Skip the waiting room. Learn how to have a doctor's appointment from your couch using your phone, tablet, or computer.
Download your doctor's telehealth app (like MyChart), schedule a video visit, test your camera and internet beforehand, and join the call at your appointment time. Most insurance covers telehealth the same as in-person visits.
Telehealth is a real doctor's appointment done over video or phone, from wherever you are.
You and your doctor see each other on screen, just like FaceTime. They can observe symptoms and talk through concerns.
Some visits can be done by phone only - no camera needed. Great for medication refills and follow-up questions.
Telehealth platforms are required by law to protect your medical information, just like a regular doctor's office.
Doctors can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, order lab work, and refer you to specialists during telehealth visits.
You probably already have everything. Here's the checklist.
A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a built-in camera. iPads and iPhones work perfectly.
Wi-Fi is best. Sit in the room closest to your router for the strongest signal.
Your doctor will tell you which app to use - usually MyChart, Zoom for Healthcare, or Doxy.me.
Sit facing a window or lamp. The doctor needs to see you clearly to help with visual symptoms.
Have your current medications nearby so you can show bottles or read labels if asked.
Follow these steps to schedule and join your virtual appointment.
Ask if they offer telehealth visits. Most offices now do. Request a video visit instead of an in-person appointment.
Open the App Store or Google Play Store and search for the app name. Tap "Install" or "Get." Common ones are MyChart, Teladoc, and Doxy.me.
Sign up using your email and create a password. Some offices will send you an activation link - check your email.
Open the app a day before your visit. Many platforms have a "test your device" option. Make sure you can see yourself and hear audio.
At your appointment time, open the app and tap "Join Visit" or "Start Video Call." Your doctor will appear on screen within a few minutes.
It's simpler than you think. Here's what to expect.
You may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about your symptoms before the doctor joins. This is like the paperwork at the front desk.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review medications, and discuss treatment options - just like an in-person visit but from your screen.
Your doctor may send prescriptions to your pharmacy electronically, order lab work, or schedule a follow-up. You'll get a visit summary in the app or by email.
These are the apps most doctor's offices use. Your doctor will tell you which one.
The most widely used patient portal. Connects to major hospital systems and lets you message your doctor, view test results, and do video visits.
The same Zoom you might use for family calls, but a special version that protects your medical privacy.
No download required. Your doctor sends you a web link and you join through your internet browser.
An on-demand telehealth service. You don't need your regular doctor - Teladoc connects you with available physicians.
Don't panic if something goes wrong. These fixes solve most issues.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router. Close other apps on your device. If it's still bad, switch to a phone-only call.
Check that your microphone isn't muted (look for a microphone icon with a line through it). Make sure the app has permission to use your microphone in Settings.
Make sure the app has camera permission. Go to your device Settings → Privacy → Camera, and make sure the telehealth app is turned on.
Common questions about telehealth visits for seniors.
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. Most doctors use apps like MyChart, Zoom, or Doxy.me.
Yes. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover telehealth visits. Coverage expanded significantly since 2020 and most plans now treat virtual visits the same as in-person.
Yes. Doctors can prescribe most medications during a telehealth visit. The prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy just like an in-person visit.
If video is choppy, you can switch to a phone-only call. Most telehealth platforms offer a phone number as backup. Sit closer to your Wi-Fi router for a stronger signal.
TechMaid can walk you through every step of your first telehealth visit. Just ask!
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