What to Have Ready for Your Video Visit

A video visit is efficient, but having the right information ready makes it even more productive. Here is what to gather before you start.

Five things to have nearby

• Your medication list. Current prescriptions, dosages, and anything you take over the counter. Include supplements.
• A symptom timeline. When did it start? What changed? What have you already tried?
• Your pharmacy name and location. If a prescription is part of the plan, your provider can send it directly.
• Recent test results. If you have lab work from the past few months, have the summary ready.
• Questions written down. It is easy to forget what you wanted to ask once the visit starts.

Setting up your space

Sit in a quiet, well-lit room. Test your camera and microphone before the visit. If you are using a phone, prop it up so your hands are free. Have a charger nearby.

If someone is joining you

If a family member or caregiver is joining, let them know the provider may ask them to step out for certain questions. The patient is always the focus of the visit.

Before you start

Have your current medications and relevant history nearby. If you are helping a family member, let them decide who should be in the conversation. If you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.