Center for Counseling, Healing & Growth

Reunion 

Telehealth

Telehealth Information for Patients

Use this link for some basic information on Telehealth services.

http://www.pbtrc.org/telehealth-information-for-patients/

Patient Instructions for a Successful Telehealth Visit

Patient Checklist
Telehealth is a way to receive care from your doctor while you remain at home. It can help keep you and your family safe by staying at home to receive your services. The goal is to ensure that you receive the same high-quality care that you would get by coming in for a visit. By taking a few minutes to prepare, you can set yourself up for a successful visit.
Here is a quick checklist to make sure are prepared for your telehealth visit.

PREPARATION

Use the best camera you can find—Telehealth visits work best when you can be seen clearly. Many devices and computers now come with high quality built-in cameras. If your device has an external camera, you can test out the picture by doing a video call with a friend or family member. Place your camera at eye level—Sit eye-level with your camera so you can make eye contact with your counselor. This helps you see each other more clearly and have a better connection during your visit.
Test the sound—Most devices have a built-in microphone and speaker system. You can test yours by watching a video with sound or having a video chat with a friend.
•  Questions you should ask:
        Can the other person hear you?
        Do you need to talk louder or move closer to the microphone?
        Can you hear them?
•  Plug in your device for power and Internet—We know your time is valuable and getting to the bottom of your health concern is important. You don't want to lose your connection during your visit, so ensuring that you have your device fully charged or plugged in will prevent you from having issues during your appointment. You can do your telehealth visit using Wi-Fi, but your computer will work better if it's plugged directly into the internet with a wired ethernet cable. If you're on a smartphone try connecting to your home's Wi-Fi for the best connection.
•  Close other apps—Having too many apps running on your computer or device can make your device run slowly. Before starting the visit, close all programs that you aren't using during the visit.
•  Use the best browser—If you're using an online app, check if you need to run it in a certain browser - for instance, you may need to use Chrome instead of Internet Explorer.
•  Find a quiet space—Find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. It is important that you feel comfortable and have privacy to discuss your health concerns, so you are less likely to be distracted during the visit.
•  Adjust the lighting—Before you begin your visit, check the lighting. Is the picture fuzzy and dark? Try turning on overhead lights or closing blinds and drapes to reduce background light.
•  Prepare your list of questions and concerns—Take a minute or two before starting the visit to write down any questions or concerns you may have.

DURING THE VISIT
•  Connect to the Visit—You will receive a call or a Zoom link (depending on the visit format you have chosen) at your appointed time.
•  How to act—Act like you would if you were at an in-person visit. 

Make sure you're looking into the camera and staying close to your device so your can be seen and heard.

PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK!
Make sure to ask any follow up questions and share any feedback you have.