Not for emergencies
If you have severe chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, signs of stroke, or another medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
When booking your online visit
- Choose the visit reason: urgent care, primary care follow-up, medication renewal, behavioral health, dermatology, women’s health, pediatrics, travel consult, dental/teledentistry, or specialist consult.
- Confirm your physical location (state and address) for the time of your visit. Telehealth rules require you to be in a state where your clinician is licensed.
- Pick a date/time, then enter a mobile number and email to receive reminders and the secure visit link.
- Add insurance details or select self-pay, and add a payment method for copays/self-pay charges.
- Select your preferred pharmacy and laboratory/imaging center.
- Complete electronic consent forms. For minors, a parent/guardian must provide consent and be present at the start of the visit.
- Share your health info: allergies, current medications (name, dose, frequency), problem list, past surgeries, and any recent test results.
Upload photos or files if relevant:
- Dermatology or wound: 2–3 clear, well-lit photos (close-up and one from ~12 inches); include a ruler/coin for scale.
- Dental/teledentistry: front smile, left/right bite, upper and lower occlusal views; good lighting; gently dry area with tissue; note pain/swelling.
- Eye concerns: remove contact lenses; take a photo in good light.
- Rashes or lesions: note when it began and any new products/meds.
What to prepare before your telehealth visit
Tech check
- Use a charged smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera/mic.
- Strong internet (Wi‑Fi preferred). Close other streaming apps.
- Use Chrome, Safari, or Edge (updated). Allow camera/mic permissions.
- Do a test call from your confirmation link if offered.
Your space
- Quiet, private, well‑lit room. Position the camera at eye level.
- Have a flashlight or second phone light if you need to show your throat, mouth, teeth, skin, or a wound.
- Do not join while driving. If you’re in a vehicle as a passenger, park safely.
Identification and safety
- Keep a photo ID ready.
- Know your exact location (address or nearest intersection) in case of an emergency during the visit.
Vitals you can collect at home (if available)
- Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and weight.
- Sit quietly 5 minutes before checking BP; take two readings 1 minute apart.
Your health details
- List of questions or concerns in priority order.
- Start date and pattern of your symptoms; what makes them better/worse.
- For chronic conditions: bring logs (BP, blood sugar, headaches, pain scores, peak flows).
- For women’s health: last menstrual period, contraception, pregnancy status.
- For pediatrics: child’s weight in kilograms and a dosing syringe/cup.
- Behavioral health: any recent screening forms (PHQ‑9, GAD‑7) if provided.
Special prep by visit type
- Sore throat/respiratory: have a thermometer; consider a same‑day home COVID/flu test if advised.
- Dermatology: clean skin; avoid makeup/creams on the area for several hours before photos.
- Dental: gently brush/floss beforehand; have recent dental x‑rays if available.
- Musculoskeletal: wear clothing that allows you to show and move the affected area.
Tip: Use your camera’s grid lines and natural light for the clearest images.
Quick advice for a smooth visit
- Join 10 minutes early to complete check‑in and device check.
- Use headphones for privacy and better audio.
- Keep your medication bottles within reach to review together.
- Have pen/paper or notes app ready for your care plan.
- You may request an interpreter in advance if needed.
- Recording the visit is not permitted unless everyone consents.
- Running late? Use the link in your confirmation to notify us or reschedule.
Test guidelines (if your clinician orders labs or imaging)
General
- Bring a photo ID and your lab/imaging order. Confirm the site’s hours and whether you need an appointment.
- Stay hydrated unless told to fast.
- Tell the lab about pregnancy, medications, supplements (especially biotin), and allergies to contrast dye.
Fasting blood tests
- Lipid panel or fasting glucose: no food for 8–12 hours; water and routine meds usually okay unless told otherwise.
- HbA1c and most thyroid tests: no fasting needed.
- Biotin: can interfere with some tests (thyroid, troponin). Stop biotin 24–48 hours before testing unless your clinician advises otherwise.
- Avoid heavy exercise and alcohol for 24 hours before a lipid panel.
Urine tests
- Clean‑catch midstream: wash hands, clean the area with provided wipes, start urinating, then collect midstream.
- First‑morning urine: best for pregnancy testing and some urinalyses.
- 24‑hour urine: start after discarding the first morning void; collect all urine for the next 24 hours, including the following day’s first morning void; keep the container cool as instructed.
Stool tests
- FIT: no dietary restrictions.
- Guaiac FOBT: avoid red meat, vitamin C >250 mg/day, and NSAIDs for 3 days prior unless told otherwise.
Imaging
- Ultrasound abdomen: you may be asked not to eat for 6–8 hours; for pelvic ultrasound, arrive with a full bladder (drink water beforehand).
- X‑ray/CT/MRI: remove metal objects; inform staff about implants, pacemaker, or pregnancy; contrast studies may require fasting and an IV.
At‑home rapid tests (if advised)
- COVID‑19 antigen: check expiration; blow your nose; swab both nostrils as instructed; time the test precisely; read results only within the specified window.
- Strep/flu home kits: follow the kit’s steps exactly; avoid eating/drinking 30 minutes before saliva‑based tests.
After testing
- Results typically appear in your portal once available. Your clinician will message you with next steps; schedule a follow‑up if requested.
Prescriptions and follow‑up
- Verify your preferred pharmacy during booking.
- If symptoms worsen or new severe symptoms appear while waiting for your visit or test results, seek in‑person care or call 911 for emergencies.
Need help?
For scheduling or technical support, use the Help link in your confirmation message or the support options shown in your OpenTelemed account.
Light background
Roboto font