Prepare for Your Virtual Care Visit

This page helps you to get ready for your virtual care visit with a health care provider (e.g., a doctor or nurse practitioner). This page is available for those with a regular family health care provider, waiting to have a provider or are seeing a doctor online through Maple. 

A virtual visit takes place on a phone, computer or tablet. Some virtual visits use video so you can see each other, while others use voice, like a telephone call.  

To get the most from your visit, follow the steps below. 

For a quick reference, you can also download the preparing for your virtual care visit checklist and the tip sheet for during and after your virtual care .

Before your virtual visit 

Give yourself 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment to review the list below.

Gather your information

1. Check for emails from your health care provider about the visit.
2. Fill out any required forms and send them in.
3. Write down your questions for your health care provider.
4. Note how you will meet – email, phone or video – and which program or app will be used.
5. Gather the items below. (You can also reference the printable preparing for your virtual care visit checklist.)

What to bring to the visit?

• Your PEI Health Card and a photo ID (for example, driver's license, passport, etc.) to confirm your identity
• A list of your current symptoms
• Eyeglasses, hearing aid, or walking aids if needed
• Something to take notes with (pen and paper, tablet, etc.)

If you are meeting with a provider that might not have your complete medical history, prepare for your virtual visit by having the following ready:

• Existing health conditions or illnesses
• A list of current medications or prescription containers with the pharmacy labels
• Allergies
• Immunizations
• Past surgeries and hospitalization
• Family health history
• Data such as weight, temperature, and blood pressure, if needed

Test your equipment

You will need: 

• Access to reliable internet (Wi-Fi, wired internet connection or mobile data).
• A computer, smartphone (iOS or Android), or tablet with:
  • speakers and a microphone or a headset (recommended)
  • a webcam or built-in camera

If you are not using Wi-Fi, you are responsible for any charges related to data usage. Video streams can use a significant amount of data.

Before your visit, check your device:

1. Is the required computer program or application (for example, Zoom) installed on your device? 
2. Have you tested it? 
3. Is your device (computer, tablet or phone) fully charged? 
4. Have you tested your camera, speakers and microphone? 

Get situated

To ensure your visit goes smoothly, try to use a private, quiet, and well-lit place for your visit. You may have a friend, family member, or caregiver join you in your physical location if desired. 

Note that if the visit is over the phone, the call may show up on your phone as “unknown caller” or “no caller ID.”

During your visit

At the start of the visit: 

• Your health care provider will likely ask you for some information to make sure they are speaking with the right person
• Please introduce anyone else who might be with you (e.g., family member, caregiver)

If the visit is over video, remain in front of the camera and speak clearly.

Let the health care provider know if you are having any problems hearing. Be prepared to mute the sound if there is sudden background noise.

After your visit

After your virtual care visit, you may receive an email with forms to fill out or the next steps you need to take. Be sure to read everything and contact the health care provider if anything is unclear or needs to be corrected. 

Need more help?

Contact the Virtual Care Technical Support Desk: 
•    Telephone: 1-855-506-3963 (toll-free)
•    Email: virtualcare@ihis.org 
•    Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

If the line is busy or after hours, leave a brief message with your name, phone number, and details regarding your technical issue. You will be contacted as soon as possible during office hours. 

Please note: The Virtual Care Technical Support Desk does not provide medical advice.