How to Set Up a Telehealth Appointment

Telehealth lets you see your doctor by video call from the comfort of your home. It is great for follow-up visits, medication reviews, mental health appointments, and non-emergency consultations. Most insurance plans cover telehealth visits the same as in-person visits.

To schedule a telehealth appointment, call your doctor's office and ask for a "virtual visit" or "video visit." Many offices also let you schedule through their patient portal (like MyChart) — look for a "Video Visit" option when booking.

Before your appointment, make sure your device is ready. You need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone (all smartphones and most laptops have these built in). Test your internet connection — a stable WiFi connection is important for clear video. Find a quiet, well-lit room for the call.

Your doctor's office will send you a link to join the video visit, usually by email or text. At the scheduled time, click the link. You may be asked to "check in" online and confirm your information. Then wait in a virtual waiting room until your doctor joins.

During the visit, your doctor can see and hear you, ask questions, review your symptoms, look at anything you show on camera (like a skin condition), and prescribe medications. Have your medications, a list of questions, and your pharmacy information ready.

If you have trouble connecting, call your doctor's office. Many have a support line for telehealth technical issues. Check that your browser is up to date, or try a different device if the video is not working.