Today, many doctors are providing virtual telehealth appointments as part of their care offerings.  The same is true for integrative medicine practitioners such as naturopathic doctors. For a wide variety of health conditions and concerns, the format of telehealth consultations provides convenience, lower costs, greater accessibility, and greater flexibility. This mode can also be helpful for mental health concerns.

However, as we’ve all accommodated to the ubiquity of online encounters, it can be helpful to have some reminders about what makes for the best visit possible. As with all things, a little preparation goes a long way.

Tips to Ensure a Better Virtual Naturopathic Appointment

Set the Scene

For your best care, please arrange for the following context for your visit:

• Find a private, quiet location for you to be online where you can ensure that you will not be interrupted or overheard.

• Silence other distractions and request privacy or a break from other demands on your time.

• Sit in a place with plenty of light, so that your provider can see you. Typically, light shining onto your face (not streaming in from a window behind you) is best.

• Choose a space that might allow you to move around to show your doctor your full body, if needed.

• If you doubt your ability to arrange for these circumstances, you may want to reschedule your appointment or request an audio-only call.

 Clear Your Connection

Virtual appointments require a good internet connection: you will need clear audio and video to best connect with your practitioner. Some tips:

• Make sure that you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer that has a camera, microphone and speakers. Use headphones to block out extraneous noises if needed.

• Check your internet speeds by running a speed test. (Minimum recommended speed: 0.5 Mbps.)

• If your household has limited internet connectivity, please let others know that you will need video capability.

• If these or other factors may interrupt a virtual visit, you may wish to have a phone only/audio only consult.  Contact your provider to request.

Prepare Notes

• Review relevant appointment information: Is intake paperwork complete? Have you reviewed your last treatment plan for any questions? Do you have specific goals or concerns for this visit?

• If it has been a while since your last visit, your may wish to message your provider through the patient portal about your main concerns for your appointment. 

• If you have been provided with a pre-visit check-in questionnaire, please submit prior to your visit.

• Have a pen and paper ready to take any notes

 Share Documents and Health Updates Ahead of Time

• If you would like your doctor to review recent labwork, imaging, or records, it is recommended to upload these documents 48 hours in advance of your appointment.  Records that are uploaded with short notice of your appointment may not receive the full and thorough review that you will benefit from.

• Have details such as medication and supplement detail either on hand or included in your pre-visit messaging / chart notes.

• Some conditions that are hard to visualize / assess via virtual appointment such as skin conditions, bruises, swelling, or discolorations) can be better previewed with a couple of photo uploads (1-3 images as jpegs) rather than during video consults. (Include measuring tape to provide scale if appropriate.)

 Message Reply Response Appointments

• Existing established patients will have access to book Message Reply Response Appointments after their Initial and Follow Up Virtual Appointments.  These are convenient appointments to receive additional guidance on your care. 

• Some clarifying questions immediately following a virtual encounter (e.g. confirming a treatment plan, troubleshooting supplement inventory issues) are complimentary.  Responding to questions that do not require me to open your chart and can be answered in less than five (5) minutes are free of charge.

• Otherwise, if it has been months since your last appointment and you want to send health-related questions for my review and response, please book a Message Reply Response Appointment.  This appointment type reserves time on my calendar so that I can open your chart, review necessary details, make notes, place orders, and respond to your concerns thoroughly.  You do not need to be present at the time of the Message Reply Response Appointment. I will respond as soon as possible and within the close of the week.

These may seem like simple reminders, but I hope they are helpful!