Digital technology connects patients with providers, allowing for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment from a distance. The growing convenience and accessibility of remote care have transformed how people manage their health and interact with medical professionals. Understanding the various terms used to describe this type of appointment helps patients navigate the options available to them.
Defining the Terminology of Remote Care
The term most accurately describing a remote doctor’s appointment is telemedicine, but it is often used interchangeably with the broader term telehealth, and the consumer-facing phrase virtual visit. Telehealth acts as the most encompassing term, covering all health-related services delivered through technology, which includes both clinical and non-clinical applications. Non-clinical examples of telehealth include provider training, medical education, and administrative meetings that use digital communication.
Telemedicine is a subset of telehealth, specifically referring to the clinical application of remote care involving a direct interaction between a patient and a healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment. This category includes activities like a video consultation for a flu diagnosis or a phone call for a prescription refill. When a patient schedules a specific appointment with a doctor, virtual visit or virtual care is the term most frequently used to describe that real-time clinical interaction.
Some healthcare systems also use the term “e-visit” for specific interactions, which are typically asynchronous, where a patient submits information through a secure portal for a provider to review later. Recognizing telemedicine as the clinical service and virtual visit as the specific appointment type provides clarity for the average patient.
Technology Platforms and Communication Methods
Virtual visits rely on secure, compliant digital platforms to facilitate the exchange of health information between the patient and the provider. Communication methods fall into two primary categories based on timing: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous communication involves a live, real-time interaction, such as a scheduled video conference or a direct phone call, requiring both the patient and provider to be present simultaneously. This method is most similar to a traditional face-to-face appointment and allows for immediate discussion and decision-making.
Asynchronous communication, often referred to as “store-and-forward” technology, involves the transmission of protected health information for a provider to review at a later time. Examples include a patient uploading images of a rash or completing a detailed digital questionnaire through a patient portal. This approach is helpful for routine updates, follow-up questions, or when a patient’s schedule makes a real-time call difficult. To participate in a synchronous virtual visit, a patient requires a device with a camera and microphone, and a stable, reliable internet connection to prevent interruptions.
Determining the Appropriate Scope of Virtual Visits
Virtual care offers a convenient solution for medical issues that do not require a hands-on physical examination or complex imaging. Conditions suitable for remote consultation include:
- Minor acute illnesses (colds, flu, seasonal allergies).
- Minor skin conditions such as rashes.
- Managing ongoing conditions and reviewing lab results.
- Discussing medication adjustments and mental health counseling.
These appointments are efficient for follow-up care and for addressing symptoms that are largely self-reported.
However, some medical situations still require an in-person visit. Any suspected medical emergency, such as severe chest pain, major trauma, or difficulty breathing, should be addressed immediately in a traditional emergency setting. Furthermore, conditions requiring a physical manipulation, such as a complex fracture, or those that need immediate laboratory testing or imaging, like an X-ray, are not appropriate for a virtual visit. A provider may also determine that a virtual consultation is insufficient and recommend an in-office follow-up if the condition requires a deeper physical assessment.
Preparing for Your Virtual Appointment
A successful virtual visit begins with logistical preparation to ensure the technology and environment support a focused conversation.
Technology Check
Before the scheduled time, confirm that your device is fully charged and that the microphone and camera are working correctly. Testing your internet connection ahead of time is also helpful. A strong signal prevents video lag or disconnection that can take up valuable appointment minutes.
Setting the Scene
Choosing an appropriate location is equally important for a productive visit. Select a private space where you will not be interrupted and where you can speak freely about your health concerns without being overheard. Adequate lighting is necessary, ensuring your face is clearly visible to the provider, which is particularly helpful if they need to visually assess a symptom like a rash or a skin discoloration.
Information Gathering
Gathering all relevant health information beforehand will help maximize the time spent with the doctor. This includes having a list of all current medications and dosages, any recent temperature or blood pressure readings, and a detailed summary of your symptoms and questions.