Your First Online OB-GYN Visit: What to Expect

If you have never seen a gynecologist by video, it is natural to wonder how it works. Where do you sit, what should you have ready, and can a physician really help without examining you? Much of a first visit is conversation, which works well over video. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says in its telehealth tips for an ob-gyn visit that “in many cases, you can get the same quality care via telehealth as you would in person.” A little preparation helps the visit go smoothly, and knowing in advance what telehealth cannot do means the next steps will not catch you off guard.

Ask how the visit will work

When you book, ask the office how the visit will happen. ACOG suggests finding out whether your ob-gyn will call your phone, send you a link, or ask you to download an app, and letting the office know “if you would prefer to do your telehealth visit by phone only.” It is also worth asking what you will need to have with you and, in ACOG’s words, “how they will keep the visit private and secure.”

With us, the first step is a free consultation with one of our physicians from home.

Gather your history before the visit

A physician who is new to you starts without your file. MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine’s consumer health site, notes on its telehealth page that when a virtual visit is with someone “who is not your regular provider, he or she may not have all of your medical history,” so it helps to bring that history with you.

Your records are the most useful piece. We covered how to get them in how to request your medical records, including a tip worth repeating, which is to ask the new practice what it actually wants. Often that is your most recent annual exam and Pap results, plus any labs, imaging, or pathology reports tied to the reason you are booking. Our Patient Forms page also has the forms to complete before your appointment.

MedlinePlus’s guide to talking with your doctor also suggests making a few lists before any appointment, in person or by telehealth.

• Your medicines, including “herbs, vitamins, and supplements,” and any allergies.
• Your symptoms, with “when they started, what makes them better, and what makes them worse.” If your concern involves your cycle, the dates of your last few periods help too.
• Your questions and concerns, written down so they do not get lost once the conversation starts.

Set up a private, quiet spot

ACOG recommends finding “a quiet, safe, and private place for your visit,” and using headphones if you have them “to lessen noise and help with privacy.” A gynecology visit covers personal ground, from your periods and bladder habits to pain with intercourse, and it is easier to answer fully when no one else can overhear.

ACOG also suggests choosing a spot with a good phone or internet signal, arranging childcare if you need it, and trying out the app or website ahead of time to “make sure you can log in.” Have your device charged and your lists within reach before the visit starts.

What a telehealth visit does well

Taking a history, reviewing records, counseling, and planning treatment do not depend on being in the same room. ACOG says you may be able to use telehealth for “birth control, menopause symptoms, mental health care, and more,” and MedlinePlus includes prescriptions among the kinds of care available through a virtual visit. We made a similar point in how to find a menopause specialist, since so much of menopause care is reviewing symptoms, weighing options, and adjusting a plan over time.

Second opinions fit the format as well. Our second opinion service is a confidential, virtual consultation built around an independent review of your existing records, diagnoses, and treatment plans.

What still needs an in-person visit

Telehealth has limits, and it helps to know them going in. MedlinePlus notes that “in some cases, the provider may not be able to make the right diagnosis without examining you in person. Or your provider may need you to come in for a lab test.” Imaging works the same way, since an ultrasound or mammogram has to be done at a facility.

At our practice, breast and pelvic exams are not done over telehealth. If your situation calls for one, your physician will talk it through with you during the appointment and coordinate the exam with a local provider. For concierge medicine members, our physicians act as physician advocates and can use their network to find local specialists for services such as surgery.

After the visit

Before the visit ends, make sure you know what happens next. ACOG suggests that if your physician mentions follow-up tests or visits, you “ask how and when these will be scheduled.” MedlinePlus adds two practical habits, asking for written instructions if you need them and finding out the best way to get in touch with your physician. If a prescription is part of the plan, confirm where it is being sent.

MedlinePlus also points out that after a virtual visit, “it may be up to you to coordinate your care with your regular provider.” Ask who will share results and the plan with your other doctors, and whether there is anything you need to request yourself.

With us, the free consultation is where you and the physician decide on the care plan that fits your needs. Concierge medicine members reach our physicians directly through secure messaging between visits, and patients outside the program can book a follow-up visit.

Ready for your first visit?

If getting to an office has kept you from seeing a gynecologist, or you want a physician who has time to listen, an online visit is an easy place to start. Our board-certified physicians see patients through telehealth, beginning with a free consultation from home. Request a free consultation and bring your lists. We are here for you!