How to have a good virtual appointment with your GP or consultant
Since COVID-19, many doctors’ appointments have been virtual (phone or video). Not all patients like these. We understand that. They do have some advantages though.
Here are some tips. First of all, make sure you know when your day/time slot is, and be ready for the call (or video). If they do not ring, it may be the doctor does not have your correct phone number(s). If someone else rings you, ask them to ring back later.
Take some time to prepare the appointment in advance. Think about what you want to say and key questions you would like to ask. Know your tablets. If necessary do a practice run with a friend.
Make sure you are somewhere quiet and confidential. If this is not possible or tricky, make this clear to the doctor when they ring. Have a pen and paper ready to make notes. Write down the doctors name.
At the end of the appointment, ask your doctor to summarise the next steps. And ask what is the follow-up to the consultation – virtual or face-to-face.
Remote consultations can be useful for routine appointments or ongoing care of longterm conditions. They are less useful for first appointments where there is no clear diagnosis. That may be better face-to-face. If you would like to see someone in-person please say so.
