Teleconsultations are changing the way we view healthcare professionals, but a remote appointment can't be improvised. Well, Prepare for a telemedicine consultation often makes all the difference between a vague conversation and a truly helpful consultation. It only takes a few minutes: write down your symptoms, gather your medications, check your internet connection, and make sure you have good lighting. This preparation helps the doctor better understand your situation and get straight to the point. This practical guide walks you through the process step by step—before, during, and after the appointment—and gives you a clear idea of what a doctor can and cannot assess remotely.
On this page
- Why Preparation Makes All the Difference
- The Pre-Appointment Checklist
- Preparing Your Environment: Internet Connection, Lighting, Quiet
- Photos, measurements of your home, and items to have on hand
- During the appointment: Describe your symptoms clearly
- What a doctor Can and Cannot Do Remotely
- Next: Prescription, Follow-up, and Notes
- Myths and misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
Why Preparation Makes All the Difference
Visit teleconsultation, the time allotted for the consultation is limited, and the doctor cannot perform a physical exam as they would in the office. The quality of the consultation therefore depends largely on what you bring to the table: clear, organized, and complete information. Careful preparation helps the healthcare professional ask the right questions and determine the next steps more quickly.
What Preparation Actually Offers
- A smoother conversation—without forgetting the essentials once you hang up.
- A more accurate assessment, because the doctor has reliable data.
- Fewer back-and-forth trips and avoidable additional appointments.
- A sense of control that reduces the stress associated with the appointment.
To understand in which situations this type of appointment is most appropriate, check out our article on Telemedicine in Quebec explains when to use it and how it works.
The Pre-Appointment Checklist
Visit preparation It starts well before your appointment. The idea is to gather, in one place, everything that will help your doctor understand you quickly. Take a few minutes the day before or that morning to check off the items below.
Your symptoms, written down in black and white
- How long has this been going on, and whether it started suddenly or gradually.
- Where is it located, and what are the symptoms (pain, burning, itching, fever)?.
- What makes the symptoms better or worse (rest, physical activity, meals, position).
- Their intensity and how they have evolved since the beginning.
Your Medications and Medical History
- A list of your current medications, with dosages, including over-the-counter and natural products.
- Any known allergies you have, particularly to medications.
- Your chronic conditions and relevant past surgeries.
- The name of your pharmacy—useful in case a prescription is sent.
Your questions, in order of priority
Write down the questions that matter most to you in advance, and put the most important one first. That way, if time is limited, you’ll be sure to have covered the essentials.
| Category | To Prepare | Why It's Useful |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Dated log (start date, progression, intensity) | Helps identify the likely cause |
| Medicines | Updated list with dosages | Avoid interactions and oversights |
| Home Remedies | Voltage, temperature, weight (if applicable) | Provides the doctor with objective information |
| Documents | Recent test results, progress log | Complete the clinical picture |
| Questions | Prioritized list | Make the most of a limited amount of time |
To remember
- Write down your symptoms (onset, progression, severity) before your appointment.
- Have your list of medications, dosages, and allergies handy.
- Prepare relevant measurements at home: voltage, temperature, weight.
- Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone ahead of time.
- Put your most important questions first.
- Be sure to have something handy to take notes so you don't forget anything after the call.
Preparing Your Environment: Internet Connection, Lighting, Quiet
A good environment Good technical and physical preparation can prevent a lot of frustration. A sharp image and clear sound allow the doctor to see and hear you better, which is especially important when he or she is trying to observe redness, paleness, or a skin lesion.
The Technical Side
- Test your Internet connection and plug in your device or check its battery.
- Check that the camera and microphone are working, and grant them permission in the app.
- Sit near the router or use a wired connection if the signal is weak.
- Close any other resource-intensive applications to prevent interruptions.
- Have a backup plan (phone) in case the video cuts out.
The Human and Visual Aspects
- Choose a quiet, private place where you won't be interrupted.
- Position the light in front of you, not behind you, to avoid backlighting.
- Install the device at eye level, ensuring it is stable, for a straight image.
- Let the people around you know so you won't be disturbed during the call.
Photos, measurements of your home, and items to have on hand
Some objective data are extremely helpful during remote consultations. A well-taken photo of a lesion, or a measurement taken at home, gives the doctor concrete information that he or she cannot obtain on their own through a screen.
How to Take a Good Photo of a Lesion or Rash
- Take the photo in daylight, without a harsh flash, and make sure the image is sharp.
- Take a wide-angle shot to show the general area, then a detailed close-up.
- Add a reference object (a coin) to show the scale.
- Take a few photos on different days if the lesion changes.
Useful Home Remedies
- The temperature, if you have a thermometer, in case of a fever.
- Blood pressure—if you have a monitor—to track it.
- Recent weight, especially in cases of significant changes or follow-up.
- The frequency of symptoms (number of episodes, duration) recorded in advance.
Also, have your health insurance card, your recent test results, and a piece of paper for taking notes handy. These steps are not a substitute for a medical evaluation, but they do help inform it.
Ready for a remote consultation? Schedule an teleconsultation or schedule your meeting on our appointment : Just a few minutes of preparation is all it takes to get the most out of it. Employers who want to offer their teams access to telemedicine can explore our Business Offerings.
During the appointment: Describe your symptoms clearly
Once the appointment begins, your role is to clearly describe what you’re experiencing. The doctor relies on your words and on what they can see on the screen. The more your description The more precise it is, the more reliable the assessment becomes.
Organizing Your Description
- Start with the main issue: the reason you're here today.
- Describe the symptom: nature, location, intensity, and when it first appeared.
- Describe how the symptoms have changed and what factors influence them.
- Please list the treatments you have already tried and their effects.
- Please ask your most important questions before the discussion ends.
Some Useful Tips
- Be honest and thorough, even about the embarrassing details: the doctor is there to help.
- If asked, show the relevant area to the camera, making sure it is properly framed.
- Ask for clarification if an instruction is unclear.
- Make a note of the recommendations and the planned next steps as you go.
What a doctor Can and Cannot Do Remotely
Teleconsultation has strengths and limits. Understanding this framework helps you avoid unrealistic expectations and lets you know when an in-person exam is necessary. Your doctor will let you know if he or she believes a physical exam is necessary.
| From a distance, the doctor can often | From a distance, he can't |
|---|---|
| Assessing Multiple Symptoms Through Discussion | To palpate, auscultate, or perform a physical examination |
| Observe a lesion visible on camera or in a photograph | Perform a specimen collection or test on-site |
| Adjust or renew certain treatments | Make any diagnosis that requires a direct examination |
| Refer to the appropriate department or schedule an in-person consultation | Handling a Life-Threatening Emergency (Call 911) |
| Answering questions and offering advice | Replace a monitoring process that requires specialized equipment |
If your situation requires a physical exam, a specimen collection, or a test, the healthcare professional will refer you to one of our service locations in Quebec or to the appropriate resource. If you experience severe or sudden symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke, do not wait for a teleconsultation: call 911.
Next: Prescription, Follow-up, and Notes
The consultation doesn't end when you hang up. The Follow-up is a step in its own right: the summary, next steps, and personal notes help you make sure you don't miss anything that was said.
Right after roll call
- Review your notes and add to them while everything is still fresh in your mind.
- Check to see if a prescription has been sent to your pharmacy and when you can pick it up.
- Make a note of the recommended tests or exams and where to have them done.
- Write down the date of any follow-up appointment.
In the coming days
- Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
- Follow the instructions you have received and take the medication as directed.
- See your doctor again if your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
- Keep your notes—they'll come in handy at your next appointment.
If you still have doubts after the consultation, it’s better to consult a healthcare professional again rather than remain uncertain.
Myths and misconceptions
Teleconsultations are second-rate medicine
False. This is a recognized form of consultation, governed by the same professional standards as an in-person visit to the doctor’s office. For many reasons, it is perfectly suitable; for others, the doctor may recommend an in-person examination.
No preparation needed—just log in
False. Without preparation, we often overlook key information, and the time set aside for discussion is wasted. A few minutes of preparation can significantly improve the quality of the meeting.
The doctor can diagnose anything via video
Nuanced. Many conditions can be assessed effectively remotely, but some require a physical exam, a specimen collection, or a test. Your doctor will let you know if that’s the case.
Even a blurry photo is enough to show a skin problem
False. A clear, well-lit image with a scale reference is much more helpful. A poor-quality photo may result in a request for an in-person consultation.
After a telemedicine consultation, there is never any follow-up required
False. As with any medical visit, follow-up care may be recommended: picking up a prescription, getting test results, or scheduling another appointment if your condition changes.
Frequently asked questions
How Can You Best Prepare for a Telemedicine Consultation?
Write down your symptoms (onset, progression, severity), gather a list of your medications and allergies, take any relevant home measurements (temperature, blood pressure), test your internet connection and camera, and prepare your questions in order of priority.
What technical requirements do I need to have for a telemedicine consultation?
A device with a working camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, well-lit space. Have a backup plan, such as a phone, in case the video connection fails.
Can a doctor assess everything remotely?
No. Many conditions can be assessed effectively via video, but some require a physical exam, a specimen collection, or a test. The doctor will refer you to an in-person appointment if necessary.
How do you take a good photo of a lesion for the doctor?
Take a photo in daylight—make sure it’s sharp—with a wide-angle shot followed by a close-up. Include a reference object, such as a coin, to show the scale.
Can a doctor issue a prescription during a telemedicine consultation?
In many cases, yes. The doctor will determine whether it is appropriate based on your situation and can send the prescription to your pharmacy. However, some situations require an in-person evaluation.
What should I do after my telemedicine consultation?
Review and complete your notes, verify any prescriptions that were issued, note any recommended tests or follow-up appointments, and follow up with your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Sources
- Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ)
- Quebec Health Insurance Board (RAMQ)
- Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS)
- Canada Health Infoway
- Québec.ca Portal — Health and Health Services
- National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS)
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