Before the visit
- Write down when the symptoms started and what has changed since
- Have your medication list ready, including doses and anything over the counter
- Take clear, well-lit photos of anything visible, before it improves
- Note any home measurements: temperature, blood pressure, glucose, weight changes
- Know your pharmacy name and location
- Find a quiet place with a decent connection, and headphones if others are around
Presence members complete a clinical intake at enrollment, including a one-time $49 medical history review before a first in-person visit, so the provider is not starting from a blank page each time.
During the visit
History
The provider asks about the current problem, relevant background, medications and allergies. This is where most of the diagnostic work happens in primary care, virtual or not.
Visual assessment where useful
On video a provider can assess breathing effort, skin findings, eyes, throat in some cases, swelling, range of motion and general appearance. They will ask you to show, move or measure things.
A plan, stated out loud
What this likely is, what to do about it, what should improve and by when, and specifically what would mean you need to be seen in person or go to emergency care.
Orders and prescriptions
Labs or imaging are ordered when indicated, with the member price quoted beforehand. Prescriptions go to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate.
After the visit
The encounter is documented in your record. If labs were ordered, results are reviewed with you rather than dropped into a portal without explanation. If the plan involved a trial of treatment, the follow-up is the important half: for members there is no cost barrier to a quick check-in when something has not improved as expected.
This is the practical advantage of virtual care attached to a primary care relationship rather than a one-off telehealth transaction. The person you speak to next week has the notes from this week. More on that structure in virtual primary care.
Common worries, answered
You do not need to be technical
- Phone visits are available if video is a barrier; no app fluency required.
- A family member or caregiver can join the call with your permission.
- If the connection drops, the visit is resumed or continued by phone.
- Visits are conducted privately, and your information is handled under the same privacy obligations as any clinical encounter.
A virtual visit is not appropriate for emergency symptoms. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms or severe bleeding.