By Dr. Nichole Barker

We wanted to provide you with tips and a Q&A on preparing and optimizing your first virtual consult.

If you are interested in scheduling a telemedicine new patient consult, please call our main line at 206.301.5000 or fill out the Request an Appointment form.

Fast Tips:

• Be early, 10-15 min logged into the telemedicine platform
• Test the platform with video and audio if possible in advance
• Ask ahead of time what the plan is for troubleshooting poor connection/audio
• Make sure you have a good internet connection
• Get specific instruction on follow up plan: who, what, where, when, how?
• Dress appropriately, as we can see you from the waist up with video. Pajama pants are totally acceptable with telemedicine

Q&A:

• What things should I have with me the day of the consult?

It’s helpful to have a list of your questions, labs, previous treatment records, and pen/paper.  *It is essential for your provider to have obtained your new patient paperwork prior to your visit.  Please have this completed at least 5 business days before your scheduled appointment.

• Who should be with me the day of the consult?

If you have a partner, it’s best if they can participate, but not required.

• I have concerns with telemedicine regarding my privacy, should I be concerned?

We utilize a HIPAA compliant zoom medical program that allows the doctor to “admit” or “allow” a patient in after confirmation.  If a participant is unrecognized, they would not be admitted into the zoom call. 

• How long will my consult last?

Typically, the average new patient consult will take 30-60 minutes and a follow up is 15-30 minutes.

• Will there be time for me to ask questions, I have a lot?

Yes. For sure. Try to write down all your questions ahead of time so we are sure to answer as many as we can.

• I’ve kept track of my cycles and have my records uploaded on my computer, can I share my screen with the provider?

Yes, there is a function to share your screen, so upload your files and have them ready on your device prior to the visit.

• If our telemedicine connection is not good, we can’t hear or see, what is the troubleshooting plan to keep the consult going?

If you and your provider cannot see/hear one another, your provider will call you on the phone number you provided.

• It’s been 10 minutes past my scheduled appointment, and my provider has not admitted me into the consult, what should I do?

Please call our mainline at 206-301-5000 and let our staff know.  Your provider may be running a bit behind, or they may be having technical difficulties reaching you.  We will contact you as soon as we can. 

• I don’t have access to internet, can I still do a consult?

Yes, we can offer you a consult via a telephone call.  Please let the scheduler know if this is the case.

• Is my telemedicine appointment covered by my insurance?

It depends. We can’t guarantee insurance coverage, but we are able to bill insurance (as long as it is a plan we contract with) for telemedicine appointments. However, it is up to each individual insurance plan whether they cover it or not. The telemedicine new patient consultations range from $150 to $300 without insurance coverage.