✔ Backed by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Telehealth.HHS.gov) · Federal Communications Commission. Each fact links to its source, and the full list is at the bottom of this post.
A telehealth appointment is not for emergencies. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, or another emergency, call 911. If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Maybe your doctor’s office just texted: “Your appointment on Tuesday will be a video visit.” For some people, that is great news. No parking, no waiting room, no taking half a day off work. For others, it brings a knot in the stomach. What if the link does not work? What if the doctor cannot hear me? What if my roommate walks in?
Here is the good news. A little setup the day before can make a telehealth appointment feel as normal as a phone call with a friend. This guide walks through what to do before, during, and after, using tips from the federal government’s telehealth website.
Before your telehealth appointment: ask a few questions
Start with the money question. Telehealth.HHS.gov suggests asking your provider how much the visit will cost before it begins. If you cannot afford it or do not have insurance, ask the office about local resources.[1] Coverage is different from plan to plan, so it is also smart to call the number on your insurance card.
Next, find out how you will connect. It might be a phone call, a link sent by email, or a text reminder.[2] Watch for messages from the office by text, email, phone, or patient portal, and fill out any forms they send.[1]
If you need a screen reader, closed captions, or other help, tell the office ahead of time.[1] Also ask what to do if you cannot make it or if you have trouble connecting.[2]
You can say: “This is my first video visit. Can someone help me test the connection before the appointment? And what number should I call if the video does not start?”
Set up your space
Pick a quiet spot with a strong internet connection where you feel comfortable speaking openly.[1] Privacy matters here. Telehealth.HHS.gov notes that a private place could be a room at home, a library or community space, a parked car, a friend’s home, or a quiet outdoor spot away from crowds.[3]
A few small things make a big difference on camera:
- Sit where your face is well lit, and avoid having a bright window behind you.[2]
- Prop your phone or tablet so it stays still, with the camera at eye level.[1]
- Close other apps so your connection runs faster.[1]
- Wear loose clothing if you may need to show a part of your body.[2]
Try to log on about 15 minutes early. That gives you time to fix problems, and you may see a virtual waiting room or hear hold music while you wait.[2]
Have your health information ready
The doctor cannot reach across the screen to check your chart with you, so bring your information to the table. Telehealth.HHS.gov suggests having a list of your medicines and doses (or the actual bottles), plus your questions and worries. Also note any allergies and readings like your temperature, weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar if they matter for this visit.[1] Keep your pharmacy’s phone number handy. A flashlight or phone light can help if the provider needs to look at your throat.[2]
Keep paper and a pen nearby so you can take notes.[1]
During the visit: know your buttons and speak up
Most video tools look about the same. A camera button with a slash through it means the provider cannot see you. A microphone button with a slash means they cannot hear you. A chat button lets you type a message. A red button usually ends the call.[1] If the video will not start, message the provider or call the office.[1]
Treat it like an in-person visit and stay focused.[2] Never join while driving or running errands.[1]
You do not have to feel rushed. You can ask how the visit will work, ask the provider to explain anything that is unclear, and you decide what to share.[1]
You can say: “Before we finish, can you tell me the two most important things I should do next?”
Protect your privacy
Telehealth.HHS.gov shares simple privacy habits. Do not record the visit. Look for a lock or shield icon in the web address before you enter personal information. Keep your devices updated and use a password on your home Wi-Fi. Also, avoid free public Wi-Fi when sharing health information, and use your own device instead of a shared one when you can.[3]
One more important tip: if someone contacts you claiming to be a provider and you are not sure, call your regular provider’s office using the number you usually use before you share anything.[3]
If your safety at home is a concern, the federal guidance notes that email, text, or the platform’s chat feature may be safer than talking out loud.[2]
Bringing a helper, and options if tech is hard
Many people do better with a support person on the call. A caregiver can help get online and fix problems. Decide ahead of time whether you want that person in the room for the whole visit.[4] If an interpreter or caregiver will hear your health details, you may need to sign a release form.[2]
For example, picture James, who is 74 and does not love technology. His daughter sets up the video link the night before, does a test run with him, and then steps out of the room once the doctor joins. For James, it ends up feeling a lot like a regular visit, minus the drive.
If you do not have a good device or your internet is unreliable, ask the care team whether an audio-only visit or patient portal messages are an option.[4] Cost can also be a barrier. The FCC’s Lifeline program lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households, including many people who get SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or Federal Public Housing Assistance, or who meet income limits. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You can apply through the National Verifier or a participating provider, and you can call (800) 234-9473 for help.[5]
After your telehealth appointment
The visit is not really over when the screen goes dark. Ask the provider to send a summary or notes, including answers to your questions.[1] Check your patient portal for follow-up materials. They often come as PDF files.[6]
Your provider may recommend another appointment, a test, a different provider, or a medicine. If you are not sure what to do next, or you forgot to ask something, call or message the office.[6] It is also fine to share feedback about what worked and what did not.[6]
Tru-Tips: Keep a one-page “visit sheet” next to your laptop: your medicine list, your top three questions, and your pharmacy’s phone number. You will use it for video visits, phone visits, and in-person visits alike.
One Tru Step: Before your next video visit, do a two-minute test call with a friend or family member using the same phone or computer. Check that they can see your face and hear you clearly.
Let’s talk
Have you tried a video visit yet? What made it easier, or what tripped you up? Share your best tip for someone trying telehealth for the first time.
Sources and further reading
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Preparing for a video visit
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Helping patients prepare for their appointment
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Telehealth privacy for patients
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Preparing older adults for telehealth
- Federal Communications Commission: Lifeline
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: What happens after my telehealth visit?
Sources checked October 21, 2026. General education; individual care and coverage questions require an appropriate professional.
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