10 Best Practices for Telemedicine Success in 2024

Telemedicine is no longer a luxury—it's a patient expectation. In this guide, we break down the top strategies for delivering high-quality virtual care, from setup to follow-up.

Introduction: The Telemedicine Imperative

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption by a decade. Now, patients expect the option of virtual visits for everything from routine checkups to chronic care management. But delivering great telemedicine is more than just turning on a webcam. It requires thoughtful workflows, robust technology, and a patient-centric approach.

In this article, we'll cover 10 actionable best practices to help your clinic thrive in the digital health era.

1. Create a Dedicated Tele-Room

A quiet, well-lit, and private space is essential for virtual care. Test your camera angles, ensure no patient charts or sensitive information are visible, and use a neutral background. Good lighting and a quality microphone can make a world of difference in patient comfort and trust.

Telemedicine setup

2. Use Integrated Workflows

Switching between multiple apps for notes, prescriptions, and scheduling leads to errors and frustration. Platforms like Doxxy keep everything in one place—so you can document, prescribe, and follow up without missing a beat.

3. Prioritize Security and Compliance

Use platforms with end-to-end encryption, audit logs, and role-based access. Always verify patient identity at the start of each visit.

4. Prepare Patients in Advance

Send clear instructions before the appointment: how to join, what to expect, and what documents to have ready. A pre-visit tech check (camera, mic, internet) can prevent last-minute scrambles.

5. Optimize Scheduling for Virtual Visits

Offer flexible slots, including evenings and weekends. Use automated reminders (SMS, WhatsApp) to reduce no-shows. Consider grouping telemedicine visits together to streamline provider workflow.

6. Document Thoroughly

Virtual visits require the same level of documentation as in-person care. Use templates for common complaints, and always note the mode of visit and patient location for compliance.

7. Build Rapport Remotely

Look directly at the camera, use the patient's name, and check for understanding. Small gestures—like a smile or a nod—go a long way in building trust through a screen.

8. Address Digital Divide Issues

Not all patients have high-speed internet or the latest devices. Offer phone consults as a backup, and provide clear, jargon-free instructions for less tech-savvy patients.

9. Follow Up Proactively

Send after-visit summaries, prescription instructions, and next steps via secure messaging. Proactive follow-up reduces confusion and improves outcomes.

10. Measure and Improve

Track key metrics: no-show rates, patient satisfaction, and technical issues. Use feedback to refine your telemedicine workflows over time.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Telemedicine is here to stay. By following these best practices, your clinic can deliver safe, effective, and patient-friendly virtual care.

Ready to upgrade your telemedicine workflows? Start your free trial or schedule a demo with Doxxy today.