How to Prepare for a Video Consultation with a Doctor?

Step 1: Preparing for Your Medical Consultation

Gather Your Medical Documents

First, you need to know which documents you need for the consultation, so the doctor can completely understand your case. Create a folder on your computer and add the following documents there:

• Recent medical reports and discharge summaries. Collect your medical history, conclusions from specialists, and surgical records. Every document that outlines your diagnostic process and the course of treatment is important. Even if a document seems unimportant, provide it anyway - the doctor will determine if it’s relevant.
• The latest lab and test results. This includes blood and urine tests, biochemistry, hormone studies, ultrasounds, MRI and CT scans, X-rays, biopsy results, etc. Ideally, these should be no more than 3–6 months old unless the doctor requests otherwise. If possible, include a series of results over time so the doctor can track any changes.
• Images in DICOM format. If you’ve had an MRI, CT, or PET-CT scan, request a disk or flash drive with your scans in DICOM format from the clinic. This is the standard medical format that allows the doctor to examine images in detail on their computer: zoom in, take measurements, and see details that may be impossible to see on a screenshot or a paper printout. If you don’t have the files, request them from the clinic’s digital archive.
• Reports from other specialists. If you have already received treatment or consulted with other specialists (e.g., a neurologist, cardiologist, or oncologist) about your condition, their reports will be highly valuable..

Pro Tip: Scan all your documents or take high-quality photos in advance. Organize the files with clear, descriptive names (e.g., “Blood_Test_Date,” “Lumbar_MRI_Date”). This will save time for both you and the specialist.

Prepare a List of Your Symptoms and Your Health History

The doctor needs to understand not only what is happening with you now, but also what happened in the past. Prepare a brief but comprehensive summary of your condition. Write down the answers to the following questions:

• What exactly is bothering you? Describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible: the type of pain (e.g., aching, sharp, stabbing), its location, and its frequency.
• When did it start? Try to recall the exact or at least the approximate date when the first symptoms appeared.
• What triggers your symptoms or provides relief? Perhaps you've noticed a connection to physical activity, food, or the time of day.
• What medications have you been taking regularly or over the last few months? List the names, dosages, and how long you have been taking them. Be sure to include any vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies.
• What steps have you already taken for treatment? Explain which doctors you have seen, what treatments you have tried, and what the results were.

Write down any details that seem important to you, even if they seem minor, such as night sweats, sudden dizziness, or changes in appetite. Sometimes, a small detail like this can be the key to a diagnosis.

Good Example:

“Back pain since August 2024, with occasional numbness in the left leg. The pain worsens after physical exertion. Ibuprofen provides partial relief, but the pain returns after it wears off. No weight loss or fever.”

Poor Example:

“It hurts sometimes. I take different pills, I think they help, but not always.”

Prepare Your Questions for the Doctor Before Your Online Consultation

During the conversation with a doctor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and forget to ask something significant. To avoid this, make a list of questions in advance. This is a crucial part of preparing for your video consultation and the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything. Think about what matters most to you right now. Here are a few examples:

• Questions about your diagnosis. Is my current diagnosis correct? Do I need additional tests to confirm it?
• Questions about your treatment. What are the treatment options for my condition? What are the pros and cons of each? Is there any treatment plan you would recommend, and why?
• Questions about your prognosis. What is the prognosis for my condition? What should I expect in the long term?
• Questions about your lifestyle. Do I need to change my diet or level of physical activity? Are there any restrictions?
• Logistical questions. When should I schedule my next test or check-up? How often do we need to be in touch to monitor my condition?

Write down your questions in order of importance. And don't hesitate to ask if anything is unclear. Your goal is to leave the consultation with a clear understanding of your condition and the next steps to take. 

Step 2: Technical Preparation

Technical issues can disrupt a consultation or waste valuable time. Therefore, preparing for your medical consultation should include addressing technical details.

• Check your internet connection. Make sure your internet is stable and fast enough for a video call. It's best to use a Wi-Fi connection rather than cellular data.
• Test the platform in advance. MedicusUnion consultations take place on a secure platform with a simple, user-friendly interface. A link to the call will appear in your profile 15 minutes before the scheduled time. If possible, join the call 10-15 minutes early to test your audio and video and ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Use headphones with a microphone. This will improve the sound quality, ensure you and the doctor can hear each other clearly, reduce background noise, and help you focus better.
• Adjust your lighting and camera. Position yourself so that light falls on your face from the front, not from behind. Avoid sitting with your back to a window, as this will make you difficult to see. Make sure the image is clear and your face is centered in the frame.
• Adjust lighting and camera. Sit so that light falls on your face from the front, not from behind. Avoid sitting with your back to a window, as in this case, the doctor will see you worse. Make sure the image is clear and your face is fully visible in the frame.
• Ensure a quiet and private setting. Choose a place where you will not be disturbed for 30-60 minutes. Ask family members not to enter the room and turn off notifications on your phone and computer. The confidentiality of your medical discussion is crucial.
• Prepare your workspace. Keep any printed documents handy, or have them open in separate tabs on your computer. This allows you to quickly provide the doctor with the required information.

Step 3: Language and Administrative Preparation

This step is especially important if your online consultation is scheduled with an international specialist.

• Confirm the language of the consultation. Find out in advance what language the appointment will be conducted in—whether it's English, German, or another language. Even if you are fluent in the doctor's language, medical terminology can be complex.
• Have your documents translated. If the doctor does not speak your language, make sure your discharge summaries, test results, and medical reports are professionally translated. Contact our support team if you need assistance with translating your documents into the doctor’s language.
• Arrange for a medical interpreter if needed. To ensure clear communication with the doctor, you may need the help of a qualified medical interpreter who can accurately convey all the nuances of the conversation. This is particularly important in complex cases, and good preparation can help avoid critical misunderstandings. You don't need to find an interpreter on your own—the MedicusUnion platform can provide one for you if necessary.
• Be on time for your call. Make sure you know the exact time of your appointment (remembering any time zone differences), how and where to connect, and how long the session will last (typically 30–60 minutes). Be understanding if the doctor is late— they save lives and cannot always predict every situation.

What to Do During the Consultation

You now know how to prepare for a video consultation with a doctor, and it's time for your appointment. What should you do to ensure your video consultation with the doctor is as efficient as possible?

• Start by sharing your history in detail. Don't leave out any details - every small piece of information could be important.
• Be mindful of the time. Remember that the consultation time is limited, and the doctor has a tight schedule. Start with the most critical issues, using your prepared list of symptoms as a guide. Be concise and stay on topic.
• Ask the questions from your list. Don't hesitate to ask about anything you want to know. Your goal is to shed light on your situation. If you don't understand what the doctor says, don't be afraid to ask for clarification or for a simpler explanation.
• Take notes. Write down key points: medications, dosages, recommendations, and your next steps. This will help you not to miss anything after the call.
• Clarify your next steps. At the end of the consultation, make sure you and the doctor review what to do next. Do you need any additional tests? When should you schedule a follow-up visit? Is there another specialist you should see?

The quality of a consultation depends less on the format itself and more on how well you prepare and how accurately you provide your medical information. The more complete your data and the more carefully you prepare for an online consultation with a doctor, the more precise and valuable the recommendations will be.

Haven't you yet decided on a specialist, or don't you know which doctor to consult about your problem? MedicusUnion will help you find the right expert and arrange online consultations with highly qualified doctors from leading global clinics. And our team of professional interpreters will break any language barriers.