How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit

Many seniors already use telehealth services. However, telehealth growth in response to COVID-19 has allowed more and more patients to experience the benefits of virtual visits from the safety of their own homes. A telehealth visit can help keep you safe in these uncertain times and has many benefits – especially when offered through Cano Health.

As part of the “Cano At Home” program, Cano Health has implemented a 24/7 medical urgency line with telehealth services. With this program, patients may also receive in-home visits, if deemed medically necessary. Some of the benefits of this program include:

• Increased knowledge of primary care physician treatment plan
• Increased knowledge of medical conditions and associated complications
• Improved self-management skills (proactive) and early identification of symptoms
• Increased knowledge of benefits and resources for care
• Improved access to needed resources through care coordination assistance
• Decreased hospitalizations and emergency room visits

Cano Health also uses an innovative analytical and care management platform called “CanoPanorama.” The platform is used to identify care opportunities and brings better outcomes to patients and improved patient care.

For many Americans, a telehealth visit is something in which one is interested but has never done. According to a 2019 United Healthcare Consumer Sentiment Survey of more than 1,000 Americans, nearly 40 percent of Americans are interested in accessing care through telemedicine. Telehealth growth in 2020 means that more and more of those who were interested in these services are suddenly in a position where it is now necessary for their care.

Preparing for a Telehealth Visit

Telehealth growth does not eliminate the need for in-person care 100 percent of the time. Of course, there will be times when you will need to seek in-person care, but your telehealth provider will work with you to establish when that is necessary. In these times, staying healthy and having a healthcare team that is well informed about your ongoing health issues is vital. That is why more and more seniors are turning to telehealth for routine care.

In these times when getting to an appointment is no longer simply an inconvenience, but more of a risk to your health and safety, and for those who have not yet received any telehealth services, there is a certain amount of preparation that will help to make this healthcare experience one that you feel comfortable and confident about.

6 Telehealth Tips for Patients

1. Make sure you have the right equipment for your telehealth visit. This often means using both video and audio on your smartphone, tablet, or internet-connected computer. Your provider will let you know if there are any software or applications you need to download to prepare for your visit. Make sure your device is fully charged and you have a stable internet connection. You can and should practice using the technology in advance to prepare for a visit.
2. Be sure your insurance company is covering the particular telehealth visit you have scheduled.
3. Sit in a comfortable and quiet place. If you have a pet, be sure they are occupied and will not disrupt your visit. Set your device up so the camera clearly shows your face. Be patient with the technology. Even the best of plans sometimes don’t work out. There is a chance your telehealth visit could be interrupted by a dropped call or an unstable internet connection. If your visit is interrupted, be ready to reconnect with your provider when the technology issue is resolved. Your provider will be happy to continue the visit or schedule another as soon as possible.
4. Prepare as you would for any other visit. Take a few minutes to write down some notes, questions you want to ask, and list any symptoms you want to discuss. This will help you organize your thoughts and prevent you from forgetting something important. You should dress the way you would dress for an in-person visit (from the waist up at least!).
5. Have an open mind and be optimistic . A virtual visit may not be what you are used to, or what you expect from a “normal” doctor’s visit. Just remember telehealth visits are innovative ways for patients to receive high-quality healthcare from the safety of their own homes. Try to be positive, even if you are feeling a bit skeptical about using the new technology. Isn’t it wonderful what technology can do to improve our lives? Telehealth visits in the time of a global pandemic are lifesaving healthcare innovations, and you, as a participant, are on the cutting edge!
6. Most of all, be patient with yourself. You are learning a new technology, and learning something new can take time. Try to treat your telehealth visit as you would a doctor’s visit by focusing on the interpersonal exchange you are having with your healthcare provider. Your doctor is there to help you and to provide the best care possible. Remember: this is a very different way for your provider to interact with patients as well. We are all in this together!

>> For more information or to schedule your telehealth visit, contact Cano Health today at 855.CANOMED (855.226.6633).