How to prepare for an online doctor consultation

Your consultation is scheduled for 15 minutes. That is enough time to talk through a specific health concern — as long as you arrive a little prepared. Ten minutes of preparation before the call can genuinely make the difference.

Before you book

Think about the main issue you want to discuss. If more than one thing is bothering you, start with the one you consider most important. The doctor will guide you and will tell you whether any of the others needs a separate assessment. If this is your first consultation, it may help to read how telemedicine in Greece works first.

Prepare the photographs or documents you want the doctor to see. You can upload up to three images while booking, so choose the ones that will give the most useful information.

Finally, choose a time when you will not be interrupted, and a place where you can talk about your health comfortably and privately.

Your three photos

When you book, you can upload up to three images. The doctor is able to see them before the video call, so it is worth choosing them carefully.

If the problem is visible — a rash, swelling, a bite or a change in your skin, for example — photograph it in good light, ideally daylight. Take one photograph close up and one from further away, so that it is clear where on your body it is. If you have a photograph from a previous day, you can use the third image to show how it has developed.

If the consultation is about a long-term condition, or about something that is not visible from the outside, the images can be used differently. You could upload recent blood test results, for example, or a clear photograph of a medicine packet so that the name and the dose can be read.

Three well-chosen images can give the doctor valuable information before your conversation has even started.

Your medicines

One of the most useful things you can tell the doctor is which medicines you already take.

Write down the medicines you take regularly, the dose, and how often you take them. Include prescription medicines, anything you buy without a prescription, and any vitamins or supplements.

If you would rather not write them out one by one, you can photograph the packets and use one of your three images for that.

Allergies and your medical history

It is important to know whether you have any allergies, particularly to medicines, and what reaction you have had in the past.

It also helps to have a general picture of your medical history: conditions you have been diagnosed with, any significant operations, and anything you are currently being monitored for.

You do not need to remember every date or detail. The overall picture is usually enough for the assessment to start properly.

Recent test results

If you have recently had blood tests, an X-ray, an ultrasound or another test related to the problem you want to discuss, have the results available.

You can upload the most relevant result as an image while booking, or keep it on your phone so that you can show it to the doctor during the video call.

For a long-term condition, results from before and after a change in treatment can be particularly useful.

Things worth measuring

If you feel unwell and you have a thermometer at home, take your temperature shortly before the call.

If you are being monitored for blood pressure and already have a monitor, you can note one or two recent readings.

You do not need to buy a device specifically for the consultation. If the doctor considers that a particular measurement or test is needed, they will guide you on it.

Setting up

Find a quiet place where you can close the door and speak privately. You will be discussing health matters and, depending on the problem, you may need to show the doctor part of your body through the camera. The video consultation itself takes place inside the app, which is GDPR compliant.

Make sure there is good light. Ideally, sit facing a window or a light source rather than with the light behind you.

Check that your internet connection is stable. If the Wi-Fi is weak, move closer to the router. Headphones can help if there are other people in the room.

And one simple but useful detail: make sure your phone or tablet is charged.

Making the most of the 15 minutes

Write down the questions you want to ask beforehand, with the most important one first. It is common to remember something you meant to ask the moment the call ends.

Say what concerns you most from the start. If you are worried that a symptom might mean something serious, or you think a medicine is causing a problem, say so clearly. That is important information for the doctor.

Take notes if it helps you. And if something is not clear, ask the doctor to explain it again before the call ends.

Booking for a child or an older parent

For a child, the parent or guardian should be with them during the video call. If possible, know the child's recent weight and be ready to describe what has changed compared with normal — their appetite, their sleep or their energy, for example.

If you are helping an older parent, your presence can be particularly useful for information about medicines, tests and medical history. Where possible, though, let them describe how they feel and what is worrying them. The consultation is about them.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a consultation? Each consultation is scheduled for 15 minutes.

How many photos can I upload? Up to three, while booking your appointment.

What if I forget something? If you remember something during the consultation, tell the doctor, even if you are near the end of the call. Sometimes a detail that seems minor helps the doctor build a fuller picture.

Do I need a computer? No. You can join the video call from a phone or tablet.

Can someone be with me? Yes, if you want them there and feel it will help.

You do not need much preparation: choose carefully the photographs or documents you want the doctor to see, have your medicines and your main questions to hand, and find a quiet place with good light.

Download the DocNow app, choose an available doctor and book your appointment. The doctor will assess your case and explain the appropriate next steps, at their clinical discretion.

Appointment availability depends on doctor availability at the time of booking.

The information above is provided exclusively for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your treating doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.