Quick Guide to Telehealth
This guide provides an overview of how to effectively use telehealth services in SigmaMD.
Starting a Conversation
SigmaMD calls connect you with your patient. Besides you, up to 3 people can join: the patient and, for example, a caregiver or an interpreter you admit from the visit link. For a scheduled appointment, a colleague can also join with Join call in the calendar. These calls, initiated by clinicians through the SigmaMD Clinician interface, are simple to start.
- Before calling, send a message to confirm the patient’s readiness. Advise them to be in a quiet space with a stable internet connection and their device on a steady surface.
- Patients don’t need the SigmaMD app or an account: the link they receive opens the visit in their browser.
- Click Start video call at the bottom left of the patient chart.
- The next step ensures your browser is properly configured for telehealth. Make sure to approve the required camera and microphone permissions.
- Upon initiation, patients receive the link by email and SMS, whichever they have on file. A call started from the chart stays open for 4 hours, so they can join at any point in that window. If they open the link before you join, they see that the visit hasn’t started and can join once you’re in.
- The call opens in a new window. Before you click Join call, use the buttons to turn your microphone and camera on (dark) or off (red).
Audio and Video Sources
During the call, SigmaMD provides the flexibility to change your audio and video sources. For instance, you might switch between your earphones' microphone and your computer's microphone. Click the arrow next to the microphone or camera button,, select your preferred source from the list, and the changes will apply instantly.
During the Call
The controls at the bottom of the call window let you manage the visit:
- Share screen: show your screen to the patient.
- Layout: Speaker (the default) shows one person large: the other person in a two-person call, or whoever is speaking when more join. Grid shows everyone at the same size.
- Participants: see who is in the call, their role, and whether their microphone and camera are on. The … menu next to a person lets you pin their video, mute them or select Remove from call; Block also stops a patient or guest from joining again.
- Notes: open the patient’s note for this visit beside the video. A draft is saved to the patient’s chart as soon as you start typing.
- Leave call: leave while the call goes on for everyone else. The clinician running the call can also choose End call for everyone from the arrow next to it.
Below the controls, Copy visit link copies a link you can share with someone who isn’t invited, such as a family member or an interpreter. They enter their name and ask to join. You’ll see a notice with an Admit button, and they appear under Waiting in the Participants panel with Admit and Deny. If the call is already full, admit them once someone leaves.
Connection and Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the call, start by checking the network quality indicator to assess both your and the patient's connection quality. Should the problem persist despite a good connection, refer to this article for common issues and solutions.
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