So, we are officially a year into this pandemic (Panera Bread, panorama, panzanella…whatever alternative name you have for this little pandemic that we are going through)…but, the point is that we are more than 365 days into what some of us (me!) thought was going to be all wrapped up by September 2020.
So, the world has had to shift some things around to make life somewhat normal in a very unpredictable time.
One of the things that is becoming increasingly more popular is the telemedicine visit. I have been physically going to the doctor for the majority of my life. But, since the pandemic, I’ve had my fair share of telemedicine visits. Now, since Zoom and I are basically best friends, I really thought that I would have had the telemedicine visit down pat. But, alas, I was wrong.
I definitely made the experience a lot more stressful for myself than I had to.
So, don’t be like me and let your ego get the best of you. I’m here to share some tips to avoid some awkward encounters with your physician during a virtual visit.
Get your medications together.
I don’t know about y’all but I’ve been very good at getting ready for Zoom meetings in 15 minutes. I roll out of bed, put my hair in a little Afro bun, wash my face and brush my teeth. Finally, I throw an athleisure sweatshirt on and I’m good to go.
Don’t do that because this is not a regular meeting.
Everything was cool during my telemedicine visit until my doctor started asking about my medications and the dosages. Guess who had to shut off her camera, mute herself, and run to find the medications so she could give the correct information to the doctor? This girl (imagine me pointing at myself).
Get yourself together and remember that this is not the same thing as hopping onto lecture with your camera off and on mute.
Try to find a private space.
When I am in class, I’m usually not talking about anything top secret. If my family hears me answering or asking a question about something science-related, I’m not that stressed.
Do you know what is stressful?
When your doctor asks about your social history (yes, those questions…) and you realize that you have to drop your voice down to a whisper because the walls in your house are a little too thin.
We are all working at home with family and roommates which isn’t such a big deal if we are in academic or work meetings all day. But, things do get a little awkward when you have to discuss your medical history away from the doctor’s office. So, try to find a private space to take the video call.
There is definitely no shame in taking the call in your car. If you needed permission, here it is.
Take notes.
Again, this might just be me but I tend to be really into my one-on-one Zoom meetings when I have them. I try to do my best to look the person in the eye and do a lot of nodding to show that I’m engaged in the conversation.
But, I also have to remind myself that this is equivalent to a doctor’s visit so I should probably be writing something down. One time, I logged onto a telemedicine visit doing a whole lot of nodding. So, guess what happened to the information once we logged off?
It evaporated.
Make sure that you communicate with your physician that you are taking notes. Therefore, they are aware that you are still engaged in the conversation even if you aren’t necessarily looking at the camera.
There are three tips from my awkward encounters during my various telemedicine visits.
Even though sitting in front of the computer to have meetings may seem normal-ish, make sure you make the necessary adjustments to have a drama-free telemedicine visit.
What are some tips that you have for your fellow Black millennials about their first telemedicine visit? Share below or hit us up on social media!
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