How to Connect With Your Doctor Virtually

Other disadvantages: The smartphone screen is small, so it may be difficult to see your doctor's face, and your doctor may not be able to share medical images with you. Also, some people have trouble hearing their doctors on a smartphone. That can be even more difficult if you receive a phone call during your visit. (If you have an iPhone, you'll need to go to Settings and turn on Do Not Disturb.) Some people walk around with their phone, but “it helps if you're seated and the screen isn't moving” during appointments, says Susan Bailey, M.D., an allergist and immunologist and president of the American Medical Association. Finally, a smartphone isn't hands-free; you may need to prop it up during the appointment. Fortunately, there are kickstands for smartphones.

How to make it work: You'll need a 3G (third generation) smartphone or a more recent model, Faiman says. Consider using your home Wi-Fi instead of cellular data because the connection will be more reliable and less expensive. The internet speed should be at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps). Ask family members to minimize their use of devices during your appointment.

To use an app, your smartphone must meet certain system requirements. For instance, the MyChart app requires iOS 11.0 or later for Apple devices (and 3.0 or later for the Apple watch). Many hospital apps require 5.0 and higher for Android devices.

2. Using a tablet

Pros: Like a smartphone, a tablet is mobile, and the video and audio components are built in. The screen and keyboard are larger, though, and you can increase the size of the type. “The iPad was built for telemedicine,” says Paul Testa, M.D., chief medical information officer and assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at New York University (NYU) Langone Health.

Cons: Apps may be challenging to download the first time you try. In addition, it can be difficult to figure out where the camera is on a tablet — and where to look during a visit. If you're holding a tablet horizontally, the camera is on the left. It's best to use the device in portrait mode (vertically) so you're looking straight at the camera, Faiman says.

How to make it work: Using your home Wi-Fi is best, Faiman adds. While it's possible to use cellular service, it may be more expensive. Also, before you download an app, be sure your iPad meets the app's system requirements.

3. Using a desktop computer or laptop

Pros: For some, the familiarity with a desktop computer or laptop outweighs the advantages of using a mobile device for a virtual visit. The screen is large, which affords good views of your doctor and allows him or her to share medical images with you, such as X-rays or ultrasounds. The camera is in the middle of the monitor, so it's easy to know where to look. In addition, the audio may be better quality than that of a smartphone.

Cons: You can't move a desktop computer to a location with more privacy — and you can't use it when you're away from home. In addition, if your computer monitor doesn't have a built-in web camera, microphone and speakers, you'll need to purchase them. Also, starting a virtual visit involves multiple steps. First, you'll click on a link in an email from your provider or your hospital system's patient portal. Then you'll install the video software your hospital or doctor uses and click on Allow Access for both the audio and video to work.

How to make it work: For the most reliable connection, your computer should be hardwired to the internet, meaning that it's connected to your home router via an Ethernet cable. With a wired connection, data is transmitted over cable instead of wireless signals. Wi-Fi is the next best option. Check to see if your computer's operating system meets the requirements of the telemedicine platform you're using. If it doesn't, you'll need to update the software. Be sure you're using the latest version of the Safari or Google Chrome web browsers. Go to Settings or System Preferences, and click on Update.