7 tips to get ready for a video visit

Though our daily lives have changed, the importance of maintaining your health and wellness hasn't. That means your next routine appointment might be happen in a video visit. With a video visit, you get the same quality care you expect from Gundersen, but without leaving your home. But shifting the appointment location means you might need to prepare in slightly different ways. Here are 7 tips to prepare for your video visit.

Get your technology ready. You will want to make sure your device (either computer, tablet or phone) has good access to Wi-Fi or other internet connection. You will also want to make sure your camera is ready and working on your device. It is a video visit after all!

Get your space prepared. By getting your space prepared before your appointment, you will have one less thing to worry about that day.

• Find a place that is quiet and private. You will be discussing your personal health information.
• Turn off other devices like TVs and radios.
• Have a good light source. A window is best, but light from above works too. Just make sure the light isn't behind you. Your provider won't be able to see you then.

Get your health information ready. Just like an in-clinic appointment, your provider will ask you several questions. These questions might be different if you have seen the provider in the past. The better prepared you are, the better your visit will go.

• Reason for your visit
• New concerns
• Medical conditions, past and present
• Past surgeries
• Current prescriptions, vitamins and herbal remedies
• Allergies
• Immunization records
• Family health history

Remember, it is important to tell your provider about things in your personal life that might affect your health like stress from your job or illnesses in your family.

Write down your concerns. A video visit will allow you to voice any concerns you have about your health, just like if you were meeting at the clinic. Consider writing down your biggest concerns so you don't forget to bring them up during your appointment. If you don't have any specific concerns, consider questions like:

• How can I improve my health?
• Are there any conditions that I am more at risk for?
• Are there any screenings that I need to have in the next year?

Be prepared to describe any new symptoms or changes in symptoms. If your appointment is about a specific condition or disease, be prepared to answer questions from your provider about the symptoms you are experiencing.

• How long has this been occurring?
• What does it feel like?
• How often do your symptoms occur?
• Does anything trigger the symptoms?
• Does anything reduce the symptoms?
• Are your symptoms getting worse?
• Do any family members have similar problems?

Be ready to take notes. The nice part about being at home for your appointment is that you can easily take notes. At the end of the appointment, recap what you heard to your provider. By taking notes, you can refer to them after your appointment to make sure you are remembering correctly.

Check your after-visit summary. Don't forget to check your after-visit summary and notes from your provider in MyChart. 

Not a MyChart user? Learn how to get started.

Call with your questions. If you have any additional questions about your upcoming video visit, call (608) 782-7300 and ask for the Virtual Care Customer Service Team at extension 70130.