Health Tips

How to prepare for a video visit with a healthcare provider

August 19, 2021

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How to prepare for a video visit with your healthcare provider

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to stay at home, many healthcare providers began seeing patients via video visits. These visits let patients and care providers meet face-to-face over a video call, instead of in-person. This virtual care is sometimes also called telehealth, telemedicine, or remote care.

Video visits are here to stay. Many people find video visits are often more convenient than visiting a doctor’s office. In March 2021, 85% percent of Americans sai d¹ telehealth has made it easier to get the care they need.

Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA) will continue to offer video visits to ensure our members stay safe at home. CCA Virtual Care provides a way for our members to receive many of our services from the comfort of their own home. Just like an in-person visit with someone from your CCA care team, a video visit is safe and confidential.

Please note that video visits are not intended for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, you should always call 911 right away.

This article will explain how to prepare for a video visit so you can make the most out of your time with your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.

What do I need for a video visit?

In order to connect to a video visit, you will need:

A device with a working camera and microphone. Most smartphones, tablets, and computers work.
A strong, reliable Internet connection. Most Internet providers have an Internet speed test available on their website. Here are links to Internet speed tests for Comcast,¹ Verizon,¹ and RCN.¹ You can also Google “test Internet speed”¹ to check your connection on a tool provided by Google.

How do I prepare for my video visit?

Here are a few tips to help your video visit run smoothly:

Test your device. Many virtual visit sites have a feature that lets you test your device before your appointment. If you are a CCA member, visit https://doxy.me/precalltest¹ or call CCA Virtual Care Support at 617-960-0380 (TTY 711), 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Our team can walk you through the process, step by step, before your scheduled visit to make sure your video and audio works.
Reduce background noise. If possible, find a quiet, private location or separate room away from others.
Choose a spot with plenty of light. A room with good lighting will help your care team see you better during the video visit.
Keep the camera steady. Try propping a phone or tablet up on a desk or table.
Close other applications (apps) on your device. Some applications will slow down your Internet connection. Closing the applications will also cut out distractions.
Wear loose clothing. If you need to show the provider something on your skin or a specific part of your body, wear something that is easy to move so that the provider can see clearly.
Get comfortable. You will have an easier time focusing on the visit if you’re comfortable. This is another reason to prop up your phone—your arm will get tired if you’re trying to hold the phone out in front of you the whole time!

How to connect with a CCA provider

To learn more about connecting to a video visit with your CCA provider, check out How to Connect to a Video Visit: A Guide for Getting Started with CCA Virtual Care. This easy-to-read, step-by-step guide will walk you through the full process!