Preparing for your virtual appointment

Here are some tips for how to prepare for your virtual appointment. This will help your appointment go as smoothly as possible. Your clinician may also ask you to prepare extra information before your appointment.

Confirm the timing of your virtual appointment:

  • Check any emails from your clinician. There may be updates or helpful tips for your appointment.
  • Share your appointment details with a family member or caregiver that will join me for your appointment. Your family member or caregiver can also help set up your device.
  • Be available 15 minutes before your appointment and 30 minutes after your appointment start time. Your clinician may be running late.

Set up the technology you need for your virtual appointment:

  • Test your camera and microphone to make sure they are working.
  • Set your camera so you are in the middle of the screen.
  • Charge the device you will be using for your appointment..
  • Close any programs you don’t need for your appointment.
  • Be aware your clinician may call from an unknown or blocked phone number.

Choose where you will do your virtual appointment:

  • Find a private space with a secure internet connection. Be aware of what is around you and who may be able to overhear your appointment.
  • Do not use a public internet connection. Examples are at the airport, internet café, public library, coffee shop, or other open area. Other people may be able to listen to your appointment without you knowing.
  • Choose a space that has good lighting.
  • Sit in front of a solid background, like a wall.
  • Choose a space where there isn’t a lot of background noise or things that might distract you.

Wear proper clothes for your virtual appointment:

  • Wear clothes that you would wear to an in-person appointment. The clinician will be able to see you.
  • Wear clothes that will allow you to easily show the clinician visible symptoms. Examples are wounds, rashes, swelling, and other skin changes.

Have these things ready for your virtual appointment:

  • Your Ontario health card.
  • Any personal healthcare aids you use. Examples are eyeglasses, hearing aids, and walking aids.
  • A list of the medications you take or the actual bottles.
  • Contact information for your family doctor and pharmacy. This includes the address, phone, and fax number. The clinician may need to contact the pharmacist.
  • Pen and paper if you want to take notes.
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