How to prepare for an online doctor consultation

Online consultations are usually focused and time-limited. Arriving prepared is the difference between a vague conversation and a clear plan.

Before the appointment

• Write down your main concern in one sentence, and what you most want from the consultation.
• Note when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and anything that has changed.
• List every medicine, supplement and herbal remedy you take, with doses.
• Note allergies and past reactions to medicines.
• Have recent readings ready: blood pressure, blood sugar, temperature, weight.
• Have previous test results and discharge summaries to hand, or photos of them.
• If the problem is visible, take clear, well-lit photographs in advance.

Setting up

• Choose a private, quiet place where you can speak freely.
• Use good lighting, facing a window or lamp rather than with it behind you.
• Check your connection, charge your device, and have headphones if others are nearby.
• Join a few minutes early in case of setup issues, and keep your phone line free in case the clinician needs to call back.

During the consultation

• Start with your main concern rather than saving it for the end.
• Describe symptoms concretely: where, how severe, how often, how long.
• Say what you are worried it might be. It helps the clinician address it directly.
• Mention relevant history, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, long-term conditions and recent travel.
• Ask them to repeat anything you did not follow, and take notes.

Before you hang up, confirm

• What they think is going on, and what it is not
• The plan: medicines, tests, or watchful waiting
• How and where to collect any prescription
• What improvement should look like, and by when
• Exactly which symptoms mean you should seek urgent care
• Whether and when you need a follow-up

Afterwards

Save the consultation summary and prescription. Start medicines as directed and complete the course. If you do not improve as expected, or new symptoms appear, go back rather than waiting it out.

For children and older relatives

Have the child’s weight, immunisation card and nappy or feeding details ready. For older adults, have the full medicine list and recent hospital letters, and make sure the person can hear and see the clinician, or help them relay questions.