Prepare for a Successful Virtual Medical Appointment

Simple Steps Can Improve Your Online Visit

Virtual care can make it easier to speak with a healthcare professional, but the quality of the appointment still depends on communication, technology, and preparation.

Before connecting with VirtualCare2go®, take a few minutes to organize your information and test your device. These simple steps can help the provider understand your concern and determine whether it can be managed virtually.

Choose the Right Setting

Join the appointment from a quiet, private location. Use good lighting so the healthcare professional can see your face and any visible symptoms clearly.

Avoid sitting in front of a bright window because it can make the image appear dark. Reduce background noise and ask others not to interrupt.

Do not attend a virtual appointment while driving.

Test Your Device

VirtualCare2go appointments can be completed using an appropriate smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Before the scheduled time:

• Charge your device

• Test the camera and microphone

• Confirm your internet connection

• Allow video and microphone permissions

• Sign in early

• Keep a charger nearby

• Position the device so it remains steady

If possible, use headphones when privacy or background noise is a concern.

Organize Your Health Information

Have the following within reach:

• Photo identification

• Current insurance card

• Medication and supplement list

• Medication and food allergies

• Preferred pharmacy

• Relevant medical records

• Recent laboratory or imaging results

• Hospital discharge instructions

• PCP information

Write down when the symptoms began, how they have changed, and what makes them better or worse. Include medications or home treatments you have already tried.

Collect Helpful Readings

If you have appropriate equipment, the provider may find recent readings helpful. These could include:

• Temperature

• Blood pressure

• Heart rate

• Oxygen level

• Blood-glucose measurement

• Current weight

Do not purchase medical equipment solely for a routine virtual appointment unless instructed. Never delay emergency care while trying to obtain home readings.

Prepare Visible Symptoms

For a rash, redness, swelling, wound, or another visible concern, use bright lighting and keep the affected area accessible.

Photographs may be helpful when permitted, but they do not replace the live medical evaluation. Avoid filters, beauty settings, or color-changing lighting that could alter the appearance of the skin.

Understand the Limits of Virtual Care

VirtualCare2go provides online urgent care for many non-emergency concerns. However, some conditions require a physical examination, laboratory testing, imaging, a procedure, or emergency evaluation.

A recommendation for in-person care does not mean the virtual appointment failed. It means the provider identified that another setting is necessary for a complete or safe evaluation.

Check Insurance and Follow-Up Benefits

Before the appointment, confirm that VirtualCare2go and the scheduled provider participate with your insurance plan. Ask about your appointment responsibility and whether prescriptions, laboratory testing, imaging, or follow-up services are covered separately.

Visit VirtualCare2go or review the frequently asked questions for more information. Scheduling assistance is available at (817) 508‑8169.

Call 911 for severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, seizures, or another possible emergency.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, emergency evaluation, or treatment.