A telehealth appointment is a virtual medical consultation, typically conducted through secure video conferencing or a phone call, eliminating travel and waiting room time. The precise duration of a virtual visit is highly variable, depending on the purpose and complexity of the medical issue being discussed. Healthcare systems manage this variability by scheduling appointments based on general expectations for different types of visits.
Standard Appointment Lengths by Visit Type
The length of a telehealth appointment is most commonly determined by whether the patient is new or established. New patient consultations are generally the longest because the provider must complete a comprehensive medical history intake and establish a baseline for care. These initial visits often require between 30 and 60 minutes to document necessary background information, including past illnesses, medications, and family history.
By contrast, follow-up or established patient visits are typically much shorter, as the provider already has access to medical records and can focus solely on the current concern. These routine consultations, which might involve a medication check, a review of recent lab results, or a symptom update, are usually scheduled for 10 to 20 minutes. This shorter time frame reflects a more focused interaction, often utilizing lower-level billing codes. Certain quick check-ins, such as those conducted by a non-physician clinician, may be as short as 5 to 10 minutes.
Key Variables That Impact Telehealth Duration
While standard times provide a general expectation, several factors can cause a telehealth appointment to run substantially longer or shorter than scheduled. The complexity of the medical issue is a major determinant; for example, managing multiple chronic conditions requires significantly more time than addressing a single acute issue like a common cold. Providers must dedicate more time to complex cases to adjust treatment plans and coordinate care effectively.
Medical specialty also heavily influences the time frame. Mental health appointments often follow a distinct structure; a psychotherapy session is commonly set for 45 to 50 minutes, while an initial psychiatric consultation for medication management may also be scheduled for 45 minutes. Conversely, urgent care telehealth visits for minor illnesses are usually among the shortest, often lasting only 5 to 15 minutes.
Technical issues can unexpectedly extend a virtual visit, adding significant time to the interaction. Poor internet connectivity, video/audio quality problems, or difficulties logging into the secure platform can interrupt the consultation flow. Time is also added when a provider needs to perform a visual assessment, such as examining a skin condition or observing range of motion, requiring the patient to properly position the camera and ensure adequate lighting. These technical and visual requirements introduce delays not present in a standard in-person visit.
Strategies for Keeping Your Appointment On Schedule
Patients can take proactive steps to help ensure their telehealth appointment remains within the expected time frame. Before the scheduled time, it is helpful to test video and audio connections and confirm that the virtual platform is working correctly. Logging into the waiting room at least five minutes early helps to minimize delays related to technical setup or login issues.
Having all necessary information organized and readily accessible can also save valuable time during the consultation. This preparation includes creating a concise list of current medications and dosages, along with any questions you wish to ask the provider. Ensuring you are in a quiet, private, and well-lit environment prevents interruptions and allows the provider to clearly see and hear you. These simple preparations help the provider focus immediately on the medical reason for the visit.