Virtual care options
TriStar Medical Group offers virtual telehealth appointments. Please visit our website to prepare for your telehealth appointment and learn how to connect with your doctor.
As part of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we offer telehealth to ensure you receive the care you need safely and securely.
You can schedule a telehealth appointment by calling your provider and asking about their visit options. We recommend telehealth for non-emergencies and other appointments that may not require detailed examinations.
Preparing for your telehealth visit
Things to do before your appointment:
- Once you have made your virtual appointment, you will receive an email from "Your Provider." Be sure to check your spam or junk mail folders if you do not receive anything. You do not have to do anything with this email until the day of your appointment, but it’s a good idea to mark it in your inbox so you can find it later.
- If you are using a computer for your telehealth visit, you must use Google Chrome as your browser. You may have to copy the link in the email and paste it into Google Chrome.
- If you’re using an Apple-brand mobile device, like an iPhone or an iPad, the device has to be running iOS Version 13 or higher. Additionally, you must use the Safari web browser.
- If you’re using an Android device, you must use the Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browser to be able to access your appointment.
Things to do on the day of your appointment:
- Please do not log in to the appointment until after you have received a call from the front desk or our medical assistant.
- If you do log in prior to your appointment time, please make sure you still answer your phone when the office calls. This phone call is very important to make sure your visit goes smoothly.
- Before your appointment begins, you’ll receive a call from the front desk to collect your copay or coinsurance information, if applicable.
- After this, you will either be transferred to a medical assistant right away, or you will receive a call back after a short time to complete the check-in process and answer any questions you may have.
- Once your check-in has been completed, open the "Your Provider" email you received previously, and click on "Join Meeting." If the link doesn’t seem to work, you may have to copy and paste it into the correct browser.
- After the page has loaded, please accept or allow microphone and video usage, so your provider can hear and see you.
- At this time, you should be connected to the provider to start the appointment, and you will be in the virtual waiting room. Your provider will join as soon as possible and then your appointment will begin.
Tips for your telehealth visit
Using a video feed to speak with your provider can seem a little strange at first, but, with preparation, your experience with Healow will be as easy as a face-to-face visit.
Prepare your mobile device or computer
- Check that your device is fully updated and that your video and audio are working
- Be sure you have adequate battery life and that your charger is nearby
- Close any unnecessary programs to keep things running smoothly
- Ensure your network connection (internet or mobile service signal) is strong
Set up for quality sound
- Find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be interrupted during your visit, both to ensure your privacy and to keep the visit on track
- Using earbuds with a microphone, or a headset can make it easier for you and your provider to hear each other
Adjust the lighting in the room
- Be sure you have good lighting — Use overhead lights and block lights from windows, which can cause glare. It’s also a good idea to avoid being backlit.
- Position your camera correctly — Place your camera at eye level so your head and shoulders are fully visible.
Dress appropriately
- It's a good idea to wear something that makes it easy for you to move around and for your provider to see what might be the problem.
- For example, if you are concerned about a cut or bruise, make sure the injury is visible, or can be made visible.
Decide if you need assistance
- If you have a condition that is not easy to show to your provider without some help or additional lighting, you may need someone to help you by holding a flashlight or your mobile device.
NOTE: If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures or a head injury, call 911 or go to the ER immediately.