How to control notifications and communication preferences

Audience: all

Managing your notifications and communication preferences is important to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. In telemedicine, you often receive messages about appointments, test results, reminders, and health tips. This guide helps you understand how to adjust these settings so you get the right information at the right time. You can usually control how and when you receive alerts through your telemedicine platform or app. Setting your preferences helps protect your privacy and reduces distractions. Remember, if you notice urgent health changes, do not wait for notifications—seek immediate care. This guide explains practical steps to customize notifications, what to watch for, and how telemedicine can support your communication needs safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe chest pain or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Uncontrolled bleeding or serious injury — go to the nearest emergency room.
• Sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of balance — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing appointment reminders and follow-up notifications.
• Sharing test results and health education messages.
• Answering general questions about managing notification settings.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating urgent medical emergencies.
• Providing personalized medical advice without a full clinical evaluation.
• Handling technical issues beyond basic guidance for notification settings.

Why Control Notifications and Communication Preferences?

Notifications keep you informed about your health care, but too many can be distracting or stressful. Controlling your preferences helps you receive important updates without feeling overwhelmed. It also protects your privacy by limiting unnecessary sharing of your health information.

How to Adjust Your Notification Settings

Most telemedicine platforms let you customize notifications. You can usually choose:

Check the settings or preferences section in your telemedicine app or website. If you need help, contact customer support for guidance.

Tips for Managing Communication Preferences Safely

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When to Seek Immediate Help Instead of Waiting for Notifications

Notifications are helpful but not a substitute for urgent care. If you experience:

Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait for a notification or telemedicine appointment.

Balancing Privacy and Convenience

Controlling your communication preferences helps balance staying informed with protecting your privacy. Only share information you are comfortable with and use secure platforms. If you have concerns about privacy, discuss them with your health care provider or telemedicine service.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure your contact information (email, phone number) is up to date in the telemedicine platform.
• Familiarize yourself with the notification settings menu in the app or website.
• Decide which types of notifications you want to receive and how (email, text, app alert).
• Check device settings to allow notifications from the telemedicine app.
• Have your login credentials ready and secure for the telemedicine platform.

After your tele-visit

• Review any new notifications or messages from your telemedicine provider.
• Adjust notification settings if you find you are receiving too many or too few alerts.
• Keep your contact information current to avoid missing important messages.
• Contact support if you experience issues receiving notifications.
• Stay alert for any urgent symptoms that require immediate care regardless of notifications.

FAQs

Can I turn off all notifications from my telemedicine app?

You can usually turn off most notifications, but it is recommended to keep important alerts like appointment reminders or test results enabled to stay informed about your care.

How do I know if my notifications are secure?

Secure telemedicine platforms use encryption and privacy protections to keep your information safe. Use strong passwords and avoid sharing your login details to maintain security.

What if I miss an important notification?

If you miss a notification, check your app or email inbox regularly. You can also contact your health care provider or telemedicine support to confirm important information.

Can I choose to receive notifications only during certain hours?

Many platforms allow you to set 'Do Not Disturb' times or schedule when notifications are delivered. Check your app settings to customize timing.

Are text message notifications safe for sensitive health information?

Text messages may be less secure than app notifications or emails with encryption. Consider your privacy needs when choosing notification methods.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus: Telehealth — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Protecting Your Health Information — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Patient Communication and Engagement — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).
4. Managing Notifications on Mobile Devices — National Library of Medicine.

This guide provides general information about controlling notifications and communication preferences in telemedicine. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or urgent health concerns.