A telehealth visit is a real medical appointment that happens over secure video instead of in an exam room. At AnchorPoint Medical of the Ozarks, every visit is with Dr. Jared M. Seavey, DNP, a nurse practitioner, and you can join from home, from work or from any private spot in Missouri. A little preparation helps your first visit go smoothly, so you can spend the time on your health instead of on your camera settings.
Here is what to do before, during and after your first telehealth visit.
1. Book your visit
Choose a time through the Book Appointment page, or call 573-217-6804 if you would like help scheduling or have a question about which visit is right for you. The services page describes each kind of visit, from primary care to mental health care.
2. Complete your new patient paperwork
Before your first visit, fill out your new patient paperwork online. There are two versions, so pick the one that matches the patient:
- Adult paperwork for patients 18 and older.
- Pediatric paperwork for patients under 18. A parent or legal guardian completes and signs these forms.
Finishing your paperwork ahead of time means your visit can start with your concerns instead of forms.
3. Check your device and internet connection
You can join from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Whatever you use, it needs:
- A working camera, microphone and speaker (or headphones).
- A steady internet connection. Wi-Fi is usually more reliable than a weak cellular signal.
- Enough battery, or a charger plugged in.
- An up-to-date browser or app.
Try your camera and microphone the day before, and close other apps and video streams during the visit so they do not compete for your connection. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a helpful guide on what you need to use telehealth, including options if you do not have a device with video.
4. Pick a private, well-lit spot
Choose a quiet room where you can talk openly without being overheard. Close the door if you can, and consider headphones if other people are nearby. Sit facing a window or lamp rather than with the light behind you, so Dr. Seavey can see you clearly. If he may need to look at something, such as a rash, good light makes a real difference.
5. Gather your health information
Have these within reach before the visit starts:
- A list of your current medications, including doses, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. The bottles work too.
- Any allergies, especially to medications.
- Recent home readings if you track them, such as blood pressure or blood sugar.
- The name and location of the pharmacy you use.
- Results or records from other providers that relate to your concern.
- Your questions, written down, so nothing gets missed.
6. Be in Missouri at the time of your visit
AnchorPoint Medical provides care to patients who are physically located in Missouri at the time of their visit. You do not need to live in any particular part of the state, but you do need to be in Missouri when you join. If you will be traveling out of state, call 573-217-6804 to reschedule.
On the day of your visit
- Join a few minutes early so there is time to fix any sound or camera problems.
- Keep your phone nearby in case you need to call the office at 573-217-6804.
- Have a pen and paper ready for instructions or next steps.
What happens during the visit
Your first visit is a conversation. Dr. Seavey will ask about your health history and the reason for your visit, listen to your concerns, and talk through your options with you. Together you agree on a plan. Depending on your needs, that plan may include a prescription sent to your pharmacy, lab work ordered at a lab location near you, home care steps, a follow-up visit, or a referral.
For more general tips, see the HHS page What should I know before my telehealth visit?.
When telehealth is not the right fit
Telehealth works well for many everyday health needs, but not for emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Some concerns also need an in-person exam or a test that cannot be done at home. If that is the case, Dr. Seavey will tell you and help you plan the next step.
After your visit
Use the Patient Portal for messages and visit details after you become a patient. If you have questions about scheduling or your next appointment, call 573-217-6804.
Ready to get started? Book your first telehealth visit, or see how telehealth works at AnchorPoint Medical.