How to prepare for a video visit about Smoking Cessation Counseling

Audience: pediatric

Preparing for a video visit about smoking cessation counseling can help you get the most from your time with your healthcare provider. This type of counseling supports young people who want to stop smoking or using tobacco products. During the visit, you may talk about your smoking habits, reasons for quitting, and ways to handle cravings. Your provider can offer advice, support, and possibly recommend resources or medications to help you quit. To make the visit effective, it helps to have a quiet space, a good internet connection, and to be ready to discuss your smoking history openly. Remember, quitting smoking is a process, and your healthcare provider is there to support you along the way. This guide will help you prepare, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing during withdrawal — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm — contact a healthcare provider or emergency services right away.
• Persistent coughing with blood or high fever — arrange for urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing smoking habits and triggers.
• Providing counseling and support for quitting smoking.
• Recommending behavioral strategies and resources.
• Prescribing certain medications if appropriate and allowed.
• Answering questions about smoking cessation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or lung function tests.
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms.
• Administering treatments that require in-person visits.
• Managing complex health conditions related to smoking without in-person evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your smoking habits, such as how often you smoke and what triggers your cravings. You may discuss your reasons for wanting to quit and any past attempts. The provider will offer advice tailored to your needs, including strategies to manage cravings and stress. They may also suggest resources like support groups or nicotine replacement therapies. The visit is a safe space to share your concerns and ask questions.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Find a quiet, private place where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is fully charged and connected to a reliable internet connection. Write down your smoking history, including how much and how long you have smoked. Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss. Have a list of any medications or supplements you are taking.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Smoking Cessation

Telemedicine can provide counseling, support, and education to help you quit smoking. Your provider can guide you through quitting strategies and may recommend medications. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or provide emergency care. Some treatments may require in-person visits for prescriptions or follow-up tests.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or intense mood changes, seek emergency care immediately. If you have other health conditions that need physical exams or tests, your provider may advise an in-person visit. Always follow your provider’s instructions about when to come in person.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private space for your video visit.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to the internet.
• Write down your smoking history, including frequency and duration.
• List any previous quit attempts and what worked or didn’t work.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.
• Have a list of current medications or supplements ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the quitting plan and advice given by your provider.
• Use recommended resources such as support groups or apps.
• Take prescribed medications as directed, if any.
• Monitor your symptoms and mood, noting any difficulties.
• Schedule follow-up visits as advised to track your progress.
• Seek in-person care if you experience red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a quiet place for the video visit?

Try to find a spot where you can have some privacy, even if it’s just for the duration of the visit. Using headphones can help keep the conversation private. If privacy is not possible, let your provider know—they can help find other options.

Can I get medication to help me quit smoking through telemedicine?

Often, healthcare providers can prescribe certain medications via telemedicine if they are appropriate for you. However, some medications may require an in-person visit depending on local regulations and your health status.

How long does smoking cessation counseling take during a video visit?

Visits typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, but this can vary. Your provider will focus on understanding your needs and helping you create a plan to quit smoking.

What if I relapse after quitting?

Relapse is common and part of the quitting process. Don’t be discouraged. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss what happened and adjust your quitting plan as needed.

Is telemedicine as effective as in-person counseling for quitting smoking?

Telemedicine counseling can be effective and convenient for many people. It allows access to support without travel. However, some may benefit from in-person visits depending on their situation.

Sources

1. Smoking cessation: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Quit Smoking | CDC — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Smoking cessation: Mayo Clinic patient care and health information — Mayo Clinic.
4. Smoking cessation: Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional in person.