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.
