What if the doctor needs a physical examination during a telehealth consultation?

If a doctor needs to perform a physical examination during a telehealth consultation, they will direct you to visit their clinic in person or to another medical facility to conduct the necessary examination. In some cases, the doctor may be unable to provide an accurate diagnosis without examining the patient in person, or they may need to order laboratory tests that cannot be performed remotely [1].

When is a physical examination necessary?

Telehealth is a valuable tool for many health services, including general health care, prescribing medication, dermatology consultations, mental health services, and even urgent care conditions like sinusitis or urinary tract infections [1]. However, there are limitations to what a doctor can assess remotely. If a patient's condition requires an assessment that goes beyond what can be achieved through technology—such as the need to touch a part of the body, listen to internal sounds, or conduct a precise visual inspection requiring special tools—the doctor will inform you of the need for an in-person visit to complete the assessment [1].

Next steps after the doctor recommends a physical examination

When your doctor recommends a physical examination after a telehealth consultation, it is important to take steps to ensure the continuity of your care. First, ask the doctor why the physical exam is needed and what specific information they hope to obtain from it. Second, inquire about how to schedule the in-person visit and whether there are any special preparations you need before the appointment, such as fasting or bringing specific medical records [2]. It is also helpful to ask about the costs associated with the in-person visit and whether your health insurance covers it [3].

Preparing for an in-person visit after a telehealth consultation

To get the most out of your in-person visit following a telehealth consultation, you should be well prepared. Prepare a list of any additional questions or concerns you may have had since your initial consultation. Write down a detailed description of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse [2]. Bring a list of all medications, herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking, as well as any allergies you have [2]. If your doctor has asked you to undergo any laboratory or imaging tests, ensure you bring the results with you or verify that they are available to the doctor. You can visit the Patient Guide to Using Digital Services in Telehealth (Arabic) for more tips on preparing for consultations.

Effective communication with your doctor

Good communication with your doctor is an essential part of receiving quality health care, whether the consultation is remote or in-person [2]. Do not hesitate to ask questions until you fully understand any instructions or information the doctor provides to you. If you do not understand something, ask your doctor to explain it in a different way or to provide you with written instructions [2]. After the in-person visit, follow up with the doctor's office if you have any additional questions or if you need to schedule follow-up appointments or further tests [3].

Medical references

• Telehealth
• Talking With Your Doctor: MedlinePlus
• 10 Telehealth Tips for an Ob-Gyn Visit