Telehealth has made it easier than ever to connect with your doctor - no commute, no waiting rooms, and access to care from the comfort of your home. 

But a virtual visit still deserves real preparation, especially if you’re navigating something as complex as cancer or chronic illness.

Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, Dr. Shelly Latte-Naor shares some helpful tips based on her integrative, patient-centered approach, to help you feel more confident, connected, and clear in your next Telehealth appointment.

1. Set the Scene

Choose a quiet, private place where you feel comfortable talking about your health before you log into your visit. If possible, set up your space 5–10 minutes early to minimize distractions and tech hiccups.

🎧 Tip: Use headphones with a built-in mic for better sound. Make sure your device is charged or plugged in.

2. Have Your Info Handy

Just like an in-person visit, it helps to have a short list of what you want to cover. 

This might include:

• New or worsening symptoms

• Medication side effects

• Questions about labs or scans

• Updates to your treatment or lifestyle

📝 Tip: Keep a notebook, printout, or app open to reference notes, track symptoms, or record next steps.

3. Check Your Tech Early

Test the video link ahead of time. If the platform requires an app download or login, do it in advance. Slow Wi-Fi? Try turning off other connected devices or using audio-only if needed.

🛠️ Back-up plan: Ask your provider what to do if the call drops - will they call you? Should you call back?

4. Invite a Support Person (If You Want One)

Just like in-person visits, you can have a friend or loved one join the call. They can help ask questions, take notes, or provide emotional support, even if they’re in a different location.

🤝 Some platforms allow multi-person calls. If not, put them on speakerphone so they can listen in.

5. Speak Up and Slow Down

Virtual conversations can sometimes feel rushed or awkward, and that’s ok.  

Don’t hesitate to ask your provider to slow down, clarify, or repeat something.

💬 Try saying: “I just want to make sure I understand…” “Could you repeat that part about the medication?” “Would you mind summarizing the next steps before we wrap up?”

6. Make it interactive

Make the tech work for you! 

A Telehealth appointment is a great way to give your Dr insight on your home environment, and make your visit more efficient and address any questions or concerns you may have.

💻 Use this as an opportunity to share your screen, or ask your Dr to share theirs when discussing things related to your care, such as reviewing lab-work, imaging or data sources. 

7. Follow Up Right Away

As soon as the visit ends, take a moment to write down or record:

• What was discussed

• Any next steps, follow ups or errands

• Questions you didn’t get to ask

📋You can even set up tasks in your Maitri app to share with your family and friends, who want to be involved. 

Final Thought: Virtual Doesn’t Mean Less Personal

Treat Telehealth as part of your care. 

With a little prep, it can be just as powerful as in-person care, and sometimes even more accessible. 

Having Telehealth appointments from your home space can make talking about emotional wellbeing, lifestyle challenges, or stress easier, and help you feel supported and heard.