Introducing patients to telehealth

Help patients better understand what telehealth is, the benefits of virtual health care, and how to schedule a telehealth appointment.

On this page:

• Telehealth basics
• Benefits of telehealth
• Appointment logistics

Patients are likely to have questions about what to expect from a telehealth appointment. Here are some key topics to help them feel at ease.

Telehealth basics

• Types of care you offer through telehealth, including when it’s a good fit for telehealth and when an in-person appointment may be needed
• Options you provide for receiving virtual health care (video, phone, text, email, mobile health, remote monitoring)
• Ways a telehealth appointment may resemble or differ from an in-person appointment
• Ways you will protect their privacy and personal information (including directions to find electronic Notice of Privacy Practices)
• Cost for a telehealth appointment
• Opportunity patient has to end a session or to seek in-person care at any time

Benefits of telehealth

• Limiting physical contact reduces everyone’s exposure to COVID-19
• Visiting virtually can address health issues wherever patients are, even the comfort of home
• Staying put cuts down on commuting, travel in bad weather, time off from work, need for child care
• Using virtual health care tools can shorten wait to see a provider and expand range of access to specialists who live further away

Telehealth is not a perfect fit for every patient or medical condition. Make sure you also discuss any disadvantages or risks with your patients.

Tip: Tip Sheet for patients: 6 Ways to Power Up Your Health with Telehealth (PDF).

Appointment logistics

• When you offer telehealth appointments
• How to make an appointment
• What technology your patient needs
• How you can help them set up their telehealth technology
• Who else will be present at the appointment other than the patient (interpreter, caregiver, clinical or technical assistant)