The Virtual Visit Checklist for Patients
The visit will begin with a face-to-face discussion of your symptoms, but the physical examination requires repositioning the camera so that we can appropriately visualize your extremity to obtain an appropriate evaluation. Please ensure that you conduct your virtual visit in a location that allows for the following:
- Steady viewing. Your camera should be still and not held by hand during the examination. If using a mobile device, please plan on securing the camera in a position that can allow for the views described below.
- Space and positioning. For each body part being evaluated, please confirm the following:
- Knee and hip: Place the camera at a height 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) off the ground (e.g., on a chair), and stand 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the camera. This will allow visualization of your entire lower extremity in the following positions:
- Standing
- Sitting or lying on the floor or couch with your side to the camera, with legs fully extended
- Sitting in a chair with your front or side facing the camera. (Please have a chair or couch available for this part of the examination.)
- Shoulder and elbow: Place the camera at a height 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) off the ground (e.g., on a table or counter), and stand 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the camera. Ensure that there are sufficient space and visibility to extend your arms in all directions.
- Knee and hip: Place the camera at a height 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) off the ground (e.g., on a chair), and stand 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the camera. This will allow visualization of your entire lower extremity in the following positions:
- Lighting. Because this is a virtual examination, being able to see the details of your extremity is important. Please ensure that there is appropriate lighting in the examination positions described above (e.g., add a lamp, close curtains). Avoid having the camera face a window, as it can cause excessive backlighting.
- Clothing. Please wear clothing that allows for proper evaluation of the affected joint:
- Knee and hip: Please wear shorts, and not long pants that are rolled up past the knee. Remove shoes and socks.
- Shoulder: During the examination, men will be asked to remove their shirts. Women should wear a tank top that allows for visualization of the shoulders from the front, and shoulder blades from the back.
- Elbow: Please wear short or no sleeves, not long sleeves that are rolled past the elbow.
- Privacy. Find a quiet space where background noise is minimized and you can speak privately.
It can be helpful to have a trusted assistant available during your visit to help with camera positioning.