical tactics:

• State your main concern first – “I’m here because of chest pain that started three days agoâ€� is better than “I’ve been feeling off.â€�
• Use the “teach-backâ€� method – after the clinician explains something, repeat it in your own words: “So I should take this twice a day with food, correct?â€� This catches misunderstandings.
• Ask about next steps – what should you do if symptoms worsen? When should you follow up? Should you get lab work?
• Request a summary – ask for a written after-visit summary or instructions sent to your patient portal.
• Show, don’t tell – if you have a rash, skin issue, or wound, hold the camera close and use good lighting. For joint issues, demonstrate the range of motion.

One common mistake is not mentioning all your concerns because you assume they are unrelated. For example, you might be there for a sinus infection but also mention you have been feeling tired. That fatigue could be a side effect of another medication or a sign of something else. Always mention anything that worries you, even if it seems minor.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Technical glitches are the most frequent complaint. Here are the top issues and quick fixes:

• No sound or video – check that your browser or app has permission to use the camera and microphone. Restart the app if needed.
• Call drops mid-conversation – have your clinician’s phone number handy so you can call back. Most platforms will reconnect if you rejoin the same link.
• Poor video quality – close other tabs and apps, move closer to your router, or use a wired ethernet connection.
• Can’t log in – verify you are using the same email/phone as your appointment confirmation. Check spam for the link.

If you are using a smartphone, hold it horizontally at eye level rather than pointing down at your face. That avoids the “double chin� angle and gives the clinician a better view of your face and expressions.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

Telehealth costs vary widely. Many insurance plans cover video visits at the same rate as in-person visits, but some have different copays. Medicare has expanded telehealth coverage for many services, and Medicaid coverage varies by state. Before your appointment, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Is telehealth covered for this type of visit?
• What is my copay or coinsurance?
• Do I need to use a specific platform (e.g., the insurer’s app)?
• Is a phone-only visit covered, or only video?

If you are uninsured, ask the clinic about self-pay rates. Many telehealth providers list a flat fee for a standard visit, often in the range of $50–$100, but that varies by provider and location. Always ask for a price estimate before the visit.

When Telehealth Is Not Enough

Telehealth is excellent for follow-ups, medication management, mental health counseling, and minor acute issues like colds or rashes. But it has limits. You should seek in-person care if you have:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of stroke
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
• Any symptom that requires a physical exam (e.g., abdominal tenderness, joint instability)
• Need for lab work, imaging, or procedures

If the clinician recommends an in-person visit, do not delay. Telehealth can triage, but it cannot replace hands-on diagnosis for many conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a telehealth visit with a doctor I’ve never seen before?

Yes, many practices offer new-patient telehealth visits. However, some clinicians may prefer to see you in person first for a baseline exam. Check with the office when booking.

What if I don’t have a smartphone or computer?

Many telehealth platforms also support phone-only visits. You can still have a productive appointment over the phone, though the clinician cannot see any visible symptoms. Some clinics also offer video visits at a local kiosk or library.

Can I get a prescription from a telehealth visit?

Yes, for many conditions like infections, allergies, or mental health, clinicians can prescribe medications. However, controlled substances (like certain stimulants or opioids) may require an in-person visit due to federal regulations. The clinician will tell you if that applies.

How do I get my lab results after a telehealth visit?

Usually, the clinician will send orders to a lab near you. You go to the lab for blood work, and results are posted to the patient portal or sent by mail. Ask during the visit how you will receive them and when to expect them.

What should I do if the call drops and I can’t reconnect?

Call the clinic’s front desk directly. They can resend the link or switch to a phone call. Do not assume the clinician will call you back—be proactive.

Is telehealth as good as in-person care?

For many conditions, yes. Studies have shown similar outcomes for follow-up care, mental health therapy, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. But it is not a replacement for physical exams, procedures, or emergencies. The key is using telehealth for what it is good at and seeking in-person care when needed.

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in prep | Prep time (min) | min | 15 | 0 | 120
in visit | Visit length (min) | min | 20 | 5 | 120
in questions | Number of questions | count | 3 | 1 | 20
out time_per_q | Minutes per question | min/question | (visit - prep) / questions | 1
out prep_share | Prep share of visit | % | prep / visit * 100 | 0