Virtual Visits with Your Kidney Care Team During COVID-19: What to Expect and How to Prepare

What to Expect and How to Prepare

What is a Virtual Visit?

• During a virtual visit you will speak to your kidney care team from home.
• Virtual visits are different from in-person visits. You will not go to the hospital or clinic for your appointment. Preparing for your visit can help make this change easier.
• You can use your home telephone, cell phone, computer or tablet for the appointment, whatever works best for you.
• You will be scheduled to speak to people from your kidney care team (including the nephrologist and a nurse), as needed.

How to Prepare and Schedule your Virtual Visit

• You may choose to have a family member or caregiver join your virtual visit.
• Confirm the date and time of your virtual visit with your kidney care team.
• Ask about your options. Confirm if your virtual visit is over the phone only or with video.
• Set time aside before and after your scheduled appointment in case your kidney care team is running ahead of schedule or is a bit behind.
• Write down questions you’d like to ask your kidney care team and have them with you when your have your virtual visit.

Before Your Virtual Visit

Tests and changes in your health

• If your kidney care team asks you to do any bloodwork or urine tests, please do them several days before your virtual visit. If you are not sure which tests to do before your virtual visit or where you can do these tests, please contact your kidney care team.
• Your kidney care team may contact you a few days before your appointment to gather information. If there are changes to your health before your visit, be sure to let your kidney care team know. If your kidney care team feels that an in-person visit is needed, they will discuss options and next steps with you.

Getting your device ready

• Depending on the type of visit (phone or video visit), choose whether you will use your home phone, cell phone, computer or tablet.

Tips for visits using videos:

• For visits that include video, download any software needed for the visit. Test out the software before the scheduled visit.
• Make sure your device is connected to the internet.
• Make sure the device you are using is turned on and has a lot of battery before your scheduled visit. If the battery is low, make sure the device is plugged in.

Tips for visits using a cell phone or home phone:

• The call from your kidney care team may come from a private number or No Caller ID.

During Your Virtual Visit

• Try to find a private, quiet space. Turn off any background noise like the TV or radio.
• If there is background noise, mute your line when you are not speaking.

Talking to your kidney care team

• You may be asked to provide consent (permission) to have the virtual visit.
• Try to speak clearly and make sure your kidney care team can hear you.
• Ask any questions you have prepared for your kidney care team.

Getting the information you need

• Make sure you have enough medications until your next visit. If you need a renewal on your medications, ask your kidney care team.
• Your kidney care team may want to give you a handout or other helpful resources to read. Let them know if you would like to get it in the mail or by email.
• Ask what happens next: Understand the next steps for your care.  Ask if you will be getting a call or request for a virtual visit from another kidney care team member such as the nephrologist, nurse, pharmacist, dietitian or social worker.

After Your Virtual Visit

• Read any information that your kidney care team gave you with your family or caregiver.
• Your doctor will tell your pharmacy about any new medications or changes to your current medications. 
• Follow up with your pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions or have them delivered to you.
• Ask your pharmacist to explain how to take your medication.

Contact your kidney care team if you have any questions or concerns about your medications.