What to expect during an annual virtual health checkup

Annual checkups with your doctor are important. In fact, they are so important that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made sure that all health plans offer these annual checkups for no additional cost or a $0 copay.

No matter where you are in your health journey, checkups help address smaller health concerns before they turn into big ones, which can lead to better overall health.

Benefits of a virtual health checkup

It's not always easy to find a doctor or schedule an annual health checkup. For some, a busy work schedule can make it hard to find the time for a visit. For others, traveling a long distance to the doctor’s office can be challenging.

One solution is to schedule a virtual checkup instead of an in-person checkup. This is handy if you’re short on time or trying to squeeze in a checkup before work or between meetings. It’s also a good option if you want to avoid sitting in the waiting room. With virtual care, also known as telehealth services, the doctor sees you where you are.

What to expect during a virtual health checkup

Basically, a virtual checkup is like an in-person checkup, but you see your doctor using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

During a virtual checkup you might expect:

• Talking with your doctor about any health goals and concerns.
• Answering questions about you and your family’s medical history.
• Being asked to take your vitals, such as weight and blood pressure, and report them to your doctor.
• Screening for preventable age-related health issues, like high blood pressure.
• Your doctor may order lab work before or after your checkup. Often, they’ll find the closest lab for you to visit.

Tips for a successful virtual health checkup

First things first. Make an appointment. Some health plans provide access to an annual virtual health checkup through Accolade Care.* Appointments are available by logging in to your member account or through the Blue Shield of California app where you’ll be redirected to Accolade’s website. If your health plan does not include an annual virtual health checkup, you can call your primary care provider’s office to see if they have this option.

After scheduling, view any email or text messages you receive about your appointment a day or two beforehand. There may be specific instructions about how to join the appointment. Or, you may be asked to check vitals like your weight and blood pressure before the checkup.

You can take your blood pressure before the checkup with an at-home blood pressure monitor. Some health plans even send you a health tool kit with items that can be useful for your appointment.

Test your tech

Some doctors may use special software or an app for your virtual checkup. Get ready by downloading or signing in to the right platforms before your appointment. Follow all the instructions your doctor’s office sends. You may get a link to a video chat website or a special access code. Be sure to keep that information nearby.

A quick “dress rehearsal” can also help you feel more confident. Pick a quiet room and make sure your lighting source comes from behind your camera. This helps your doctor to see you clearly. You can run a test with a family member or friend to make sure your camera is working and that you feel comfortable using the equipment.

Write down your thoughts before the checkup

Take some time to consider your health goals. What do you want for your health? Just as you would for an in-person visit, jot down some notes and have them ready during your virtual checkup.

Share any health goals you have with your doctor. These may include running a marathon, controlling blood pressure, or preventing cancer if it runs in your family. List your medications and any vaccinations you’ve had. Or, have your medications and supplements close by. That way, you and your doctor can discuss the support you need.

Be on time

Log on a few minutes before your appointment time. Then, follow any instructions you’ve received. You may get a text or an email with a link to join a video conference line.

Your care team wants your virtual checkup to be a success. So, take a deep breath and schedule your annual virtual health checkup by logging in to your member account, the Blue Shield app, or call your doctor’s office to see if they offer this option.

* Accolade Care is the d/b/a of PlushCare of California P.C., a subsidiary of Accolade Inc. Neither Accolade nor the associated medical practices are emergency medical services. Dial 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency. ©2024 Accolade Inc. All rights reserved. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Accolade, Inc. is independent of Blue Shield of California and is contracted by Blue Shield to provide an integrated member experience, offering access to virtual primary care, mental health services, and support for virtual specialist care services through the Accolade Care^TM solution.

You may receive services from network providers on an in-person basis or via telehealth, if available. Contact your primary care provider, treating specialist, facility, or other health professional to learn whether telehealth is an option. Network telehealth and in-person services are subject to the same timeliness and geographic access standards. If your plan has out-of-network benefits, they are subject to your plan’s cost-sharing obligations and balance billing protections.

Blue Shield of California does not provide medical or dental advice. This information is for informational purposes only.