Preparing for a Telehealth Consultation

A little preparation can help you get more from a telehealth appointment. Check how you will connect, find a private place and write down your main questions. The doctor will decide whether telehealth is suitable for the issue you want to discuss.

Before the appointment

Start with the practical details:

• Confirm the appointment time and the phone number or link you will use.
• Charge your device and test its camera, microphone and internet connection.
• Choose a private, well-lit place where you can speak without being overheard.
• Keep the clinic’s contact details nearby in case the connection fails.
• Have any identification or appointment details requested by the clinic ready.

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation also suggests having a pen, paper and a list of questions ready.

Gather the relevant health information

Healthdirect explains that the clinician may ask about your symptoms and medical history. It can help to write down:

• the main issue you want to discuss
• when you first noticed it and what has changed
• relevant medical history
• recent results or reports the clinic has asked to see
• questions you want answered

What may happen during the consultation?

The clinician may introduce themselves, check your identity and explain how the appointment will work. Healthdirect advises that they may also discuss privacy, costs and who can access your information.

The doctor will ask about your health and the reason for the appointment. They will also decide whether it is safe to continue online. Some concerns need an examination, a test, an in-person appointment or urgent help.

A telehealth appointment does not guarantee a diagnosis, test, prescription or treatment. The appropriate next step depends on the clinical assessment.

Questions you may want to ask

Healthdirect’s Question Builder encourages people to prepare questions and ask again if something is unclear. You could ask:

• What information do you still need from me?
• What are the reasonable next steps?
• What are the important uncertainties or risks?
• Do I need an in-person examination or another test?
• What should I do if my situation changes?
• How will follow-up information be provided?

These are helpful prompts, not a fixed checklist. The right questions depend on your situation.

When telehealth is not enough

Telehealth is not suitable for every health concern. The clinician may recommend an examination, another service or an in-person appointment.

If you or someone else has life-threatening symptoms, call triple zero on 000 rather than waiting for a routine telehealth appointment.

After the appointment

Before the call ends, make sure you understand what happens next and how you will receive any follow-up. If something is unclear, ask the doctor to explain it in plain language.

References

• Healthdirect Australia. Virtual care clinics. Checked 1 September 2026.
• Healthdirect Australia. Question Builder. Checked 1 September 2026.
• NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. Consumer preparation for virtual care. Checked 1 September 2026.

This article provides general information about preparing for a telehealth appointment. It is not medical advice and does not guarantee that virtual care will be suitable or that a particular clinical outcome will follow.