My First Virtual M.D. Appointment

This is how the alternative system played out.

I received an email that set the date and time for my first virtual appointment with my Doctor. We were still in lock-down at my senior home, so it was good to know.

I was also curious to know if I would wait by my computer for an hour to talk with her, just as I did when I went to her office. Often I never saw the Doctor. Usually, it was one of her Nurse assistants, a P.A.

The time arrived. The phone rang, and it was the P.A. She was there to gather information. “Where is your medication list?” I answered I gave you a copy last time I was in your office”. “That was some time ago. We need a current list”. I replied, “It hasn’t changed”. “Do you have the list there?” “Yes, I do”. “Please read it to me”. “Okay but is rather long”. I read the list and she corrected me on the pronunciation of some pills.

“What is your weight?” “171 pounds”. “How tall?” “Six Feet”. What is your blood pressure?” “Don’t know. Haven't checked it in a while”. “Do you have a monitor?” “Yes”. “Please check it”. “Just a minute, I have to get it. It is 170 over 80”.

“That’s all I need. Please stand by. I will transmit this information to the doctor, then she will talk with you”.

I hope, dear reader, that your first experience with Virtual Appointment goes smoother than mine did. It consumed a lot of time for me to answer every one of these questions.

I waited for a few minutes while the Doctor reviewed the notes. The doctor's face appeared on my computer screen. Or at least the upper half of her face. She was in her home judging by the walls behind her and the books on the shelf. It had been so long since I had seen her; she was hard to recognize.

The Doctor asked a few questions which I could not understand because I could only see the upper half of her face.

Those of us who are hard of hearing, have learned to read lips. I suggested she lower her iPad or raise her head a little.

She prescribed some minor changes in my medication and arranged for me to take a blood test at a nearby hospital.

My Doctor's office needs more training, such as letting the patient know what they want in advance rather than at interview time.

I feel this system of doctor appointments has merit and it will probably continue. It gets routine matters done expeditiously.