Virtual Visits

The Anderson Medical Group is excited to be able to offer patients a virtual video visit option!

Talk to your provider for more information.

How to Ensure a Great Telehealth Virtual Visit Appointment

Your first telehealth/virtual visit might feel intimidating, but it should not worry you one bit! With some preparation, you can be sure to have a great visit and finish the session satisfied and feeling like the technology was not at all a hindrance to connecting with your provider.

• Either a laptop with a camera or a smart phone with a camera
• Headphones (we recommend using headphones to reduce echo and mic cutout when the other individual speaks)
• Internet connection
• Private area
• Plan ahead to make sure that you have a private setting for the entire duration of the appointment. Most individuals have the appointment in their home. On occasion, some individuals need to go out to their vehicle or to a nearby park.

2) Installing Zoom on Your Device

You must have Zoom downloaded on your device, but you do not need to create a Zoom account. Zoom usually downloads automatically when you click the meeting link (in the appointment email). You can install Zoom before the appointment on your device here: https://zoom.us/support/download Zoom may be installed on a laptop, iPhone or Android device. You do not need a Zoom account to join the session. As long as your device has a front-facing camera and microphone, you can use it. Of course, newer/faster devices are preferred as they will have better quality camera and will transfer data more efficiently.

3) Checking Your Internet Speed

Having fast, reliable internet is integral to the visit. If your bandwidth/speed is slow, the video will lag and cut out, causing a frustrating experience. For some people in poor cellular coverage areas, this means getting on a Wi-Fi network. If you live in a city, and have good cellular signal strength, you can most likely use your cell service but keep in mind that if you use your cellular network, the data transferred will add to your monthly limit.

4) Testing Zoom on Your Computer

Now that you have made sure you have a reliable internet connection and download/upload speed, you should test your device to make sure the settings are correct to work properly with Zoom. The easiest way to do this is to join a test meeting: https://zoom.us/test

You will want to make sure you:

• Give your computer/device permission to use the camera and audio.
• Can see yourself in the app. If you see your name, or an icon, then your camera is not working properly.
• Consider using the ‘Test my Audio’ feature within Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362283-Testing-Computer-or-Device-Audio?mobile_site=true It will have you speak into the microphone, and then it will replay the sound back to you.

5) Video Tips

If your provider cannot see you well, it will make it more difficult for him/her to notice certain non-verbal cues. We depend on these visual cues to communicate and to help us understand your emotions. By ensuring we can see you, wewill be able to understand you better, leaving you more satisfied that you delivered your point to us.

• Try to maximize front-facing lighting and minimize lighting behind you.
• Try to have most of your upper torso visible, from your abdomen and up including your arms.
• If using a phone, prop it up to make it steadier. A stable image would be appreciated by your provide and will help you take your mind off having to hold your phone.
  

6) Audio Tips

A common issue is when joining a meeting, your microphone may be muted. If that is the case, you will see an icon on the Zoom app with a microphone and a red line through it — click that to unmute it.

• We recommend you use headphones. Headphones reduce echo and mic cutout when the other individual speaks.
• After you join the test meeting you can check your audio settings: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362623-Changing-Settings-in-the-Desktop-Client-or-Mobile-App
• If you cannot get the audio to work from your device, you can call in to the session. To do so, click Settings -> Switch toPhone Audio and it will give you details on a phone number to call and code to enter to join.To do so: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663-Joining-a-Meeting-by-Phone

7) Logging In to the Appointment

You will receive an email invitation from your provider.

• Click on the Zoom link sent in your appointment email.
• You will not be able to start the appointment more than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Enter your details and join the video session!

Troubleshooting:

• If you are worried about privacy and security, rest assured the virtual session is secure and HIPAA compliant.
• If you have difficulty joining the session or have questions, please call your doctor’s office prior to the visit.
• If you must cancel the appointment, please call us — do not reply to the appointment email.