Preparing for a Telehealth GP Call

A few minutes of preparation makes a real difference to how smoothly your telehealth consultation goes. Here's a simple checklist covering the technical side, your environment, and what's worth having ready before the doctor calls.

Technical Checklist

For a video consultation, you'll want a device with a working camera and microphone, plus a reasonably stable internet connection. None of it needs to be flash. Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops from the last several years handle it fine. Our full breakdown of technology needed for telehealth covers device specs and what to do if your internet isn't reliable.

Privacy & Quiet Space

Find a private, reasonably quiet place before your call connects. A bedroom or home office beats a shared living area, especially if you'll be discussing something personal. Also, a public or shared space makes it harder to control who might overhear.

Confirming Details Before Call

Have your Medicare card and a working contact number ready, as we confirm these when you book and verify your 13CURE telehealth appointment before your consultation begins. Double-check your contact number is current and that you'll actually be reachable at the time of your appointment. It avoids delays.

What to Have Ready: Symptoms, Medications and Questions

It's worth jotting down a quick timeline before your call: when symptoms started, how they've changed, anything that seems to make them better or worse. List your current medications, along with any specific questions you want answered, so nothing slips your mind once the consultation gets underway.

• A brief symptom timeline (when it started, how it's changed)
• Current medications and known allergies
• Your Medicare card details
• Any specific questions you want answered

Testing Your Camera and Microphone Beforehand

A quick test a few minutes before your scheduled call can save time: open your device's camera app, check the picture's clear, confirm your microphone isn't muted at the system level. Using a browser-based link rather than an app? It's worth checking that your browser has permission to access your camera and microphone before the consultation starts.

What to Have Nearby If You're Booking for a Child

If the consultation is for a child, it helps to have their weight or approximate age handy, along with any recent temperature readings if fever is part of the concern. Having a torch or your phone's flashlight nearby can also help if the doctor asks you to look at a rash, the back of the throat, or an ear during the call.

Choosing a Good Spot for a Video Call

Lighting matters more than people expect. Sit facing a window or lamp rather than with it behind you, so the doctor can clearly see your face and any symptoms you're showing. Prop your device against something stable rather than holding it, especially if the doctor needs you to demonstrate movement or show something on your skin, since a shaky picture makes it harder for them to assess properly.

What Happens If You're Not Fully Prepared

None of this preparation is mandatory. If you call without your medication list memorised or a symptom timeline jotted down, the doctor will ask the relevant questions during the consultation. Preparation makes the call faster and reduces the chance of forgetting something important once you're talking to the doctor.

Preparing for a Late-Night or Early-Morning Call

Since our booking window runs into the evening and overnight on weekends, plenty of calls happen when the household is winding down or already in bed. If you're waiting on a callback, keep your phone charger nearby and your ringer volume up, especially if you've stepped away from the room where you originally made the booking call.

A Quick Pre-Call Checklist

• Device charged or plugged in, with camera and microphone tested
• Stable internet connection or a backup phone line ready
• Quiet, private space organised
• Medicare card, medication list, and symptom timeline on hand
• Pen and paper ready to note down any advice or instructions