How to Read Your Visit Summary

Audience: all

After a telemedicine visit, you often receive a visit summary that outlines what was discussed, any diagnoses, tests ordered, and treatment plans. Understanding this summary helps you manage your health better and follow your care plan accurately. This guide explains how to read your visit summary clearly, what information to look for, and how to use it to stay informed about your health. Knowing how to interpret your summary can help you prepare for follow-up visits, manage medications, and recognize when to seek further care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days or worsening symptoms — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• New confusion, severe headache, or sudden vision changes — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing visit summaries and clarifying information.
• Managing stable chronic conditions with regular follow-up.
• Discussing test results and medication instructions.
• Providing advice on minor illnesses and symptoms.
• Coordinating referrals to specialists.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency medical situations requiring immediate in-person care.
• Performing physical examinations or procedures.
• Administering injections or treatments needing direct supervision.
• Diagnosing complex conditions without physical assessment.
• Providing controlled substance prescriptions without proper evaluation.

What Is a Visit Summary?

A visit summary is a written or electronic document you receive after a telemedicine appointment. It typically includes your symptoms, the healthcare provider's observations, any diagnoses made, tests or labs ordered, medications prescribed, and follow-up instructions. This summary serves as a record of your visit and helps you remember important details discussed.

Key Parts of Your Visit Summary

Look for these main sections in your visit summary:

How to Use Your Visit Summary

Use your visit summary to:

Keep your summary in a safe place and review it regularly.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

If you notice new or worsening symptoms, side effects from medications, or if you don’t understand parts of your summary, contact your healthcare provider. Clear communication helps ensure your care is safe and effective.

Tips for Understanding Medical Terms

Medical language can be confusing. If your summary includes terms you don’t understand:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your current medications and dosages ready.
• Prepare a list of symptoms and any questions you want to ask.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection.
• Have your visit summary or medical records accessible for reference.
• Set aside enough time to review the summary carefully after your visit.

After your tele-visit

• Read your visit summary thoroughly and note any instructions.
• Follow medication and treatment plans as directed.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or new symptoms.
• Keep your visit summaries organized for future reference.

FAQs

What should I do if I don’t understand my visit summary?

If parts of your visit summary are unclear, contact your healthcare provider for clarification. You can also use trusted health websites to learn more about medical terms. Writing down questions before your next visit can help you get the answers you need.

Can I share my visit summary with other doctors?

Yes, sharing your visit summary with other healthcare providers helps ensure coordinated care. It provides them with important information about your health history, treatments, and tests.

What if I notice new symptoms after my telemedicine visit?

If you develop new or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. If symptoms are severe, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

How long should I keep my visit summaries?

It's a good idea to keep your visit summaries for several years, as they are part of your medical history. This helps you and your providers track your health over time.

Can I request a copy of my visit summary if I didn’t receive one?

Yes, you can ask your healthcare provider or telemedicine service to send you a copy of your visit summary. Having this document helps you stay informed about your care.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Mayo Clinic: Patient Care and Health Information — Mayo Clinic.
4. Merck Manuals: Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..
5. National Library of Medicine — U.S. National Library of Medicine.

This guide provides general information about telemedicine visit summaries and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your visit summary.