Never Used Telehealth? Here Is Exactly What Happens During an Online Doctor Visit

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs and treatment options.

By DrBaba.com Health Research Team | Updated July 2026

What Is Telehealth, and Why Should You Try It?

Telehealth is a doctor visit that happens on a video call instead of in an office. You sit at home with your computer or tablet, and a real, licensed doctor talks to you through the screen.

It’s fast, convenient, and often costs less than going to a clinic or emergency room. Many people use telehealth for cold symptoms, allergies, rashes, sore throats, and follow-up visits for chronic conditions (long-term health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure). If your doctor thinks you need an in-person exam or blood tests, they’ll send you to a local clinic or hospital.

Before Your Telehealth Visit: Getting Ready

Step 1: Gather Your Medical Information

Before you sign up, collect important papers and information. This takes about 10 minutes and makes your visit smoother.

Have these things ready:

• A list of your current medications: Write down every pill, inhaler, or supplement you take. Include the name and the dose (how much you take). For example: “Metformin 500mg twice a day” or “Vitamin D 1000 IU daily.”
• Any allergies: Note allergies to medications, foods, or latex (the rubber material in some gloves). Be specific—for example, “Penicillin causes a rash” or “Shellfish causes swelling in my throat.”
• Your pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number: The doctor will send prescriptions here. If you don’t have a regular pharmacy, you can pick any major one: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or your local independent pharmacy.
• Your insurance card: Keep it nearby. You’ll need your member ID and group number. If you don’t have insurance, you can still use telehealth and pay out of pocket (typically $50–$200 per visit, depending on the service).

Step 2: Write Down Your Symptoms and Questions

When you’re on a video call, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to say. Jot down your symptoms and concerns before the visit.

For each symptom, write down:

• When it started
• What it feels like (sharp pain, itching, tiredness, etc.)
• What makes it better or worse
• Any other symptoms that go with it

Example: Instead of “I have a sore throat,” write: “Sore throat started Tuesday. Hurts most when I swallow. I’ve also had a low fever (99.5°F). No cough. Feels worse in the morning.”

Also write down any other questions about your health, medications, or lifestyle. Did your new medication make you dizzy? Are you wondering if you need to exercise more? Write it down.

Step 3: Check Your Technology

You’ll need a working camera and microphone. Most laptops, tablets, and smartphones have these built in, but it’s smart to test them first.

What device should you use? A tablet or computer works better than a phone. The bigger screen helps your doctor see you better, and it’s easier to use.

How to test your camera and microphone:

• On a computer, open your browser and search “test my camera and microphone” or use the settings in your telehealth app.
• Try taking a video of yourself. Can you see your face clearly? Can you hear yourself when you play it back?
• Close any other programs or browser tabs to make sure your internet connection is fast enough.
• If your camera or microphone doesn’t work, restart your device. If that doesn’t help, try a different device or call the telehealth company’s customer support.

Internet speed matters. Make sure you have a strong WiFi signal or a good cellular connection. Video calls use more data than regular web browsing.

Step 4: Pick a Private, Quiet Place

Your doctor needs to hear you clearly, and you should feel comfortable talking about your health. Find a quiet room where you can close the door.

Ideally:

• No kids, pets, or roommates in the background
• Quiet—not with the TV or music playing
• Good lighting so your doctor can see you clearly (sit near a window or lamp, but don’t let light shine directly in the camera)
• A place where you can sit comfortably for 20 minutes

The Sign-Up Process: Creating Your Account

Step 1: Choose a Telehealth Platform

There are many telehealth services. Your best options:

• Your health insurance’s app: Check your insurance card or company website. Many insurance plans offer free or low-cost telehealth through their own app (Aetna, Blue Cross, United Healthcare, etc.). Start here first.
• Your primary care doctor’s office: Call and ask if they offer video visits. Many traditional doctor’s offices now do.
• Standalone telehealth services: Companies like Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, Amwell, and CVS MinuteClinic offer video visits. Costs range from $50–$200.

Step 2: Create an Account

Download the app or go to the website. You’ll create an account with:

• Your email address
• A password (make it strong—use letters, numbers, and symbols)
• Your full name, date of birth, and phone number
• Your address

This usually takes 5 minutes.

Step 3: Fill Out a Health Questionnaire

The app will ask you questions about your medical history. Be thorough and honest. This form helps the doctor understand your health before the call.

You’ll likely be asked about:

• Current medications
• Allergies
• Past surgeries or serious illnesses
• Family history (does your mom have diabetes? did your dad have heart problems?)
• Your reason for the visit (your symptoms today)
• Any ongoing health conditions

Don’t worry about getting every detail perfect. You can talk more with the doctor during your visit. But the more you write down, the better prepared your doctor will be.

Step 4: Upload Your Insurance or Choose Self-Pay

The app will ask for payment information.

If you have insurance: Upload a photo of your insurance card or type in your member ID and group number. The app will verify your coverage.

If you don’t have insurance or prefer to self-pay: Choose the self-pay option and enter your credit card or payment method. You’ll see the cost upfront—usually $50–$200 depending on the service.

Step 5: Book Your Appointment

You’ll see available time slots. Pick a time that works for you. Some services let you “see a doctor now” (within the next few minutes), while others show appointments scheduled days in advance.

You’ll get a confirmation email with:

• The date and time of your visit
• A link or button to join the video call
• The name of your doctor or nurse practitioner

Save this email or bookmark the link.

During Your Telehealth Visit: What to Expect

A Few Minutes Before Your Appointment

Log in to the app 5–10 minutes early. This gives you time to test the video connection and get settled.

Have nearby:

• Your list of medications and symptoms
• Your pharmacy information
• Any recent test results or medical records (if you have them)

When Your Doctor Joins

A doctor or nurse practitioner (a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat common health problems, similar to a doctor but with slightly different training) will appear on your screen. It’s a real, licensed healthcare provider—not an AI or chatbot.

They’ll:

• Introduce themselves and confirm your name and date of birth
• Review the health questionnaire you filled out
• Ask follow-up questions about your symptoms

The Main Part of Your Visit

Your doctor will talk to you just like they would in an office. They may:

• Ask you to describe your symptoms in detail. Be specific. Instead of “I feel bad,” say “My head hurts behind my right eye, and it’s been going on for 3 days. It gets worse when I look at bright light.”
• Ask you to show them something on camera. For example, a rash, swelling, or a skin problem. Move closer to the camera so they can see it clearly.
• Check your vitals (basic body measurements) if you have the tools at home. They may ask you to take your temperature, blood pressure, or heart rate if you own a thermometer or blood pressure cuff. If you don’t have these, don’t worry—many telehealth visits don’t need them.
• Listen to your lungs or heart through the phone. They’ll ask you to hold your phone’s microphone near your chest so they can hear your breathing or heartbeat. (This is less accurate than an in-office exam, so your doctor will let you know if you need to come in for a physical exam.)
• Ask about your lifestyle. How much water do you drink? Do you exercise? How’s your sleep? These questions help them understand your overall health.

Getting a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Your doctor will discuss what they think is going on. They’ll explain:

• What condition you likely have
• Treatment options (rest, medication, lifestyle changes, etc.)
• What to watch for—when to call them back or go to an emergency room

If your doctor thinks you need an in-person exam, blood tests, or imaging (like an X-ray), they’ll tell you. They won’t try to force telehealth if you need more help.

Getting Your Prescription

If your doctor prescribes medication, they’ll send it electronically to your pharmacy. You don’t need a paper prescription. The pharmacy receives it automatically.

You can usually:

• Pick it up within a few hours
• Have it delivered if your pharmacy offers that service
• Use a delivery app like GoodRx or Amazon Pharmacy if your pharmacy partners with them

The prescription is real and legal. Telehealth doctors have the same prescribing rights as office-based doctors. Your pharmacy will fill it just like any other prescription.

Visit Duration

Most telehealth visits last 10–20 minutes. Some are shorter, some longer—it depends on your situation. Don’t be surprised if it’s quick. Your doctor has gathered most of the information from your questionnaire and your answers on the call.

After Your Telehealth Visit

Pick Up or Receive Your Prescription

If you got a prescription, the pharmacy will have it within 1–2 hours (or longer if you chose mail delivery). You’ll pay your copay (a small fixed amount like $10 or $20) or full price if you don’t have insurance.

Tip: Ask your pharmacy about generic options. A generic medication (a copy of a brand-name drug that works the same way) costs much less and works just as well. For example, ibuprofen is the generic version of Advil.

Review Your Visit Summary

You’ll get an email with a summary of your visit. It includes:

• The diagnosis or assessment
• Your treatment plan
• Any prescriptions sent
• Follow-up instructions (when to call back, what to watch for, etc.)

Read this carefully. Save it or print it. Share it with your other doctors if you see multiple providers.

Schedule a Follow-Up if Needed

Your doctor may recommend a follow-up appointment. You can usually book this through the same app right away or wait to see how you feel.

If you don’t feel better in a few days, or if your symptoms get worse, contact your doctor. Most telehealth services let you message your doctor or book another appointment quickly.

Common Questions and Worries

“Is This a Real Doctor?”

Yes, absolutely. Telehealth doctors are licensed physicians (MDs or DOs) or nurse practitioners (NPs or PAs). They have the same training and credentials as doctors in an office. They’re regulated by state medical boards and must follow the same laws.

Before your visit, you can usually see your doctor’s name and credentials on the app. You can look them up on your state’s medical board website if you want to verify.

“Will My Prescription Be Real?”

Yes, it’s a real prescription. Telehealth doctors can legally prescribe most medications, just like office doctors. Your pharmacy will recognize it and fill it.

There are some limits: your doctor cannot prescribe controlled substances (drugs with a high risk of addiction, like opioids for severe pain) in most cases on a first visit. These often require an in-person appointment. But for common things like antibiotics for a UTI (urinary tract infection), cough syrup, or allergy medication, telehealth prescriptions are completely normal.

“What If I Need a Physical Exam?”

Your doctor can only see and hear you on video. They cannot feel your belly, listen to your heart closely, or do a full physical exam. If your doctor thinks you need one, they’ll tell you to go to an urgent care clinic, your primary doctor’s office, or an emergency room.

This is actually a good thing—it means your doctor is being careful and won’t try to treat you through telehealth if you need more.

“Is My Visit Private?”

Yes, completely. Telehealth visits are protected by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law that keeps your medical information private). Your doctor cannot share anything you tell them without your permission (except in rare cases like if you’re a danger to yourself or others).

The video call is encrypted (scrambled so no one else can see or hear it). Your health information is stored securely on the telehealth company’s servers, not on the internet where anyone could find it.

“What If I’m Uncomfortable With Video?”

Many telehealth services offer phone-only visits if you prefer not to be on video. You’ll miss the visual part (your doctor can’t see a rash or other symptoms), but it’s better than not going at all. Ask the telehealth service about this option when you sign up.

“What If I Can’t Afford It?”

Telehealth can be affordable:

• Check if your insurance covers it for free or at a low copay
• Many standalone services cost $50–$100, which is less than urgent care ($100–$300) or an ER visit ($500–$2,000)
• Some nonprofits and community health centers offer low-cost telehealth
• Ask about financial assistance—many practices have programs for uninsured or low-income patients

“Can I Use Telehealth for Any Health Problem?”

Telehealth works great for:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Sore throats
• Cough
• Allergies
• Skin problems (rashes, acne, eczema)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Yeast infections
• Headaches
• Follow-up appointments for chronic conditions
• Mental health counseling
• Medication refills

Telehealth is NOT appropriate for:

• Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke (call 911)
• Serious injuries
• Severe abdominal pain
• Anything where you need a full physical exam or blood tests to diagnose

When in doubt, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Final Tips for Success

• Be honest about your symptoms. Don’t downplay things. Your doctor is there to help, not judge.
• Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it differently.
• Follow up. If you’re not better in a few days, contact your doctor again. Telehealth is meant to be accessible.
• Keep records. Save your visit summaries and prescriptions. They’re part of your medical history.
• Use the same service again. Once you find a telehealth platform you like, stick with it. Your medical records will be there, and it gets easier each time.

Telehealth is a safe, effective way to see a doctor without leaving your home. Millions of people use it every day for real medical care. With a little preparation, your first visit will be smooth and helpful.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Telehealth visits supplement, but do not replace, in-person medical care. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs, especially for serious symptoms or chronic conditions requiring ongoing management.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication or treatment program. The information provided here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Individual results may vary. This site may contain affiliate links — see our editorial standards for details.