Telehealth has been around for a while, but if you’ve never done a virtual doctor visit, it can feel a little unfamiliar. What actually happens on the call? Can the doctor really help without examining me in person? Do I need special equipment?
The short answer: it’s simpler than you think, and for most primary care needs, a video visit works just as well as being in the same room.
Before Your Appointment
Once you book with us, we’ll send a secure video link to your email. You don’t need to download anything — most devices work directly in a browser. All you need is:
- A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
- A quiet, private spot where you feel comfortable talking
- Any medications you’re currently taking (have them nearby or take a photo of the bottles)
- A list of concerns or questions — don’t worry about prioritizing, just write them down
We recommend joining a minute or two early to make sure your audio and video are working.
During the Visit
Our visits are never rushed. Depending on the type of appointment, you’ll have 30 or 60 minutes with your physician. We start by hearing from you — what brought you in, what’s been going on, and what matters most to you.
From there, we walk through your history, current medications, and relevant symptoms. Even without a physical exam, there’s a lot a trained physician can assess by talking with a patient directly: how you describe your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, what makes them better or worse, and how they’re affecting your daily life.
There are things we can’t do remotely — we can’t listen to your heart or feel a lymph node — but we’ll be upfront about when an in-person visit or specialist is the right call. For the vast majority of primary care needs (infections, chronic condition check-ins, medication management, preventive care, mental health), virtual works well.
After the Visit
If you need a prescription, we’ll send it directly to your pharmacy of choice — usually within a few hours. If we order labs or imaging, we’ll send those orders electronically and help you find affordable options if needed.
We’ll also send you a visit summary so you have a record of what was discussed and what the next steps are.
A Note on Privacy
All visits use HIPAA-compliant video software. Your health information stays between you and your physician.
Have questions about booking your first appointment? Get in touch — we personally respond to every message.